THE ESSENCE OF CHRIST’S SACRIFICIAL DEATH
At the heart of the Christian faith lies the essence of Christ’s sacrificial death—a profound act that embodies love, offers redemption, and initiates restoration. Understanding this essential truth is crucial for grasping the depth of God’s grace and the transformative power of the cross.
i. Love, Redemption, and Restoration
The essence of Christ’s sacrificial death encompasses love, redemption, and restoration. It reveals the heart of God, who desires to bring humanity back into fellowship with Him. Through His sacrifice, we receive forgiveness, find our true identity, and are empowered to live in the light of His grace.
- The Nature of Sacrifice
Christ’s death on the cross represents the ultimate sacrifice, one that fulfills the requirements of justice while simultaneously demonstrating God’s immense love for humanity.
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. ( Isaiah 53: 5 )
This prophecy foreshadows the suffering of Christ, who took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved, highlighting the sacrificial nature of His mission.
Jesus, as the Lamb of God willingly laid down His life, embodying the essence of sacrificial love.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
(John 1:29)
His death was not a mere historical event; it was a divinely orchestrated act of atonement meant to restore our broken relationship with God.
- The Cost of Redemption
The concept of redemption is central to understanding Christ’s sacrificial death.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
( Romans 6: 23 )
Our sin incurs a debt that we cannot repay; however, Christ’s sacrifice covers that debt. By offering Himself as a substitute, He provides a way for us to be reconciled with God.
For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
(1 Peter 1: 18- 19 )
This emphasizes the priceless nature of Christ’s sacrifice and the depth of love involved in our redemption.
- The Power of Restoration
The essence of Christ’s death goes beyond forgiveness; it also includes the promise of restoration. Through His sacrifice, we are not only forgiven but also invited into a renewed relationship with God.
But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. ( Ephesians 2: 13 )
This powerful truth signifies that through Christ’s death, we can experience a profound transformation, moving from separation to union with our Creator.
And through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. ( Colossians 1: 20 )
This reconciliation restores not only our relationship with God but also our purpose and identity, allowing us to live in harmony with His will.
- A Call to Response
Recognizing the essence of Christ’s sacrificial death calls us to respond. In light of such love and grace, we are invited to embrace our need for forgiveness and to accept the gift of salvation.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3: 16 )
This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative faith that leads us to live out our new identity in Christ, reflecting His love and grace to those around us.
ii. Grace, Gratitude, and Genuine Transformation
Many individuals emerge from their struggles with sin, believing that their liberation stems solely from their own efforts or virtues. This mindset not only undermines the grace of God but also misses the transformative power of true gratitude and repentance.
- The Illusion of Self-Righteousness
After being saved, some people may find themselves in a pit of self-congratulation, attributing their salvation to their own merits.
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
( Ephesians 2: 8- 9 )
This passage underscores that salvation is purely a gift from God, not something we can earn or achieve through our own righteousness.
When individuals praise their own virtues rather than God’s grace, they miss the essence of what Christ accomplished on the cross. It is essential to acknowledge that any spiritual growth or moral standing comes from God’s transformative work within us, not from our efforts alone.
- The Misunderstanding of God’s Mercy
Many people believe that salvation is easy because of God’s mercy, leading them to underestimate the profound cost of Christ’s sacrifice. If forgiveness were easily obtained, it would diminish its value.
Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. (Hebrews 10: 29 )
This highlights the seriousness of sin and the tremendous sacrifice required for our redemption.
When we view salvation as a simple act of mercy, we risk losing sight of its preciousness. Genuine understanding of Christ’s sacrificial death leads to a deeper appreciation of God’s grace, prompting a response of gratitude rather than complacency.
- The Role of Repentance in Transformation
True repentance is essential for experiencing the spiritual blessings that come from salvation.
I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. (Luke 6: 47 )
This passage emphasizes the necessity of not only hearing the words of Christ but also putting them into practice. It is through repentance—turning away from sin and towards God—that we cultivate gratitude and holiness.
Repentance shifts our focus from self to Christ, allowing us to recognize the depth of our need for His grace. In this process, we come to understand that our spiritual blessings—gratitude, holiness, and transformation—are the fruits of a genuine relationship with God, rooted in His love and sacrifice.
