other blemish, but holy and blameless” (NIV). Clearly, the intended outcome of the cross was not merely forgiveness, but holiness; or, as the WCF (8.5) expresses it, Christ “purchased not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto him.” He died to bring us to God (1 Pet. 3:18), not to leave us in limbo.
