Worth Remembering

From another anthology by Nancy Guthrie, this one titled Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross: Experiencing the Passion and Power of Easter, comes a quotation from J. C. Ryle:

Was he flogged? It was done so that ‘by his wounds we are healed’ (Isaiah 53:5). Was he condemned though innocent? It was done so that we might be acquitted, though guilty. Did he wear a crown of thorns? It was done so that we might wear the crown of glory. Was he stripped of his clothes? It was done so that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness. Was he mocked and reviled? It was done so that we might be honored and blessed. Was he reckoned a criminal, and counted among those who have done wrong? It was done so that we might be reckoned innocent, and declared free from all sin. Was he declared unable to save himself? It was so that he might be able to save others to the uttermost. Did he die at last, and that the most painful and disgraceful death? It was done so that we might live forevermore, and be exalted to the highest glory.

Let us ponder these things well: they are worth remembering.

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