You are not perfect! I know that is shocking news to you today. You are most likely aware that Romans 3:23 declares that we have all sinned; not one of us is perfect. However, there was one person who was perfect. There was one person who never sinned, never trespassed against God’s law, and never did wrong toward other people. That person was Jesus.

In Luke 23:4 Jesus was on trial for His life. “So Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no fault in this Man.”” Jesus was the only person who was ever guiltless. That stunning fact qualified Him like no one before or since to become the perfect sacrifice for those who are guilty. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Easter celebrates that the guilty can be forgiven, the sinful can be cleansed, and the unrighteous can become the righteousness of God. Easter legally changes the pronouncement of guilt to innocence over your life. You cannot earn your way into God’s favor. You cannot buy your way into salvation. Jesus already purchased your redemption on the cross. Your only action is to choose whether you will accept this work done on your behalf. You do not have to carry your guilt, hide your shame, or wallow in your past. Easter declares that you can be forgiven.

Today’s Challenge: Admit that you need the forgiveness of God. Realize that you do not have to earn it but rather accept it through Jesus. Go to Jesus in prayer now and accept His grace. Live with your head up knowing your heart is right.