Topical Encyclopedia
The theme of Christ being forsaken by God is a profound and poignant aspect of biblical prophecy, reflecting the depth of His suffering and the fulfillment of Old Testament predictions. This concept is primarily encapsulated in the prophetic
Psalm 22, which vividly anticipates the Messiah's anguish and abandonment.
Psalm 22:1 The prophecy begins with the haunting words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (
Psalm 22:1). This cry of desolation is echoed by Jesus on the cross, as recorded in the Gospels, signifying the fulfillment of this prophecy. The psalm, attributed to David, is a messianic foreshadowing of the suffering servant, capturing the depth of Christ's isolation and the weight of sin He bore on behalf of humanity.
Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 In the New Testament, the fulfillment of this prophecy is explicitly recorded in the accounts of Matthew and Mark. As Jesus hangs on the cross, He cries out, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (
Matthew 27:46;
Mark 15:34). This moment underscores the reality of Christ's separation from the Father, a necessary part of His redemptive work, as He takes upon Himself the sins of the world.
Theological Significance The forsaking of Christ by God is not merely a moment of personal despair but a profound theological event. It signifies the turning away of God's face as Jesus becomes the sin-bearer, experiencing the full wrath and judgment that sin incurs. This abandonment is a critical component of the atonement, highlighting the gravity of sin and the extent of Christ's sacrifice.
Isaiah 53:4-5 The prophecy of Isaiah further illuminates this theme, describing the suffering servant who is "pierced for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities" (
Isaiah 53:5). Though not explicitly mentioning forsakenness, the passage conveys the depth of Christ's suffering and the divine purpose behind it. The servant's affliction and the resulting peace and healing for humanity underscore the redemptive plan of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Corinthians, encapsulates the theological essence of this forsakenness: "God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (
2 Corinthians 5:21). This exchange, where Christ is momentarily forsaken, results in the reconciliation of humanity to God, fulfilling the prophetic vision of the suffering Messiah.
Conclusion The prophecy of Christ being forsaken by God is a central element of the messianic narrative, revealing the depth of His sacrificial love and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Through His temporary abandonment, believers gain eternal reconciliation and the assurance of God's unwavering presence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 22:1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Community in Certain Points of Marcionite and Jewish Error ...
... Points of Marcionite and Jewish Error Prophecies of Christ's ... men should be in error
respecting Him"that is ... Spirit"that is to say, His Christ"was despised ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter vi community in certain points.htm
Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... all that the prophets have declared respecting Christ and the ... wicked spirit, pretend
to utter prophecies, while all ... that particular working of Christ which was ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm
It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ...
... Doubtless, there are many particulars respecting this and all ... Antichrist is posing
as the true Christ, and those ... frequently the case in the prophecies of Isaiah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/it is a ground for.htm
Interpretation of Prophecy.
... But to become absorbed in calculations beforehand respecting its dates is ... 21;
109:1-20), and which point to Christ as the chief subject of the prophecies. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm
The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... performed by him, and the prophecies fulfilled in ... pregnant with the deepest meaning
respecting the counsel ... Christ represents himself, moreover, as being not of ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm
Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... prove that the numerous legends and prophecies current in ... the forsaken multitude;
and this man is Christ. ... urges to write down her visions respecting the state ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm
Subject Index
... Isaiah, his prophecy respecting the virgin conceiving, vindicated against ... but Simon
of Cyrene in His stead, [1306 ... and Christ, proved from the writings of Paul ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm
The Council of Jerusalem.
... you the original passage in the prophecies of Amos. ... throw no light upon the question
respecting its duration ... was abrogated by the death of Christ, was gradually ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvi the council of.htm
The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is ...
... any hidden connexion in the prophecies where [the ... lie proceeds,) "stirs up another
question respecting the Interpretation ... Paul was in the person of Christ, . . ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/vii the essay which brings.htm
Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... records are of the greatest value, that its prophecies are to ... the atonement is the
value of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his flesh he can take man's place, and by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/exposition of the doctrines of.htm
Resources
Were Jacob's prophecies about his sons fulfilled? | GotQuestions.orgWhen were Obadiah's prophecies against Edom fulfilled (Obadiah 1:18-20)? | GotQuestions.orgWhere do the Hebrew Scriptures prophesy the death and resurrection of the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgProphecies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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Bible Thesuarus
