I’m thinking today of a song called, “Cross of Gold” by Michael W. Smith. It was on his Change Your World CD that came out in 1992. It’s one of my favorite songs of all time, both from a lyrical standpoint and a musical standpoint. I think, though, what I love most about it is that it compels me to think about the cross in a different light.
What does the cross mean to you? I know it’s a popular jewelry theme for Christians and non-Christians alike. From the Pope to death metal rock stars, many millions have worn the cross around their necks for centuries for various reasons. Even Christians, I’ve found, have different reasons for admiring the cross and using it as a symbol of their faith. More often than not, the cross seems to be afterthought to many in the Christian religion; a symbol of a 2000 year bygone event that ’saved mankind from it’s collective sin.’
To me, the cross is not merely a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice ‘for’ my sin. Though that IS a part of it, I am compelled to ask a deeper question: What actually happened on the cross that day? What did Jesus actually ACCOMPLISH at Calvary? Was anyone saved at Calvary? Was there a specific ransom paid; a specific substitution? Or was there a slight chance that no one would believe and his death would have been in vain?
The Bible teaches that Christ atoned for the sins of those who believe. His sacrifice was a “…ransom for many.” This means there was a specific price paid for a specific thing; namely: the church…those who would believe. (John 3:16, 18, 36) Jesus’ blood purchased in full and forever those who would believe. This is called ‘limited’ or ‘particular’ atonement.
I was always taught that ‘Jesus died for every man, woman, boy and girl to ever walk the planet.’ And while that sounds great, tickles our ears and preaches very well, scripture is clear that the scope of the atonement was limited to only those who would believe. Jesus’ atoning death is either limited in its scope or limited in its power, for all are not saved.
If, as some say, Jesus died in everyone’s place (substituted his body for ours on the tree), then by default everyone’s sins are covered and everyone is saved. Why, then, do people still go to hell? Why do people still die in their sins? Was Jesus’ blood not powerful enough for everyone? Or did it save everyone it intended to save?
So, I pose a multiple choice:
a. Jesus’ death was not substitutionary, therefore, He merely made a way to Heaven for all who want to go. Good luck!
b. Jesus’ death was substitutionary, however, one can ‘opt out’ by his own choices, overriding God’s decision to save him, thus rendering Christ’s blood impotent in that person’s life. Get lost!
c. Jesus’ death was substitutionary; His blood, intended for His church, saves fully and forever, without exception, those who are appointed to eternal life from the foundation of the world. Glory to God alone!
Based on what I read in scripture, the correct choice is… C!
In John 10:13, 15, Jesus twice says, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”. The sheep were previously described as those who hear His voice and follow after him and He gives them eternal life. Jesus goes on in verse 26, speaking to naysayers: “…but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock.“ Notice the cause and effect in Jesus’ words: The reason for their unbelief is because they are not His sheep, not the other way around.
Another passage that supports particular atonement is Ephesians 5:25 where Paul writes, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” If choices A and B above are true, how would this verse make any sense? It might be written something like this: “Husbands, love your wives [and everyone else that's not your wife], just as Christ loved the church [and everyone outside the church] and gave himself for [all.]“
The awesome news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that all who desire to be saved will be saved. Jesus says in John 6:44 that, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” If the Father draws, the desire will be there and when that happens, Paul says, “… everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13)
I thank God today for the Christ’s work on the Cross. Therein lies the love story of the ages: Christ’s atonement of His bride, the church; His ransom of many! This is what the cross means to me!
Solo Christo,
David
February 13, 2008 at 11:40 am
Ah, but what about:
d. Jesus’ death was substitutionary… but we must accept his sacrifice on our behalf?
I always thought of it like a present. We need to accept Christ’s work on the cross in the same way I can accept or reject a gift freely given to me.
Now we can debate about whether the Holy Spirit is required for us to realize the depravity of our condition without Christ..
but I’m not going there.
So I’d argue that what you were taught as a child: ‘Jesus died for every man, woman, boy and girl to ever walk the planet.’ is true. It doesn’t just require belief, as you suggest above, but also acceptance of the gift of salvation.
Accepting our fallen state and Christ’s redemptive work forces us to acknowledge Christ as Lord of our life. When he’s Lord, His will be done in our life.
That’s the hard part.
February 13, 2008 at 1:20 pm
Ok, so you tossed me a softball. This is what actually got out of your “correct answer”
C. Jesus’ death was substitutionary, His blood, intended for His own clique, or country club, wherein you don’t have a choice whether to belong or not, and don’t bother trying to join if you don’t have a pass from the big guy. Is exclusive, only if you are “in the club”, and are condemned to the club, no way to join, no way to leave, ever. No backsliding? Sinning? Don’t worry, cause you’re in the club.
February 13, 2008 at 1:54 pm
“The Club” being the safety of the Father’s hand as mentioned by Christ in John 10…condemned? I’d also add that if you have a desire to ‘try to join’, you’re already in. This is the beauty of the Cross laid out clearly in scripture.
February 13, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I am always amazed that most “christians” rely on what was taught to them instead of seeking what the Bible truly teaches.
I know I relied on what was taught to me for many many years and through most of my adult life – yet, I’m finding as I truly seek his authority on scripture, I’m finding more and more than man is faulty, but God’s word is accurate.
February 24, 2008 at 10:55 pm
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January 21, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Dear David Jordan’s Mind,
The presumptive idea that the crucifixion of Jesus is the sacrifice of a man in place of you might have half a chance to fly if it were not for the fact that his life was taken by bloodshed. For there is no case of any man’s life taken by bloodshed justified or not which does nor result in the residual requirement of having to give God an account. Gen. 9:5 NIV. But it is only by the crucifixion of Jesus in regard to the fact that his life was lost by bloodshed that has perfected the Way for God to demand an accounting from each man. Therefore the Lord’s command given through the apostles at Pentecost can only be obeyed by the faith of confessing directly to God that you are sorry Jesus was crucified and be baptized into this Way for the forgiveness of all sins.
“For it is not those who hear the law that are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” Those who elect not to obey His command this Way are limited to not escaping from eternal death but his sheep knowing his voice follow Him and it is they who use this small narrow gate.
March 13, 2009 at 10:53 am
Teddy,
Read Hebrews 9, my friend. In short, “without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.” It’s biblical. Forget what you know or think you know about ‘bloodshed’ in a human sense. Yes, you could say, “killing is wrong” and in a general sense, it is. But God set it up so that shedding blood ‘washed away’ sin or ‘covered’ the sins of His people. From the beginning of scripture, we see that shedding blood covers sin. This is to be distinguished from murder, of course.
So when Christ came, he did away with the old law and became the substitutionary sacrifice for our sin by shedding his blood for us. His blood covers the ones he intended to save. Plain and simple.
Hebrews 9. Give it a whirl. Then follow it up with Leviticus chapters 7, 16 and 22. Why would any of this ritual stuff be included in scripture if not to set up a system by which we can be saved in the end? The earthly law was imperfect, but Christ was the perfect fulfillment of the law (Matt. 5:17).
March 26, 2009 at 11:01 am
Amen to that!!!
May 26, 2009 at 8:52 am
RE. “Why would any of this ritual stuff be included in scripture?”
To eliminate all former systems than the small narrow gate system of faith Jesus did perfect by his crucifixion. After all didn’t he say “Do not think I have come to abolish the law”, but you say the opposite. Perhaps, but I doubt it, a student has become greater than his teacher. Preceding Heb. 9 is Heb. 7, isn’t this true? And doesn’t Heb. 7:12 state that a change has been made to the law of God or did you overlook this fact? And as you admit the sin of murder by bloodshed is the distinction you make to disqualify you own system. What is Stephen’s statement in Acts 7 “murdered him” referencing?
Yes I have given your system a whirl right out the window, that is. Maybe you have also failed to note that it is only a few who ever find, locate, the small narrow gate that Jesus has perfected by his crucifixion. Regarding the great crowd advocating your system, doesn’t this fact exceed only a few?
I do not expect to convince you that your system is an error. But when you get to the other side I am convinced that you will not be able to argue that you have not been told that your system is an error.
By the way regarding the fact that I am a great grand father more than once respect of your elder is a mandated Christian practice for a Christian, that is.
August 14, 2009 at 5:39 am
hey,
i was always taught that jesus died for our send but i hve found that it is harder for people that grew up with christ to stay with christ… ive met many preachers kids that were spoiled and ive met many other people that are.. but whenever i get on a low i read my bible (usually in john) and i pray a prayer i didnt know i could pray.. but im glad jesus always comes back