“Good” Friday?

~ The Day Christ Was Crucified ~

Christ Warned His Disciples  ~  “Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it.  For He taught His disciples and said to them, ‘The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him.  And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.’  But they did not understand this saying, and were afraid to ask Him” (Mark 9:30-32). 

Christ Did What He Warned  ~  A very cruel and painful death by crucifixion.  But, Jesus knew what He was doing: “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’  Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth.  So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’  And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” (John 19:28-30). 

Death Was Victory  ~  Because of Christ’s death on the Cross of Calvary we can be reconciled to God!  Because of Christ’s death on the Cross of Calvary we can obtain salvation!  But we must put our faith in His work on our behalf.  “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

Christ—Pivotal Events, 3of3

~ 3 Events in the Life of Christ Where He Fought Alone On Our Behalf: The Cross ~

The Situations  ~  Jesus Christ stood alone against the power of darkness on three distinct occasions.  The first may be thought of as primarily physical, the second mental, and the third spiritual.  In each case it was a spiritual battle against the unseen forces of evil (Ephesians 6:11-13).  In each of these situations the “Light of the World” waged war on our behalf against the unseen forces of evil.  In conquering each situation He was tackling basic problems of fallen mankind on earth. 

The Result  ~  Jesus Christ provided, and provides, the solutions to the sin problems which we encounter today. “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). 

The Third Event Was The Cross of Calvary (spiritual)  ~  “Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.  Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.  And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, ‘Father, “into Your hands I commit My spirit.”’  Having said this, He breathed His last.  So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, ‘Certainly this was a righteous Man!’  And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned.  But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things” (Luke 23:44-49). 

Comments  ~  (1) When Jesus Christ, The Light of the World, was dying on the Cross there was darkness!  Just as many flowers maintain their faces toward the sun may we keep our faces toward the Son! 

(2) As often noted there is much significance in the torn veil of the temple.  No longer are we barred from entering in.  Christians have direct access to God, The Father, because of the Cross of Calvary.  There is no more mediator between God and man.  “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

(3) Perhaps the important thing for some of ALN readers is that last phrase where we find that some “stood at a distance, watching these things.”  May that not be true of you! 

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

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .