CHRIST'S DEATH (THE ULTIMATE SUFFERING FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF LIVING FOR ETERNITY AND IN THE CONTEXT OF COMMENDABLE CONDUCT) FULFILLED THE WILL OF GOD AND HIS RESURRECTION SECURED VINDICATION AND VICTORY
I. CHRIST'S DEATH FULFILLED THE WILL OF GOD (:18)
A. His Righteousness -- The Paradox of His Death
How could this be the will of God?
1. The Anointed of God
2. The Just for the Unjust
3. On Account of sins
His suffering was a pattern in some sense for us and yet was unique since His death was substitutionary and atoning.
B. His Reality -- The Finality of His Death -- It really did happen.
1. Died once for all
2. Having been put to death in the flesh
C. His Resurrection -- The Reversal of His Death
He was made alive in the spiritual realm of existence, with His spirit united to His resurrection body (1 Cor.15).
D. His Reconciliation -- The Purpose of His Death
II. CHRIST'S RESURRECTION SECURED VINDICATION (:19-20)
A. The Proclamation of Vindication
B. The Prisoners Who Heard the Vindication
C. The Provision That Required Vindication
III.CHRIST'S RESURRECTION SECURED VICTORY (:21-22)
A. The Proclamation of Victory = Baptism
B. The Prisoners Who Tasted Defeat = angels, authorities, powers
C. The Provision That Accomplished Victory = resurrect. & exaltation
