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Copyright © Robin Wood; 1997 Used with Permission

Copyright © Robin Wood; 1997 Used with Permission

1. CENTRALITY OF HIS DEATH.

Evidence:
      a) teachings of Christ. He was born to die (Mark 10:45). The cross was "the hour" for which He'd come into the world (John 12:23,24,27). The only ceremony He institued commemorates His death (Matthew 26:26-28).

      b) writings of the Evangelists (i.e. Gospels). Accounts describing the final week occupy nearly a third of Matthew and Mark, a quarter of Luke and nearly half of John.

      c) preaching of the apostles. 1 Corinthians 15:3

      d) practise of tthe Church, which has made the Cross its symbol (in Baptism, church architecture, etc.), and which regularly remembers Him for His death at Holy Communion.

2. NECESSITY OF HIS DEATH

Jesus saw the cross as intentional, not accidental. John 12:24. It is crucial to His mission. Matthew 26:51-54; John 3:14-15. Had He not died His mission would not have been accomplished. Yet Jesus of His own choice freely accepted His Father's will. John 10:18

THEREFORE:
Any presentation of Christianity without stressing the cross is inadequate and misleading - and disloyal to Christ Himself. "No Christianity without the cross". Until a person has understood the cross he has not got to the heart of Christianity.

3. PURPOSE OF HIS DEATH

Why did Jesus lay down his life?
The Bible gives at least 4 reasons, with the emphasis on the fourth.
His death is:

      a) A revelation of God.
The cross was the climax of God's self-revelation, reveling His inextingishable love. Romans 5:8; 8:32. It is a glimpse into God's heart.

      b) An example to believers

• of self-sacrifice and love. Ephesians 5:2,25
• - how to bear suffering. 1 Peter 2:18-23

      c) A conquest of the Devil.
1 John 3:18 Colossians 2:15 (GNB) The New Testament affirms the fact of His victory over the Devil without explaining how. He over comes evil with good; and conquers hate with love.

      d) A sacrifice for Sin.
1 Peter 2:24; 3:18/ It's this, which is emphasised throughout the whole New Testament. He "bore our sins" - suffered the penalty for them, as prophesied e.g. Isaiah 53,6,11,12. He bore the penalty we deserve - that He might bring is to God - to be accepted and forgiven and made members of His family. "There is a green hill" accurately and beautifully captures this aspect of the cross.

OBJECTION

"Why can't God just forgive us without all this business of a cross? After all, we forgive one another."

Answer:       a) fails to see the seriousness of sin. Situation between us and God, and us and one another is not the same. Our misdemanours against one another are personal injuries, but rebellion against our Creator, the moral governor of the Universe. And we cannot ignore this.

      b) fails to see the character of God. God os love - but Holy Love. He loves the sinner, but hates the sin and cannot condone it. When we see God's holy character, the question is: "Why should God find it so difficult to forgive sin?", but "How should He find it possible to forgive sin at all?".

CONCLUSION

The Christian's repsonse:

      a) Believe in Christ crucified - relying on Him alone for my acceptance before God (John 3:14-16)

      b) Golry in Christ crucified - thanking Him for dying for me (Galatians 6:14)

      c) Proclaim Christ crucified - sharing this good news with my own friends and circle (1 Corinthians 2:2)

DIY

      a) Why didn't God forgive us without Christ dying on the cross? Try to explain in your own words.

      b) Resurrection - What are the various pieces of evidence for the resurrection? Which piece is strongest for you?

      c) Galations 6:14. What did Paul mean? Do I glory the cross?

Books:
J. R. W. Stott: Basic Christianity chapter 7.
E. M. B. Green. The Day Death Died.

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