Topical Encyclopedia
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ stands as the pivotal event in Christian theology, representing the culmination of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The crucifixion is central to the Christian faith, symbolizing the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins and the means by which believers are reconciled to God.
Biblical AccountThe crucifixion of Jesus is detailed in all four Gospels:
Matthew 27:32-56,
Mark 15:21-41,
Luke 23:26-49, and
John 19:17-37. Each account provides unique perspectives and details, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the event.
In
Matthew 27:35, it is written, "When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots." This act fulfilled the prophecy found in
Psalm 22:18, highlighting the scriptural significance of the event.
Mark 15:25 notes the time of the crucifixion: "It was the third hour when they crucified Him."
Luke 23:34 records Jesus' words from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." This statement exemplifies Christ's compassion and His role as an intercessor even in the midst of suffering.
John 19:30 captures Jesus' final declaration, "It is finished," signifying the completion of His redemptive work.
Theological SignificanceThe crucifixion is the cornerstone of Christian soteriology. According to
1 Corinthians 1:23-24, "we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." The cross is both a symbol of divine power and wisdom, revealing God's plan for salvation.
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of the crucifixion in
Galatians 2:20, stating, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This verse underscores the believer's identification with Christ's death, leading to a transformed life through faith.
Prophetic FulfillmentThe crucifixion fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies, affirming Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Isaiah 53:5 prophesies, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." This passage highlights the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice.
Psalm 22, often referred to as the "Psalm of the Cross," vividly describes the suffering of the Messiah, with verses such as
Psalm 22:16, "They pierced my hands and my feet," prefiguring the method of execution.
Redemptive PurposeThe crucifixion is the means by which redemption is accomplished.
Romans 5:8-9 declares, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" Through His death, Jesus provides justification and salvation for all who believe.
Ephesians 1:7 further explains, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." The crucifixion is the ultimate expression of God's grace, offering forgiveness and reconciliation.
Spiritual ImplicationsThe crucifixion calls believers to a life of discipleship and self-denial. In
Matthew 16:24, Jesus instructs, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." This call to take up one's cross signifies a willingness to endure suffering and sacrifice for the sake of Christ.
The crucifixion also serves as a model of humility and obedience.
Philippians 2:8 states, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's obedience unto death is an example for believers to emulate in their own lives.
ConclusionThe crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a profound and multifaceted event with deep theological, prophetic, and spiritual implications. It is the foundation of Christian faith, offering redemption, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life to all who believe.
Topical Bible Verses
Matthew 1:18Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Topicalbible.orgJohn 14:6
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.
Topicalbible.org
Galatians 3:1-29
O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Topicalbible.org
John 1:25
And they asked him, and said to him, Why baptize you then, if you be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
Topicalbible.org
John 1:21
And they asked him, What then? Are you Elias? And he said, I am not. Are you that prophet? And he answered, No.
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Greek
4716. stauros -- an upright stake, hence a cross (the Rom. ... ... Christ was
crucified on a literal Roman (4716 ). 4716 ("cross") is also used
for () to be a true follower-of-
Christ (Mt 10:38, 16:24, etc.).
... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4716.htm - 8k4717. stauroo -- to fence with stakes, to crucify
... 4717 -- to , literally used of the Romans crucifying Christ on a wooden cross. ... to
fence with stakes, to crucify NASB Word Usage crucified (29), crucifixion (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4717.htm - 8k
Library
Christ Crucified.
... Chapter XIX. Christ Crucified. ... The words of Christ are really words of compassion.
The prisoner to be crucified pities the judge that sends him to the cross! ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified.htm
Christ Crucified
... Christ Crucified. A Sermon (No.7-8). ... We do not want to hear that any more." Christ
crucified, is to the Jew"the ceremonialist"a stumblingblock. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/christ crucified.htm
Christ Crucified and Buried.
... Chapter XIX. Christ Crucified and Buried. 17. He went forth bearing his
cross. It was customary to make the condemned carry the ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified and buried.htm
Christ Crucified.
... SACRAMENTAL HYMNS. Hymn 54 CHRIST crucified. John Newton 8,8,8,8. CHRIST crucified.
When on the cross, my Lord I see. Bleeding to death, for wretched me; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 54 christ crucified.htm
Christ Crucified is an Offence and Foolishness to those who ...
... Book VI. Chapter XII. Christ crucified is an offence and foolishness to
those who declare that He was a mere man. The shock then ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xii christ crucified is.htm
Christ Crucified; the Wisdom and Power of God.
... Hymns. Book 3. Prepared for the Lord's Supper. Hymn 3:10. Christ crucified;
the wisdom and power of God. 1 Nature with open volume ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 3 10 christ crucified the.htm
Christ Crucified
... Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 15:21-32 CHRIST
CRUCIFIED. "And they compel one passing by, Simon of ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 15 21-32 christ crucified.htm
Christ Crucified, the Wisdom and Power of God.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 10 Christ crucified, the wisdom and power of God. LM Christ
crucified, the wisdom and power of God. Nature with open volume stands,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 10 christ crucified the.htm
Glorying in the Cross; Or, not Ashamed of Christ Crucified.
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 19 Glorying in the cross; or, Not ashamed of Christ crucified.
LM Glorying in the cross; or, Not ashamed of Christ crucified. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 19 glorying in the.htm
Moreover, the Promise of the Gospel is that Whosoever Believes in ...
... Second Head of Doctrine Article 5 Moreover, the promise of the gospel
is that whosoever believes in Christ crucified shall not? ...
/.../various/the canons of dordt/article 5 moreover the promise.htm
Resources
Is the Church of Christ a good biblical church? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a difference in meaning between Jesus Christ and Christ Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.orgChrist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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