1.Foul; 2.Beyond Understanding; 3.Free

There are three final lessons which I learned from the cross.  First, that my sin is foul beyond words.  If there were no way for our sins to be cleansed and forgiven but that the Son of God should die for them, then our sins must be sinful indeed.  Secondly, I learn that God's love is great beyond all understanding.  He could have abandoned us to our just fate and left us to perish in our sins.  But he didn't.  He loved us, and he pursued us even to the desolate agony of the cross.  Thirdly, I learn that salvation is a free gift.  I do not deserve it.  I cannot earn it.  I do not need to attempt to procure it by my own merit or effort.  Jesus Christ on the cross has done everything that is necessary for us to be forgiven.  He has borne our sin and curse.  What, then, must we do?  Nothing!  Nothing but fall on our knees in penitence and faith, and stretch out an open, empty hand to receive salvation as a gift that is entirely free.

--John Stott, From "Suffered Under Pontius Pilate"  From the Episcopal Series (Atlanta: The Episcopal Radio-TV Foundation, 1962).