Introduction:   Some 2,000 yrs. ago, a man walked on this earth who was the greatest man that ever lived!!  That man was Jesus Christ. But He wasn't just merely a man, He was God in the flesh He was despised and rejected by men. He worked miracles yet still they doubted His words. He made Himself of no reputation, his only purpose was to seek and save that which was lost. He was crucified on Mt. Calvary for your sins and mine! (Illus: Calvary, it was a place of death but, for you and me, it was a place of deliverance!  When Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross, it was not the blood of a martyr; or the blood of one man for another; it was the life of God poured out to redeem the world). --Oswald Chambers (1874–1917).  In the cross is health, in the cross is life, in the cross is protection from enemies, in the cross is heavenly sweetness, in the cross is strength of mind, in the cross is joy of the Spirit, in the cross is the height of virtue, in the cross is perfection of holiness. There is no health of the soul, no hope of eternal life, save in the cross. --Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471) I want us to see three blessing we enjoy Because Of Calvary.  All Because Of Calvary…

I.          WE HAVE HOPE

(Psa 33:21-22) "For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. {22} Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee." This hope:

            A.        Makes Us Blessed

Jeremiah 17:7 tells us—“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”  The resurrection of Jesus Christ is our hope today.

·         Blessed By His Life

In his life, Christ is an example, showing us how to live. In his death, he is a sacrifice, satisfying for our sins. In his resurrection, he is the conqueror. In his ascension, he is the king. In his intercession, he is the high priest.--Martin Luther (1483–1546).  Christianity is not the obliteration of the old, but the transformation of the old. Jesus Christ did not come to teach men to be holy, he came to make men holy. His teaching has no meaning for us unless we enter into his life by means of his death.

·         Blessed Because Of His Love

God proved his love on the cross. The world will never outgrow its need for love.--C. Neil Strait. Love is not the work of the Holy Spirit, it is the Holy Spirit—working in us. God is love, He doesn’t merely have it or give it; He gives Himself—to all men, to all sorts and conditions. This hope:

            B.        Makes Us A Blessing

(Titus 2:11-14) Those who have hope in the Lord realize how blessed they are and desire to be a blessing to someone else. 

II.        WE HAVE HAPPINESS

(Psa 144:15) "… happy is that people, whose God is the LORD."

            A.        Rejoice In His Protection

Joy is the privilege of the believe. The eternal God is the well–spring of our bliss. We love God, and therefore we delight in him. Our heart is at ease in our God.

            B.        Rejoice In His Power

(1 Peter 1:3-9) I want you to note the words “who are kept by the power of God…”  This means The true disciples of Christ are under the continual watchful care of God, and the inheritance is guarded for them…By the mighty and miracle-working power of God.

III.       WE HAVE A HEAVENLY HOME

            A.        An Assuring Promise

As our Lord hung dying He gave assurance to a thief hanging there beside him.  The man made a simple request, “Lord, remember me…” And Jesus assured Him in love—“Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). These words of assurance are words we can rest in and rely on.  God has promised eternal life, blessings, and rewards. Faith believes these realities are as real as the elements of the world that can be seen. Faith allows Christians to live in a God-honoring way and to make God-honoring decisions because these can be based on spiritual realities that are not seen. This confidence in the realities that are unseen allows believers to persevere in this faith, regardless of persecution, opposition, or temptation.

            B.        An Amazing Promise

It is still hard for us to grasp and wrap our minds around that the God of this universe wants to spend eternity with us!  But that is exactly what this Bible teaches and promises (John 14:1-3). I want you to notice an important phrase found in these verses—“…ye believe in God, believe also in me…”  Friends, unless a person believes in Christ that person cannot reach Heaven. This belief is more than mental agreement. It is a commitment of trust. Heaven is a place prepared for those who are prepared for it. Here is the key, “Believe.” By believing in Christ as the Mediator between God and man, we gain comfort.

Conclusion:     Because of Calvary, we can have a life worth living. Because of Calvary, we have a bright future. Because of Calvary, we know true love! Do you know true love this morning?  If you've never met Jesus you haven't known true love!  Why not come and give your heart and life to Him today?