Grace Gospel 101 (Part 3): Christ's Death

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 3): Christ's Death

Start with Part 1 of the series here.

Good News

All men have sinned against a holy God. Sin results in a terrible penalty--eternal suffering in hell. However, we will learn about God's marvelous love for mankind. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

The good news in the Bible is that Jesus Christ died for our sins. He paid the penalty for my sin and yours. Many people think that Christ came to earth mainly to set an example or teach us how to live. However, the primary reason for the birth of Jesus Christ was that He might die on the cross for our sins. There are many religions that claim to have wonderful teachings given by some holy man. However, only the Bible tells us that the Son of God came to earth and died for our sins. Jesus Christ "was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25).

The Necessity of the Cross

From man's point of view the crucifixion of Christ may have appeared to be an unfortunate tragedy. However, from God's point of view it was necessary for man's salvation. Those who believe God will recognize the supreme importance of Christ's death. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). It is not enough to teach about the Deity of Jesus Christ, His birth, teachings, good example, etc. We must emphasize the most important event in all of human history--the crucifixion of Christ. "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness" (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Jesus Christ knew that He would die on the cross and He did so willingly due to His love for man. "From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day" (Matthew 16:21). The death of Christ was not a mistake, but a necessity. "Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again" (Luke 24:7).

The Meaning of the Cross

Why did Christ die? The Bible repeatedly teaches that He died to pay the penalty for our sins. ("Christ died for us"... "Christ died for our sins"... "For he hath made him to be sin for us"... "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all"... "Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us" (Romans 5:8, I Corinthians 15:3, II Corinthians 5:21, Romans 8:32, Ephesians 5:2)). Jesus Christ was not a sinner and did not deserve to die. He died for the sins of others--yours and mine.

God is just and holy. Therefore, He cannot just overlook or excuse sin. When a crime is committed, the law demands that the criminal be punished. Christ's death on the cross fully paid the penalty that the holiness and justice of God demanded. A judge will not be satisfied until the just penalty for the crime has been paid. God, as Judge, is fully satisfied (propitiated) by the death of Christ on the cross. ("Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood"--Romans 3:25)

Jesus Christ is sometimes referred to as our Redeemer. His death on the cross brought redemption. This means that Christ purchased God's favour toward us by His death. He has redeemed or delivered us:

1. From the penalty of the law "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree" (Galatians 3:13).
2. From the law itself "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ..." (Romans 7:4).
3. From the power of sin "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed . . ." (Romans 6:6).

Christ Died for All

The death of Christ is very good news for man, and it is especially wonderful to know that His death was for all men. "Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Timothy 2:6). "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11).

Is it not possible for some men to pay their own penalty? Yes, it is possible. However, this will require eternal suffering in hell since the penalty is so great that the debt can never be fully paid by an imperfect, sinful sacrifice. How amazing it is that Christ has completely paid the penalty for our sins! He was the only one who could pay the full price because He was sinless and was fully God and fully man.