Romans 5:8-10
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

The precious blood of Jesus is life. It was me that put the nail in His hand, the crown of thorns on His head, and the spear in His side. It was me that beat Him so badly that you couldn't recognize Him. It was me that mocked Him. Even though I wasn't born then, my sins did this to Him. Ray Boltz sings a song "....CHORUS: And I cried, Who nailed Him there? This child of peace and mercy Who nailed Him there? Come and face me like a man. Who nailed Him there? And the crowd began to mock me. I cried, Oh my God, I do not understand Then I turned and saw the hammer In my hand!

I understand and believe that Jesus went to the cross because of my sins and His grace and love. I understand and believe that a sacrifice had to be given. I love my Jesus and accept His wonderful gift of love and mercy. The part I have a hard time understanding is why the brutality. Why was He beaten so badly? Why the crown of thorns? What my Jesus suffered. I cannot imagine, I don't want to imagine. But I have to think about it, because this is what it is about. Salvation is knowing and believing with your heart, mind and soul that Jesus died for you(me). That He rose on the third day and that He is coming back again, soon I hope. What a price He paid for me. Why? On my best day, I'm awful. I don't understand why He loves me so much, but I'm sure glad He does. How about you?