Three Questions About The Death Of Christ Answered

Isaiah 53:10

 

     Knowing that crucifixion was the most painful, shameful, ignominious form of execution ever devised by barbaric men,knowing that it was such a repugnant thing that no Roman citizen could be crucified under Roman law (only slaves and foreigners), and knowing that the Lord Jesus Christ died 2000 years ago by Roman crucifixion outside the gates of Jerusalem, three questions beg to be answered. They are questions that were specifically answered by the prophet Isaiah hundreds of years before the Son of God came into the world.

     1. HOW DID THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, COME TO DIE SUCH A DEATH? Isaiah says, "It pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief." Christ died at Calvary,according to the sovereign will,eternal purpose, and everlasting good pleasure of God Almighty because of the love of the Triune God for his covenant people (I Pet.1:18-21;Rev.13:8;Acts 2:23;4:27-28; Rom. 5:8; I John 3:16; 4:9-10). Yet our Divine Mediator voluntarily laid down his life for us, as our Substitute (Psa.40:6-7;John 10:17).Christ did not die as an afterthought because the Jews would not accept him as king! He died because he purposed to die in eternity and came into this world to accomplish death at Jerusalem!

     2. WHY DID THE LORD OF GLORY ENDURE THE DEATH OF THE CROSS FOR US? The Lord God made his soul "an offering for sin". First, that he might bear the curse of the law in his death (Deut. 21:22-23; Gal. 3:13). Second, that he might fulfil all the Old Testament types, being lifted up to God as our sin-offering (Num. 19:9; John 3:14). Third, that he might fulfil the Old Testament prophecies regarding his death (Psa. 22:16-17; Zech. 12:10). Fourth, that he might enable the Lord God to be just and the Justifier of his people (Psa. 85:10; Prov. 16:7; Isa. 45:20; Rom. 3:24-26).

     3. WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF CHRIST'S DEATH? "He shall see his seed," everyone of them justified, regenerated, sanctified, and glorified. "He shall prolong his days." That is to say, He shall rise from the dead, being "justified in the Spirit," for the justification of his people. "And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand." The crucified, risen, exalted, sovereign Christ shall accomplish all the purpose of God (John 17:2; Rom. 8:28-30).

 

Don Fortner