- The Overflow of Gratitude
Gratitude becomes the motive for virtue and holiness. When we comprehend the depth of Christ’s love demonstrated through His sacrificial death, our hearts respond in thankfulness. Leading to a life of worship and service born out of gratitude.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
(Colossians 3: 16 )
When we truly understand that our salvation is a gift of grace, we are motivated to live lives that reflect that grace. Our actions become a response to the love we have received, rather than an attempt to earn favor with God.
iii. Overcoming Sin Through the Cross of Christ
Sin is not a source of true peace or pleasure; rather, it brings destruction and suffering. The essence of redemption lies in understanding the profound implications of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Through His suffering, we see the true horror of sin—not just its impact on humanity but also its effects on God Himself.
The Weight of Sin
Sin is not merely an indifferent act; it is a rebellion against the holiness of God.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(Romans 6: 23 )
This passage illustrates that sin leads to spiritual death, highlighting its serious consequences. The weight of sin is so severe that it necessitated the sacrifice of Christ, who bore the curse of sin on our behalf .
But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree ( Galatians 3: 13 )
The horror of sin is further emphasized in Isaiah 53:4-5, which states, “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities.”
In bearing the consequences of our sin, Jesus experienced the depths of suffering, demonstrating that sin’s evil effects touch not only humanity but also God.
The Infinite Mercy of God
Despite the gravity of sin, God’s mercy is boundless.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
(Ephesians 2: 4- 5)
“This profound truth assures us that no matter how terrible our sins, God’s infinite mercy can redeem us.
The notion that salvation is impossible is a false doctrine that contradicts the core message of the gospel. While it may seem that obstacles abound, such as guilt, shame, and despair, God has the power to overcome them.
God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. (Romans 5: 20 )
This underscores that God’s grace is greater than any sin, offering hope and restoration to all who turn to Him.
The Cross: The Path to Freedom
The cross of Christ serves as the ultimate means of liberation from sin.
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14who purchased our freedom[a] and forgave our sins. (Colossians 1: 13- 14)
This passage affirms that through Christ’s sacrifice, we are freed from the bondage of sin and brought into a new relationship with God.
God’s grace does not merely overlook our sins; it transforms us.
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
(2 Corinthians 5: 17)
This transformation is the result of God’s redemptive work, which frees us from our past and empowers us to live in holiness.
iv. Three Truths of Redemption Through the Cross of Jesus
A man who is liberated through the cross of Jesus understands and obeys three fundamental truths about his condition, the nature of sin, and the profound love of God. These insights not only shape his relationship with God but also transform his life.
1. Seeing Sin as God Sees It
The first truth is recognizing sin from God’s perspective. A truly liberated individual understands the severity of sin and its consequences.
For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. (Psalm 51: 3)
This acknowledgment reflects a deep awareness of the gravity of sin, as well as a desire for genuine repentance.
“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (Romans 7: 15 )
This internal conflict illustrates the reality of sin and the need for divine intervention. When a person sees their sin as God sees it, they begin to grasp the depth of God’s holiness and the weight of their transgressions.
2. Admitting Death as the Consequence of Sin
The second truth involves admitting that death is the inevitable consequence of sin.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6: 23)
The grim outcome of sin, reminding us that separation from God is the ultimate penalty for our rebellion.
Understanding this consequence leads to a sense of urgency and the recognition of our need for salvation.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3: 36)
A liberated heart comprehends that only through Christ can one escape the death that sin incurs.
3. Embracing God’s Great Love
The third truth centers on recognizing the immense love of God revealed through Christ’s sacrifice.
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
(Romans 5: 8)
This verse illustrates the profound nature of God’s love—a love that willingly bears the burden of our sin and offers redemption.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)
(Ephesians 2: 4- 5)
This revelation of love not only assures us of our worth but also inspires a heartfelt response of gratitude and obedience.
Evidence of Genuine Faith
When individuals understand God’s magnified law and the weight of sin, they are compelled to repent. This understanding brings about a transformative dedication to God. As they embrace the reality of Christ’s sacrifice, evidenced by the good results in their lives, they confirm the authenticity of their faith and commitment.
Three Commitments of the Believer
1. He Hates His Sin and Turns Away From It
A true believer experiences a profound dislike for sin and actively forsakes it.
Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. (Romans 6: 2- 7)
This highlights the transformative power of Christ’s death, which enables believers to reject their former sinful lifestyles.
2. Salvation Through Jesus is Received by Faith
Salvation is not earned; it is a gift received by faith.
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2: 20 )
Thus faith in Jesus’ sacrifice brings about a new identity and life in one’s life. (Romans 3: 21- 26 )
3. Grateful Submission to God Alone
Acknowledging God’s sovereignty leads to a dedicated life of submission to Him. As believers grasp the horror of sin alongside the depth of God’s love, they are motivated to commit themselves wholly to Him. This submission reflects a life transformed by grace, where obedience flows from gratitude.