A CENTURION'S CONCLUSION

A heart-rending account of the betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and death of Jesus is recorded in the Word of God. It serves as a poignant reminder of the inimitable cost of our redemption. 

You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19

The record also mentions a Roman soldier standing at the foot of the cross. He was a witness to the crowd's relentless jeering at this brutally scourged man. Then a foreboding darkness suddenly enveloped him as the sun refused to shine. The ground violently shook beneath his feet. 

He had presided over the deaths of countless criminals, but none of them were marked by the things that accompanied the death of Jesus. Filled with fear, the centurion could see that this was no ordinary crucifixion and the one being crucified was no ordinary man. 

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:37-39

It is remarkable that this pagan 'non-Jew' recognized Jesus' true identity and that it actually occurred when Christ died ... and not after His resurrection. The only way he could have done this is in the same way that Peter did ... 

He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God'. And Jesus said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 16:15-17

Today, many Christians recoil when they first hear of the 'doctrine of election'. But, upon further reflection, most admit that God was at work in their lives, drawing them to Himself long before they were aware of it. They recognize that, if He had not intervened, they would have continued in sin and unbelief. 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

The evidence that you are among 'the called' is that the Holy Spirit has brought the truth of the Gospel to your heart and mind. He is unyielding in His pursuit of you. Like the centurion who encountered the Lord two thousand years ago, you cannot but conclude that ... Jesus is the Son of God.