In the sermon titled "The Hour is Come," Todd Nibert elucidates the profound significance of Christ's death, focusing on John 17:1 as the moment when Jesus acknowledges that His hour has come. The preacher argues that this "hour," pivotal to the creation of the universe, was ordained for His crucifixion, marking the ultimate fulfillment of God's eternal purpose. He emphasizes that Christ’s death should be viewed not as a defeat but as His greatest achievement, showcasing divine justice and love while fulfilling prophecy. Throughout the sermon, relevant Scripture references such as Philippians 3:9 and Romans 3:22-24 reinforce the concepts of righteousness by faith and the justification of the ungodly; this assurance is foundational for believers claiming their identity in Christ. The practical significance lies in understanding that Christ's sacrificial death offers salvation, reconciliation, and assurance to every believer, thus enabling them to stand boldly before God.
Key Quotes
“His death was his greatest achievement.”
“The death of Christ on the cross is his greatest achievement.”
“Every attribute of God is fully displayed in the death of Jesus Christ.”
“I need no other argument. I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died and that he died for me.”
The hour of Christ's death signifies the culmination of God's eternal purpose for redemption.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to 'the hour' of His death multiple times, indicating that this was the appointed time for His crucifixion and the fulfillment of divine prophecy. John 17:1 states, 'Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.' This hour represents the pivotal moment in which Jesus, the Lamb of God, would accomplish the salvation of His people through His sacrificial death. God's plan for redemption was established before the foundation of the world; thus, Christ's death was not an accident but a divinely orchestrated event essential for reconciling sinners to God.
John 17:1, Luke 9:31, Revelation 13:8
Christ's death was the greatest act of obedience to God's will, fulfilling the plan of salvation.
Philippians 2:8 tells us that Jesus 'humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross.' This obedience is significant as it demonstrates Christ's submission to the Father's will for redemption. His voluntary sacrifice was not forced upon Him; rather, He willingly endured the cross, knowing it was a part of God's eternal plan. His death represents not just obedience but the perfect fulfillment of the law and the payment for sin, as He took upon Himself the sins of His people and made atonement.
Philippians 2:8, Romans 5:19
The resurrection confirms Christ's victory over sin and death, securing salvation for believers.
The resurrection of Jesus is crucial for Christians because it validates His claims and the efficacy of His atoning work on the cross. As stated in 1 Corinthians 15:17, 'If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.' The resurrection not only proves that death could not hold Him but also signifies the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. Jesus' victory over death assures us of our own resurrection and the complete justification of sinners, as it affirms that God has accepted Christ's sacrifice as sufficient for the sins of His people.
1 Corinthians 15:17, Romans 4:25
This title emphasizes Christ's role as the preordained Savior for humanity's sin from the very beginning.
The designation of Christ as the 'Lamb slain from the foundation of the world' (Revelation 13:8) underscores the eternal nature of God's plan for salvation. Before the creation of the world, God had already determined that Christ would be the sacrifice for sin, which highlights His sovereignty in redemptive history. This means that the entirety of Scripture points to Christ's sacrificial death as the central theme. The foreknowledge and purpose of God establish that the plan of salvation was not an afterthought but the very reason for creation itself, showcasing God's immense love and grace toward His elect.
Revelation 13:8, Ephesians 1:4
Christ's death upholds God's justice by bearing the full penalty for sin on behalf of His people.
The death of Christ is a profound demonstration of God's justice because it reveals how sin must be judged while simultaneously allowing for grace. Romans 3:26 states that God 'demonstrates his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.' When Christ was crucified, He bore the sins of His people and faced the wrath of God as their substitute, satisfying the demands of justice. This allows God to remain just while justifying the ungodly, highlighting the depths of His mercy and ensuring that sin does not go unpunished.
Romans 3:26, 2 Corinthians 5:21
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