Christianity Considered 3

Why the Cross? (Continued)

What was the significance of the death of Jesus?

The principles laid down in the Bible suggest three possible reasons.

(i) The first is that it could be a life taken unjustly, just like the murder of Abel whom Cain killed.
(ii) Then it could be payment for a capital crime.
(iii) Thirdly, it could be someone dying in the place of someone else, as a substitute.

The blood of Jesus was shed in compliance with all three principles.

(i) That it was a life taken unjustly is clear from the narrative. Jesus was the only innocent man that ever lived. Pilate, the highest Roman authority, said from the judgement seat, “I find no fault in this man”. (Luke 23.4; John 19.6) The death of Jesus was a political assassination, that is a life taken unjustly.
(ii) Secondly, it was payment for a capital crime, although not His own. This points to the third aspect.
(iii) He died as a substitute, in place of someone else.

If the Bible teaches that Jesus died as a substitute, who was He a substitute for? For sinners! Sinners who were under sentence of death by God. Paul wrote, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. (Rom. 3:23) A condition that had a consequence. “For the wages of sin is death”. (Rom. 6:23) Who are these sinners that Jesus died as a substitute for. Well, me for one, you for another, indeed everyone, for, “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” (Rom. 3:10-12) At some time or another, all who are honest with themselves will admit that they have failed to keep God’s moral law and fallen short of that high standard of perfection that God expects.

But Jesus “… Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree.” (1 Pet.2.24) “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.” (1 Pet.3.18) We need to understand, “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.” (Isa.53.5) for “the Lord ... laid on him the iniquity of us all”. (Isa. 53.6)

But how can the death of one man be enough for God to forgive the sins of all men? It can’t! One perfect man could only be the substitute for one other. But remember, Jesus wasn’t just a man, He was God also. Therefore the value of His substitutionary sacrifice is infinite. His death can compensate for the sins of all men.

But why crucifixion?

But that doesn’t explain why it had to be by crucifixion. Well the answer to this is a bit complicated, but here are some of the implications.

(i) First, the Romans executed those that rebelled against their rule (which was the charge that the Jewish leaders laid against Jesus) in a very painful and public manner. Their purpose was to demonstrate to everyone that Rome would not tolerate any that stood against their power and authority. Crucifixion meant pain and humiliation, as well as lasting for several hours, sometimes even days. Crucifixion also meant the victim was ‘lifted up’ in public view so that all could see their agony and pain. Jesus was executed near a very busy cross-road in Jerusalem. It overlooked the city and the Temple, and His death was witnessed by the large numbers of people who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. What the Romans did not realise was that they were fulfilling God’s plan because the beginnings of Christianity had to be very public. Nothing done in secret.

(ii) Also, God needed people to see the pain and agony that sin causes. Those that die without taking Jesus Christ as their substitute will have to suffer the penalty of their own sins. They will know a similar agony as Jesus suffered when separated from God and bearing the penalty for sin. But they will suffer without reprieve. It will be continuous and eternal.

(iii) Another reason Jesus was ‘lifted up to die’ was to symbolically demonstrate that His death was a victory, not a defeat. This is the decease He said He had to accomplish. When His agony came to an end He said, “it is finished”. (John 19.30) This was a cry of triumph, shouted out at the top of His voice, not a sigh saying, ‘I am glad that is over’. He declared, in the clearest, most direct way, that He had accomplished that which He had been born to do. When He was born, Joseph and Mary were instructed to name Him ‘Jesus’, that is ‘Saviour’, “for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt. 1:21) This He did, and now we can know eternal life, if we accept that He died for our sins. I, along with many, have sung the words to Philip Bliss’ wonderful hymn, “Hallelujah, what a Saviour”.

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,

In my place condemned He stood,

Sealed my pardon with His blood;

Hallelujah, what a Saviour!

Lifted up was He to die,

‘It is finished,’ was His cry;

Now in heaven exalted high,

Hallelujah, What a Saviour!