I Should Have Been Crucified

I always listen to a hymn or song of worship as I enter my quiet time with the Lord each morning. Today it was this one:

I was guilty with nothing to say,

And they were coming to take me away.

But then a voice from heaven was heard, which said,

“Turn him loose, and take me instead!”

And I should have been crucified,

I should have suffered and died.

I should have hung on the cross in disgrace,

But Jesus, God’s Son, took my place.

Crown of thorns, the spear in His side,

And all the pain that should have been mine.

Those rusty nails were meant for me,

But Jesus took them – and let me go free!

And I should have been crucified,

I should have suffered and died.

I should have hung on the cross in disgrace,

But Jesus, God’s Son, took my place.

We all as adults find Christ differently. I was alone in my navy barracks, on my knees by my bunk, when I told Jesus I would follow Him the rest of my life. My sister, Andrea, met Jesus at the altar in Central Assembly of God church in Springfield, Missouri. My wife was alone in her apartment, watching a Billy Graham crusade on television, when she told Christ she now belonged only to Him. My mother and I were in my car a block from my house when I led her in a prayer of repentance and commitment to Jesus as her only Lord and Savior.

The places and times and circumstances are as varied as the individuals vary. But the message proclaimed and which must then believed and acted upon is the same: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost.

Have you as an adult come to Christ? Are you saved from eternal judgment?

You are if you believe in your heart that Jesus died in your place, that He paid once for all the penalty for your sins – and you are living for Him and following in His steps.

You and I should have been crucified. You and I should have suffered and died. We should have hung on that cross in disgrace; But Jesus, God’s Son took our place.

Oh, thank you Lord for your immeasurable gift!