What does "delivered over to death for our trespasses" mean for believers today? The Phrase That Anchors Our Hope “ ‘He was delivered over to death for our trespasses …’ ” (Romans 4:25). Those ten words capture the heart of the gospel: • “He” – Jesus, the sinless Son of God. • “was delivered over” – handed up, surrendered, given into hostile hands. • “to death” – the cross, literal physical death. • “for our trespasses” – because of, on account of, in place of our sins. Delivered Over—Not Defeated, but Purposed • Acts 2:23 declares Jesus was “delivered up by the deliberate plan and foreknowledge of God.” His arrest and crucifixion were not accidents; they fulfilled divine design. • “Delivered” (Greek paradidōmi) often describes a judicial hand-over (e.g., Mark 15:15). The Judge of all willingly allowed Himself to be treated as the guilty one. • Isaiah 53:10 echoes the same thought: “Yet it pleased the LORD to crush Him.” Our Trespasses—The Real Offense • “Trespass” (paraptōma) pictures stepping off the path, crossing a forbidden line. Every time we sin, we rebel against God’s holiness (Romans 3:23). • Ephesians 2:1–5 reminds us we were “dead in our trespasses.” Jesus took that death upon Himself. Why Death Was Necessary • God’s justice demands payment: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). • Hebrews 9:22: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” Jesus bore our penalty so God could remain just while justifying the sinner. What This Means for Believers Today • Absolute assurance of forgiveness – Colossians 2:13-14: our record of debt is canceled. – We no longer fear condemnation (Romans 8:1). • Freedom from the power of sin – Romans 6:6-7: the old self was crucified with Him; we’re no longer slaves to sin. – Galatians 2:20: we live by faith in the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. • A new identity – We are reconciled children, not estranged offenders (Romans 5:10). – Our worth is anchored in Christ’s sacrifice, not personal performance. • Motivation for daily obedience – 1 Peter 2:24: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” His death fuels our pursuit of holiness. • Confidence in suffering – Romans 8:32: “He who did not spare His own Son … how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” If God gave His Son for our trespasses, He will sustain us through every trial. Living in the Light of the Cross Because Jesus was delivered over to death for our trespasses: • We rest—our debt is paid. • We rise—empowered to walk in newness of life. • We rejoice—nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). |
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