Suppose that Jesus lived a life different from what has been recorded in Scripture. For example, suppose that Jesus lived out his life to a good old age and peacefully passed away in his sleep. Or, if this hypothetical is a struggle because it is assumed his body could not die because he was without sin, then what if he, like Elijah and Enoch of old, was merely caught up to heaven with God. Any number of other scenarios could be created that have Jesus pass from this earth peacefully; even naturally, rather than amidst a very bloody and cruel scene. What would such an alternative mean with respect to redemption or salvation?
Is it as simple as this? At death, the deceased is ushered into the Kingdom of Heaven, even before God, to receive the news that there are no worries, God has loved them all along and there is nothing to fear. Although, one can understand a temporary aversion to this theory, in the end would it really matter, if…, all is well? In fact, a scenario can almost be imagined where Jesus does not even come to earth, but merely looks on from Heaven and when one dies He welcomes them with open arms and tells them that they are forgiven. If the crucifixion of Christ never happened, would it affect eternal life?
Well, the answer is, OF COURSE IT WOULD MATTER!!!
Matthew 27:42 reads in the English Standard Version, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. It is very telling that people are willing to believe a jesus who does not demand death before He gives life. People want a jesus who condones a person’s rebellious life and asks for nothing in exchange for his friendship. Even to the end the people were looking to see if Jesus would not do something to save himself. Yet, Jesus purpose was to show the Father’s judgment of sin through his death and the Father’s mercy through His resurrection.
The truth is that the crucifixion is essential to salvation. For in the death of Christ, not only is Jesus identifying with humanity in her suffering, but the crucifixion also demonstrates the justice of God against sin. It would be impossible for a person identified as a sinner due to sins committed against God to stand before God without the overwhelming sense of condemnation. To stand before a perfectly holy God is something that no person is ready for, nor is anyone even slightly confident about what to expect. However, the testimony of Scripture is consistent; no one will stand before God in there sin and live. In truth, to stand in the presence of the holy God requires that the one standing be holy also. Through the death of Christ, that is, through believing that one has died with Christ and has also been raised with Christ, one becomes holy taking on the character of holiness. This transformation of identity from sinner to saint; the result of faith in Christ’s death and resurrection; leads to a confidence in the presence of God. As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5, “We have peace with God…”
For those who mocked Christ asserting that his failure to “save himself” from crucifixion somehow nullified not only his ministry, but even more, his testimony that He and the Father are one, only proved more succinctly there need for him to remain on the cross. Had he come down, and “saved himself” then no one could have been saved from condemnation and judgment. There would have been no way for anyone to die with Christ and consequently to have been raised up with him. Everyone would have been condemned to sin’s bondage and judgment rather than to the freedom of eternal life that is only received by faith in the risen Christ.
Thank you Lord Jesus, for not saving yourself! Thank you that you were willing to suffer and die, so that our condemned lives could die with you and that we can be given new life, resurrected life, in you. May we live our life to your glory!!!
Serving Him
Pastor Gibbs
Pastor Gibbs
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