1 + 2 + 3 = 4. Why?
Did you notice there's an error in the above equation? I'm sure you saw it. Actually, it stands for something else — God's formula for salvation. Let's take a closer look at that.
1 Man changed history. History is His story. He was regarded as the greatest teacher and prophet who ever lived. He was born of a virgin, led a sinless life, and yet was a friend to the poor, uneducated and social outcasts.
He turned water into wine, calmed a violent storm, and fed over five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two small fish. He healed the sick, cast out demons, and even raised people from the dead.
His name is JESUS, the only begotten son of God. As a matter of fact, He is God. He came to the world with a mission: save His people from their sins and deliver them from the punishment of everlasting destruction. How did He do that?
2 Pieces of Wood — this is what the cross was made of. Under the sovereignty of God, Jesus was betrayed by His disciple Judas; taken captive by Roman soldiers; stripped, beaten, mocked and was finally crucified on the cross.
Why did He have to suffer and go through all that?
The Bible said we are all like sheep which have gone astray. Every one of us has turned to our own way, and the Lord put on Jesus the punishment of us all.
Jesus exchanged His life for ours! He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows so we might have joy. He was wounded and bruised so we might be healed. He died so we might live.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
3 Nails pierced the hands and feet of Jesus as he was hung upon the cross. Three nails were used to crucify our Savior…
So what can three nails accomplish?
They can bridge the gulf between death and life. Save the lost. Transform hearts. Open minds. Free a captive soul.
4given (Forgiven) — "In whom [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:14)
The last words Jesus said before He died on the cross were "It is finished." He has done His job to save the world. He was buried, but the tomb couldn't contain Him. He rose again on the third day. Jesus is alive!
Now, it's time for us to respond to His love. If you haven't accepted Jesus as your personal Savior yet, will you make this life-changing decision today?
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
God has a simple formula for salvation: 1 man (Jesus) + 2 pieces of wood + 3 nails = You are 4given!
P.S.: Why was Jesus the greatest carpenter in the world? Only He could build a bridge to heaven with just two pieces of wood. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
Author: Daniel W. Lam | Editor: David R. Henry
Scripture source: King James Version of the Bible.
Note and acknowledgement: The "3 Nails" part is adapted from Susan Van Volkenburgh's article Three Nails at https://susanvanvolkenburghbooks.wordpress.com/2015/04/02/three-nails. Special thanks to Susan for permitting us to use the excerpts.