READ: ROMANS 5:6-11

Jesus Christ died for your sins.

Does this sentence amaze you every time you read it?

For many of us (especially those of us who have grown up going to church), this amazing statement has become so normal in our lives that we often glance over it. But that’s just what this truth is—amazing. Something that inspires awe, admiration, or wonder.

Jesus’s death on the cross was amazing because it accomplished something so surprising and important that it echoed into all eternity: God in flesh laid down His life for people who were His enemies.

Many of us have at least one friend or relative we would be willing to die for. But imagine dying for a criminal. A murderer. Someone who killed people you love—and was bent on killing you too. Now multiply that by millions—and you’ve got what Jesus did for us. Out of love He laid down His life for people who sinned against Him, people who deserved death. That’s all of us (Psalm 51:4; Matthew 5:21-22; Romans 3:23-24; James 2:10). But don’t forget the next part...

Jesus Christ died for your sins and resurrected from the dead. So now, if you’ve put your trust in Him, you have been saved from death and forgiven from sin—and you get to look forward to the day Jesus will return and resurrect you to live with Him forever. This is the gospel, and it is truly amazing, no matter how many times we hear it. • Merrick Potter

• What parts of the gospel amaze or surprise you the most? (If you want to know more about the gospel and what it means to put your trust in Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.)

• Do you have any favorite Bible verses or passages about the amazing things Jesus has done for us? Consider taking some time to read one of these slowly, praising God for what He has done for you.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Romans 5:6 (NLT)