THE CROSS AND CHRIST'S ATONEMENT FOR SIN
TEXT: Isaiah 53:1-16; Romans 6:1~6; Eph. 1:7,20
INTRODUCTION
Christ’s atoning work on the cross provides full salvation from sin, holiness of life and Christlikeness with grace for a daily life of Cross-bearing. Yet, the experience of many today are so far below the expectation of God, that many who profess salvation, lack genuine evidence and fruits of a saved life. Others have confessed their sins (so they say) but are never free from the clutches of sinful habit, worldly lifestyle and all ungodliness. Some who even claim to be sanctified are not better than Simon the Sorcerer of Samaria of whom Peter said “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity” (Acts 8:22,23).
To live Victoriously over the flesh, Satan and the world; we need to fully understand and embrace Christ's vicarious death at Calvary. (Romans 8:3; 6:6; Gal. 6:14; Heb. 12:2-4). Complete victory is possible only by appropriating the blood of the Lamb as well as by daily bearing our cross and dying to self (Rev. 12:11). We can never look away from the cross and live like Christ. It was those who looked at the brazen serpent raised up by Moses that lived (Numbers 21:49). Therefore no matter the amount of confession, repentance and consecration, if we disregard the cross and fail to believe Christ’s finished work for our pardon and cleansing, there will be no freedom from sin, Satan and the world.
1. EXTENT AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE FALL
Gen. 3:1-6; Romans 3:10-23;5:12-14;1:29-32; Gal. 5:19-21; James 3:1-8; Deut. 18:1-12; lsa. 59:1-8; Matt. 3:7-10.
It is evident that our sin warranted Christ’s suffering and death on the cross. Adam was sinless but the moment he fell from grace in disobeying God, he became depraved and ungodly. He lost fellowship with God, and became a captive to Satan, sin, sickness and sufferings. Labour pains became associated with childbearing. Even the ground was cursed such that man has to suffer and sweat before he can eat.
Sin is exceedingly destructive and will damn the soul for ever in eternal lake of fire. Sin involves all forms of disobedience, transgression, rebellion and it includes unbelief, neglect of duty to the nation, the family and fellowmen. Idol worship, adultery, fornication, polygamy, sorcery, occultic practices, ancestral worship, witchcraft, armed robbery, cursing, gossiping, rumour-mongering, boasting, fighting, malice, anger, envy, exaggeration, laziness, lust, smoking, gambling, profiteering, examination malpractices and smuggling are all acts of sin.
Sins hinders one from entering the Kingdom of God (Rom. 1:29; 1 Cor. 6:9). Sin alienates from God, brings guilt and condemnation. It enslaves its victim to Satan, breeds corruption, and unhealthy relationship. (Jer. 17:9; Gen. 3:24; Romans 7:24). No human effort can deliver the sinner from the ruins and the destruction that sin brings.
2. PRICE OF REDEMPTION FOR SIN
lsa. 53:1-7; Matt.26:28; Rom. 5:6-8; Titus 2:14; Col. 1:20; Zechariah 9:11; eph. 1:7.
The corrupting Influence of sin and its eternal consequences demand a sacrifice that only Christ by His sinless life could pay on the cross. Although the ruin caused by sin is great, Christ's atoning work on Calvary is far greater (Rom. 5:20). Hence, the consequence of sin was completely expiated by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
In the old Testament, spotless animals were offered to appease God temporarily to effect the redemption of the people (Lev. 5:15-19; 16:511:17:11). But, it became absolutely necessary that Christ should come to pay with His dear life the price of redemption for humanity as the blood of animals being shed yearly became grossly inadequate to atone for and take away sin permanently (Heb. 9:11 -14,22;10:1-4). The death of Christ provided not only an atonement for sin, but also triumph over sinful tendencies, as he became our substitute and bore the death penalty deserved by every sinner (Heb. 2:9). His blood became the legal tender by which the sinner’s deliverance was bought back from the slave market of sin, thereby granting unto the repentant sinner peace, forgiveness and freedom from sin.
Today, full redemption from sin, reconciliation and peace with God, victory over the world, the flesh and Satan, are possible through Christ’s vicarious death on the cross. What a great price Christ paid for our salvation! Hence, every sinner how matter exceedingly sinful can now be saved as a result of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. (John 19:30).
3. REPENTANCE AND FAITH FOR OUR SALVATION
Ezek. 18:31; Hosea 14:2; 1 John 1:10; Mark 1:15; Luke 13:2,3; Acts 3:19; 17:30:20:21; 16:31; John 1:12; Rev. 3:20.
The emphasis of Scriptures on repentance both in the Old and New Testaments is unmistakable. It was emphasized by the prophets, Christ and the apostles, as a necessary condition before God’s pardon for sin can be obtained. Repentance is therefore the key that unlocks the door of reconciliation from where pardon flows to the penitent ad trusting sinner. But lack of proper understanding of the true nature of repentance has left many weak and impotent in their sin. Hence they confess sin on weekly or yearly basis, during church services, crusades, retreats and conventions. How this contrasts with the demand of God for true repentance. (11 Cor. 7:10,11; Luke 18:9-14). Unfortunately, many people who profess to be born again “only believe”, without whole-hearted repentance from all sins. Salvation is obtainable only through contrition, confession and forsaking of all sins. Although, repentance is crucial to our forgiveness, the place of faith in the finished work of Christ cannot be underestimated. Repentance is necessary towards God, while saving faith must be exercised in the Lord Jesus Christ for genuine experience of regeneration. (Acts 20:21). Faith is the hand that lays hold on the promise of God. Except you consciously believe and rest on the merit of the work of Christ at Calvary; you will not be saved from sin. But, when this is done, the Spirit will bear witness with your Spirit, that you are a child of God. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and i will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). As Christ invites you, come now, repent and be saved.
Comments