Jesus Loves Us: How the Atonement Sets Us Free (Written for our Children)

 Jesus Loves Us: How the Atonement Sets Us Free

Introduction: Written for our Children.

Imagine you did something wrong, like breaking a rule at school or at home. It doesn’t feel good, right? Sometimes, we all make mistakes. The Bible calls this sin, and sin separates us from God, who loves us more than we can imagine. But here’s the good news: Jesus, God’s Son, came to fix this problem! He took our punishment so we wouldn’t have to, and He made a way for us to be close to God again. This is called the atonement, and it’s the most amazing gift ever.

What Is Atonement?

Atonement is a big word, but it simply means fixing what’s broken between us and God. Think of it like this: If you accidentally broke your friend’s toy, you’d feel bad and want to make it right. Jesus made things right for us with God by taking the punishment for our sins.

• "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
  This verse reminds us that everyone has done wrong things. Nobody is perfect, and we all need help.
• "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
  Sin deserves a punishment, but Jesus gave us a gift instead—life forever with Him!

How Did Jesus Fix Everything?

Jesus loves us so much that He chose to come to earth, live a perfect life, and take the punishment for all our sins by dying on the cross. He didn’t stay dead, though! He came back to life, proving He has power over sin and death.

• "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
  Jesus didn’t wait for us to be perfect. He loved us even when we made mistakes.
• "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
  Jesus took all our sins with Him to the cross, so we don’t have to carry them anymore.

What Does This Mean for You?

Because of Jesus’ atonement, we don’t have to be afraid of being far away from God. When we believe in Jesus and say we’re sorry for our sins, He forgives us completely. It’s like having a fresh start every day!

• "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
  When you admit your mistakes, God forgives you because of what Jesus did.
• "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
  Believing in Jesus means living with Him forever in heaven!

Does the Atonement Have Rules?

Because Jesus saved us, we want to live in a way that makes Him happy. That means loving God, loving others, and making good choices. These aren’t rules to make us feel trapped; they’re guidelines to help us live our best lives.

• "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37)
  This means putting God first in everything we do.
• "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39)
  This means being kind, forgiving, and helping others.

Why Did Jesus Do This?

Jesus didn’t have to die for us, but He chose to because He loves us so much. He wanted us to be free from sin and to live close to God forever.

• "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13)
  Jesus showed the greatest love ever by dying for us.
• "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
  Jesus is the only way to be with God, and He invites everyone to follow Him.

Conclusion:

Jesus’ atonement is like a giant bridge that connects us to God. It’s a gift we could never earn, but He gives it to us because He loves us. When you believe in Jesus, say you’re sorry for your sins, and choose to follow Him, you are free to live a life filled with joy, love, and hope.

You can talk to Jesus anytime in prayer. You can tell Him you love Him, thank Him for His gift, and ask for His help. Remember, Jesus loves you more than anyone else ever could, and His atonement means you never have to be separated from God.

Would you like to pray right now and thank Jesus for what He did?

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