What significance does Jesus' death hold for our understanding of salvation? The Moment of Surrender “When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.” (Matthew 27:50) • This verse captures the exact instant the Son of God willingly let go of His earthly life. • Nothing was taken from Him; He “yielded” it—showing purposeful, voluntary sacrifice. • Salvation hinges on this decisive act: our rescue starts where Jesus ends His earthly breath. Why Death Was Necessary • Sin carries a legal penalty: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). • God’s righteous standard requires a blood payment: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). • Jesus steps in to satisfy that requirement perfectly and permanently. Substitutionary Sacrifice: He Took Our Place • Isaiah foresaw it: “He was pierced for our transgressions… by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). • Peter looks back on it: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). • Paul sums it up: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). • At the cross, our guilt is transferred to Him; His righteousness is credited to us. Paid in Full: The Debt Cancelled • “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished.’” (John 19:30) — the work required for redemption completed. • “He forgave us all our trespasses… He took it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-14) • Salvation is not an installment plan. The ledger of sin is wiped clean because the payment is complete. Access Restored: The Veil Torn Immediately after Matthew 27:50 comes verse 51: “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” • God tears the curtain, not man—showing that the barrier between humanity and His presence is removed. • We now “draw near with confidence” (Hebrews 10:19-20 context) because the new and living way is open. Once for All: Complete Salvation • “We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10) • The cross is not merely the start of salvation; it is its sure foundation and final guarantee. • Because He died once, we do not fear unfinished business with God. How This Shapes Our Understanding of Salvation Today • Confidence: The price is paid; nothing left for us to add. • Gratitude: His voluntary death reveals immeasurable love—“while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). • Freedom: Guilt and shame lose their grip; the record is erased. • Access: We approach God as reconciled children, not distant petitioners. • Hope: The One who yielded up His spirit also took it back in resurrection, securing eternal life for all who trust Him. |
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