“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

“When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”

John 19:30

Thank You for such love, Lord. Thank You that it was not Your desire that we would perish in our sins. Thank You that the atonement is finished, and eternal life is given to those who believe and truss in Your Son’s finished work on the cross.

Help me walk worthy of the price that was paid for my sin. Help me to never take it for granted, but to always see it with gratitude, with humility and wonder – to see it for what it is – You took the punishment for my sins so that I could live. Oh Lord, what kind of love is this?!

I pray Lord, for the strength to walk in the it is finished gospel. Help me to stop trying to redeem myself from my sins, to stop trying to earn eternal life, to stop trying to be my own savior. I pray for a resting to come to my soul, a resting in the truth that redemption is finished.

And I pray for courage for Your Church, Lord. Courage to preach the whole gospel, as it is written. I pray that we will not soften it or water it down, but that we will boldly put forth the truth that all who will not believe Jesus, and who will not put their trust in His finished work of redemption, will perish.

Give us hearts that break at the thought, Lord! Set a fire in Your people that burns for those who are perishing, a fire of urgency to reach them with the truth that can save them. I pray for a great revival in Your Church, a revival of the gospel message, and a desire to see it go forth into the nations, into our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and yes, even into our churches.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.