A Debt Paid In Full

"The cross was two pieces of dead wood; and a helpless, unresisting Man was nailed to it; yet it was mightier than the world, and triumphed, and will ever triumph over it."  - Augustus William Hare

Good Friday is an essential day of the year for Christians. It brings to the forefront what is believed to be the most  impactful weekend in world history. This day sets into motion the decisive turning point for all creation. The apostle Paul in (1 Corinthians 15:3) considered it to be "of first importance" because of what was promised in Scripture.

On this particular day, we recall that Jesus, of his own free-will, suffered and died by crucifixion on cross for our sins. It was the ultimate sacrifice (1 John 1:10). There was no other way around this. He had to take on our sins, have the wrath of God poured on Him, and become the perfect sacrificial substitute in order for us to recevie forgiveness and salvation.

In his book, The Life of Christ, 19th century cleric Frederick Farrar described a crucifixion in this way:

   "A death by crucifixion seems to include all that pain and death can have of the horrible and ghastly - dizziness, cramps, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, shame, publicity of shame, long continuance of torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of intended wounds-all intensified just up to the point at which they can be endured at all, but all stopping just short of the point which would give to the sufferer the relief of unconsciousness.
   The unnatural position made every movement painful; the lacerated veins and crushed tendons throbbed with incessant anguish; the wounds, inflamed by exposure, gradually gangrened [when a victim took several days to die]; the arteries-especially at the head and stomach-became swollen and oppressed with surcharged blood, and while each variety of misery went on gradually increasing, there was added to them the intolerable pang of a burning and raging thirst, and all these physical complications caused an internal excitement and anxiety, which made the prospect of death itself-of death, the unknown enemy, at whose approach man usually shudders most-bear the aspect of a delicious and exquisite release.
   One thing is clear. The first century executions were not like the modern ones, for they did not seek a quick, painless death nor the preservation of any measure of dignity for the criminal. On the contrary, they sought an agonizing torture which completely humiliated him. And it is important that we understand this, for it helps us realize the agony of Christ’s death." (Vol. 2 [New York: E. P. Dutton, 1877], pp. 403–4) MacArthur, J. (1989). Matthew (257). Chicago: Moody Press.

Interestingly, the writers of the four Gospels wrote about the crucifixion, but without any details of the actual event. And, though the Bible doesn't provide much in specifics, it does call attention to the importance of Jesus' crucifixion on the cross of Calvary. Without a doubt, it was a very significant occurrence. The cross is the focal point of all history.

The penalty of sin had been paid in full. The account was now closed. Sinners, that is you and I, could be saved. By the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a clear path to God was opened; a path that will never be closed. By that loving act, everyone who comes to Him by faith, who trusts in His death and resurrection as their way to salvation; will be eternally saved by His grace.

Dear friends, we are the recipients of divine forgiveness, mercy, and peace because of His willingness to step up and receive the divine punishment that should have been ours. Jesus faced the cross on Good Friday totally aware that it led to his resurrection. and our salvation. It marked the triumph over sin and Satan for all who believe. It also marked the beginning of God's sovereignty of righteousness and peace.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this; While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  (Romans 5:8)

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24; Mark 9:31; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Matthew 27:46

Prayer:  Dear Lord, You died for the world, You died for me; You went to Your death with the sins of the world on Your shoulders; knowing there was no other way. It was an act of love, that only You could do. And, I thank you for that. Amen

May God bless you always,

Dakota