Questions Answered in This Article
What does the Bible say about the finished work of Jesus?
The Bible declares that Jesus' work on the cross is finished, providing eternal salvation for those who obey Him.
Understanding this doctrine is crucial for Christians as it emphasizes that salvation is not based on human effort but on Christ's completed work. The implications of this truth are profound, transforming how believers relate to God. It emphasizes grace alone (Solus Gratia) and ensures that acceptance with God is not contingent upon personal merit but upon the sacrifice of Christ, assuring us of peace and reconciliation with the Father.
What does the Bible say about the finished work of Jesus?
The finished work of Jesus signifies His complete atonement for sin, fulfilling the requirements for salvation.
The proclamation that 'It is finished' serves not only as a declaration of completion but also as a profound assurance for believers. This truth emphasizes that no further sacrifice is needed and affirms the sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work. For Christians, understanding the finished work of Christ is essential as it brings peace and certainty in their faith, underscoring that salvation is entirely dependent on Him and His grace alone, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9.
Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 5:9, Ephesians 2:8-9
How do we know salvation through Christ is true?
Salvation through Christ is affirmed by scripture and the fulfillment of God's promises throughout salvation history.
Additionally, the transformative impact of embracing this salvation provides experiential evidence. Testimonies of changed lives reflect the power of the Gospel and align with the biblical proclamation of Christ's work. The historical resurrection of Jesus confirms that death has been defeated and verifies His promise of eternal life for all who believe. Therefore, we have both a theological and experiential assurance that the doctrine of salvation through Christ is true and reliable.
How do we know the doctrine of salvation is true?
The doctrine of salvation is affirmed through Scripture and the historical resurrection of Christ.
Moreover, salvation is rooted in the grace of God, demonstrated through Jesus' atoning death on the cross. Romans 8:28-30 describes God’s sovereign purpose in salvation, showing that those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. Thus, the doctrine stands firm as it is intertwined with God's redemptive plan, which reveals His love and desire for humanity to be reconciled to Him, which is everlasting and cannot be altered by human effort.
Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Romans 8:28-30
Why is the doctrine of Christ crucified important for Christians?
The doctrine of Christ crucified is vital as it underpins the Christian faith, demonstrating God's love and the means of redemption.
Moreover, acknowledging Christ's crucifixion helps believers appreciate the totality of their redemption. It assures them that all sin has been dealt with at the cross and that no other action is necessary for acceptance by God. This doctrine fosters a response of gratitude and obedience in Christians as they live out their faith, knowing that their salvation is secure because it is predicated on Christ's finished work rather than their own efforts. Thus, it is a truth that shapes our understanding of grace and our daily walk with God.
Why is the atonement of Christ important for Christians?
The atonement of Christ is vital because it provides the means for reconciliation between God and humanity.
Moreover, the atonement assures believers of their acceptance before God as it is through faith in Christ’s finished work that they are justified (Romans 5:1). This justification leads to a profound transformation of the believer’s life. Understanding the importance of the atonement cultivates a heart of gratitude and love for Christ among Christians, prompting them to share the good news of His salvation with others, as it is the only way for others to experience reconciliation with God.
Isaiah 53:5, Romans 5:1
"It is finished!" Go, ye heralds of salvation, into all the world and proclaim the joyful tidings! Cry aloud and spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet and publish to all men that the work of the cross is finished, that the great Mediator, "made perfect through sufferings," has become "the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him;" "is of God made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption!" Go, teach the de-graded Pagan, the deluded Mohammedan, and the super-stitious Papist that the finished work of Jesus is the only way of acceptance with God. Go, tell the polished scholar, the profound philosopher, and the vaunting moralist that the doctrine of Christ crucified is the only knowledge that can save the soul! Go, say to the proud skeptic, the bold blasphemer, and the polluted libertine, "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world!" Preach it to the gasping sinner upon his death-bed and to the sullen murderer in his cell! Let it ring in every human ear and thrill in every human heart, till the gladness of earth shall be the counterpart of heaven!
"It is finished!" The word smote on the walls of the celestial city and thrilled the hosts of heaven with ecstasy unspeakable. How must "the spirits of just men made perfect" have leaped with joy to hear that the Captain of their salvation was victorious over all His enemies and that the work He had engaged to do for them and their brethren was completed! And with what wonder and delight must the holy angels have witnessed the triumph of Him, whom they were commanded to worship, over the powers of darkness!
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