Christ’s Sacrifice, 1of3

~ The Perfect Sacrifice ~

Christ offered the perfect sacrifice for our sin.  It was a one time, once-and-for-all sacrifice.  At the Cross of Calvary Jesus Christ—The Messiah—paid the penalty of our sins.

It Was an Expiation  ~  Expiation is a concept that runs through the Old Testament (particularly as related to the sacrificial system) of another standing in place for the crimes of another.  It is a term which is closely related to atonement and to propitiation.  “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:3-4).  “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen” (Galatians 1:3-5). 

It Was a Death Sentence  ~  “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a).  “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’)” (Galatians 3:13).  “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

It Was a Propitiation  ~  Propitiation is a term that represents how God can remain consistent with His character (a parent may be disappointed with the behavior of a child but still love them).  It includes the concept of payment or covering made for the offense (closely related to atonement and expiation).  “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:21-26).  “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:2). 

It Was a Purchase  ~  “You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).  “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). 

It Was a Peacemaking  ~  “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).  “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). 

The Bottom Line  ~  The Son of God became the Son of Man so that the sons of men could become sons of God.

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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