Why Did Jesus Come?

Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to this earth and live among mankind. His mission was simple yet contained the weight of the ages. He would die on the cross as a sacrifice for all sin. Who can forget the moving words of Isaiah 53:4-5, "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed." There were a number of things accomplished in the Lord's death.
  1. THE LAW OF MOSES WAS FULFILLED. Jesus said in connection with the law, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law and prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17-18.) The law of Moses was never intended to be permanent as the books of Hebrews, Romans, and Galatians state. Jesus took the law out of the way and left it nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14-17) and even as Jesus died, He knew all things were "accomplished" (John 19:28.) Today folks use the Old Testament to justify a number of religious practices such as instrumental music, tithing, and meeting on the Sabbath day. To use the Old Testament as authority for anything in religion denies the death of Jesus Christ for He took all of that out of authority. We are to listen to Jesus-not Moses or David.
  2. THE LOST CAN BE SAVED. Jesus stated His mission very simply in Luke 19:10, "The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." This statement alone confirms what we have just said about the Old Testament. If the Old Testament could have saved anyone, Jesus would not have had to die as He did. But He came to those under the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13) to seek them and save them. They and all mankind need the saving blood of the Lamb (Ephesians 1:7.) The blood of Christ is absolutely essential to salvation but so is obedience to the words of Jesus. "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things I say?" (Luke 6:46) Obedience to the comands of the Lord are important for He is "the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:8-9.) Now what has Jesus said? "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16.) Why do so many rebel at the thought of baptism? Jesus said do it and Paul associated baptism with the death of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4.) So many are content to call Jesus "Lord" but there is a difference in calling Him Lord and actually having Him be your Lord. His blood and our obedience assure that we are listening to Him and that we are His disciples.