Christ's Death Brought Us Salvation

THREE INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

Imagine for a moment that you are in debt and have been asked not to pay. That is what Jesus did for us and that is the message of Good Friday.

Man cannot relate to God in his or her natural state or in their own capacity. That relationship is not possible unless something is done about it. That something was done at Calvary. There, the transaction was done.

The concept of Covenant. Calvary was about a covenant, a New Covenant through the blood of Jesus. The blood that appeased God and drew us to Him. Heb 9:16 - the death of the Testator is accomplished. He said "It is Finished" – John 19:30.

SIX KEY ISSUES FOR OUR CONSIDERATION

1. Sin requires payment.

The payment must be of blood. Hebrews 9.22 tells us that without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. The blood of a Lamb without blemish and without spot. In the Old Testament, no matter the offerings being made, there must be sin offering. See Numbers 28.15.

2. Only Jesus qualifies to die for our sins.

He was sinless and blameless. John said He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). We owed the debt but we could not pay. Even if we were to be offered to be sacrificed for the payment, we do not qualify and the payment will not be accepted. Yes, the payment for sins is death (Romans 6:23). In the Old Testament, the lamb must be without blemish and without spot. It must be young, in the first year (see Leviticus 4.23, 28, 32, and Numbers 6.14 makes it clear). Numbers 28.15 refers to the sin offering.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21). His blood CLEANSES us from all sins (1 John 1:7, 9). Jesus has taken away our sins on the cross.

3. He died so that we might die to sin, and live to God. God is not expecting us to die physically because Jesus died in our place. We are required to die to the flesh, to die to sin, so we can live to God. God wants you to live a fruitful, meaningful and fulfilled life – a life reconciled with Him. We live to God if we die to sin. Sin is the barrier and that is removed only in Christ. The new birth gives us the ability to live for God

Sins are not wiped away automatically. You must admit and truly confess the sins before God. And the blood of Jesus washes it away.

4. His death seals the New Covenant. He said “It is FINISHED” – John 19.30. That means many things for us.

a. Healing. In that covenant is healing of the body - Isaiah 53:5. Healing for our body, the soul, the mind, emotional healing, Spiritual healing – deliverance

b. Cleansing. Cleansing of our conscience. Heb 9:14

c. Reconciliation. Peace with God. You can be at peace with God. Through His death, we are brought into a right standing with God. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" - Hebrews 10:22

d. Salvation. His death brings salvation because the debt of sin is paid. The debt, which we owe, has been paid. You must come into the covenant with God. If you become part of the covenant with God, you enjoy many things

e. God stays true to His covenant. Even if we are weak, He stays true

f. The covenant is a package. Salvation is a package. Because you cannot claim certain promises and blessings of God without being part of the covenant. You must move into the covenant. All the promises of God are 'yes' in Jesus Christ.

g. It does not matter where you have been or what you have done, when you step into that covenant, you are immediately reconciled to God

h. Communion

5. Salvation is a complete package. The package includes healing, protection, salvation, peace, and so on. The Greek word is sozo, which is a total package.

6. Jesus understands. He understands our pain, our sorrow, and our temptation. He just understands. He is a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief – Isaiah 53:3. He truly understands. That is why He always wanted to do something about the challenges we face. He carried our sorrows. Lay your sorrows at the foot of the cross. In Him, you can find relief and joy, no matter your circumstances.

CONCLUSION

There is no funeral on Good Friday. But there is mourning. Mourning over our sins. Once we confess those sins, we can rejoice and celebrate the mercies and forgiveness of the Lord.