THE CORDS OF CALVARY
Jesus, . . . was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterward. [Hebrews 12:2 NLT]
I. THE SINNERS NEED -
BECAUSE OF SIN
1. HIS DEATH WAS IN OUR PLACE
We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. [Hebrews 2:9 NIV]
2. HIS DEATH BRINGS US NEAR TO GOD
Christ also suffered when he died for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners that he might bring us safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. [I Peter 3:18 NLT]
II. THE SAVIOUR’S LOVE -
FOR LOST MANKIND
1. HIS DEATH REVEALS GOD’S LOVE
This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. [I John 3:16 The Message]
2. HIS LOVE IS OUR PATTERN FOR LIFE
I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. [John 15:12 The Message]
III. THE SAVIOUR’S SUBMISSION -
TO THE DIVINE WILL
1. GOD’S WILL WAS THE LORD’S DELIGHT
Then I said, See, I come; it is recorded of me in the roll of the book, 8 My delight is to do your pleasure, O my God; truly, your law is in my heart. [Psalm 40:7 & 8 BBE]
2. GOD’S WILL WAS THE :LORD’S SUPREME DESIRE
(Jesus) prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away until I drink it, your will be done." [Matthew 26:42 NLT]
IV. THE SAVIOUR’S LOYALTY -
TO THE ETERNAL PURPOSES OF GOD
1. THE LORD’S DEATH WAS NO ACCIDENT
All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. [Revelation 13:8 NIV]
2. THE LORD’S DEATH WAS FOR A PURPOSE
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. [Romans 8:29 NLT]
