The Face of Christ   Painting by Peter Howson
used by kind permission of the artist

The Enigma Of The Cross

Read ISAIAH 53:1-12 and EPHESIANS 1:3-10 and then the account of Jesus' crucifixion in LUKE 23:13-49 and JOHN 19:1-31, or watch the DVD of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

We will never fully understand the meaning of Christ's death on the Cross at Calvary until we see him face to face in heaven in all his glory.

The Cross contains the mystery of God's plan to redeem a fallen universe from the effects of Adam and Eve's rebellion against God's instructions. It's a mystery, Paul says, was hinted at by the prophets centuries before Jesus was born, but only revealed by his resurrection from the dead and ascension back to heaven.

The Crucifixion of Christ Was Not An Accident  ACTS 2:22-24

In his speech to the crowd in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, when people saw the apostles being baptised by the Holy Spirit, Peter explained that this was a direct result of Jesus' death and resurrection. He emphasised Jesus' death on the Cross was not an accident, but all part of God's plan for saving people from God's righteous judgement and an eternity in hell.

The Cross: Man's Sin, God's Righteousness & Satan's Downfall

In JOHN 16:8-11 Jesus says that when the Holy Spirit comes, he will convict people of sin, righteousness and judgement.

A. MAN'S SIN because they do not believe in Jesus as Saviour and LORD

B. GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS because Jesus is the way to get right with God

C. SATAN'S DOWNFALL because at the Cross Jesus defeated sin, death and satan

Jesus' death and resurrection are the way God fulfilled that promise.

To watch a video on WHY DID JESUS HAVE TO DIE? Click HERE.