The Gospel of Salvation is sewn throughout the Bible, from start to finish, as a “crimson thread” of the Messiah’s saving blood.  Those who lived before Christ could look forward to it.  Those who lived with Jesus could see it being revealed.  We who follow can look back and see more clearly what God has done for us, in His love for us.

“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”                    Hebrews 11:13             NASB

Although they did not know clearly the details of how God would save them from the penalty warranted by their sin and their helplessness to do anything about it, they rightly sensed that it would be God Himself who would have to do this for them.  He would have to do what they could not accomplish in their own strength.

“I will bear the indignation of the Lord
Because I have sinned against Him,
Until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.
He will bring me out to the light,
And I will see His righteousness.”                            Micah 7:9
Micah foresaw the court scene of our Advocate Jesus defending all who would trust in His substitutionary death in their place, insisting, “It’s paid in full!”

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.”                                                     Isaiah 53:5-6

Won’t you accept today this gift of undeserved forgiveness and eternal life?  We come with empty hands, having nothing to offer to warrant His favor.  Only with hands empty can we take the Gift He is so eager to give us.