Soteriology 101: Understanding the Works of Christ (Part 4)

Introduction

In our last session, we delved into the concept of substitutionary atonement, addressing why Christ had to die for God to forgive us, why humanity cannot atone for its own sins, and what qualifies Christ to be the one who dies for the sins of the world. We defined atonement as the cleansing of sin through the blood of a sacrificed offering, restoring what sin had corrupted. Importantly, we established that Christ’s substitutionary atonement is a perfect expression of God’s righteousness, which balances both judgment and mercy. We traced this theme of atonement back to the Old Testament, understanding its temporary nature in comparison to the permanent work of Christ (Hebrews 10:1-4).

In this article, our focus shifts toward the cross and how Christ’s death fulfilled the work of atonement, making us right with God. We will explore the significance of the cross and what was accomplished in Christ’s death.

Christ’s Death

Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently predicted His death. He spoke both plainly and through parables about the necessity and nature of His sacrificial death. For example, in Matthew 16:21-23, Mark 8:31-33, and Luke 9:21-22, Jesus told His disciples that He would be killed but rise again on the third day. He explained why His death was essential—to atone for the sins of humanity.

Christ’s death was not just inevitable because of sin; it was part of a divine plan. However, His death would not be ordinary—it would be a crucifixion, a death reserved for the worst criminals. The crucifixion itself was part of the plan, carrying profound meaning and fulfilling prophecy.

The Cross

Since Christ’s death, the cross has become a widely recognized symbol, often worn as jewelry, placed in homes, or displayed in various contexts, even in burial grounds. For many, it is a sign of protection, faith, or reverence.

But we must remember: the cross is not merely a piece of jewelry or a good-luck charm. It is a symbol of suffering, agony, and death. As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 26:38, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” The cross is the ultimate expression of Christ’s sacrificial love, where He endured immense suffering to redeem humanity.

More importantly, the cross is where justice and mercy met. On the cross, Christ bore the punishment for the sins of the world, offering redemption to all who would believe in Him. It stands as the definitive symbol of salvation, victory over death, and the hope of eternal life.

What Happened on the Cross?

The cross was the moment when the most important work of salvation took place. Let’s break down three key aspects of what happened on the cross:

1. Propitiation

The concept of propitiation means “a sacrifice that bears God’s wrath to the end and makes us acceptable to God.” Romans 3:25 tells us that God put forward Christ as a “propitiation” by His blood. On the cross, Jesus became the object of God’s wrath against sin. As He hung there, bearing the guilt of all humanity, the full force of divine justice was unleashed upon Him. Hebrews 2:17 and 1 John 2:2 describe how Christ’s sacrifice appeased God’s righteous anger against sin, allowing us to be reconciled with Him.

2. The Power of Sin Was Destroyed

One of the most crucial events that took place on the cross was the destruction of the power of sin. Romans 6:6-7 explains that, through Christ’s death, the “old self” was crucified so that we would no longer be slaves to sin. Sin’s grip on humanity, passed down from Adam, was broken on the cross. The crucifixion was not only about paying for individual sins but also about breaking the inherited corruption that plagues humanity. Galatians 5:24, 6:14, and Romans 8:3 confirm that Christ’s sacrifice rendered sin powerless, freeing believers from its enslaving power.

3. Redemption

Redemption means being bought back or freed from bondage. Ephesians 1:7, Titus 2:14, and 1 Corinthians 1:30 tell us that humanity was under the bondage of sin and death, held captive to these forces. Redemption requires that a ransom be paid. But to whom was this ransom paid? It is important to recognize that God the Father is the one whom humanity has offended through sin, and therefore, He is the one to whom the ransom is paid. Christ’s death satisfied the justice of God, paid the price of sin, and set us free from the bondage of death and Satan (Mark 10:45, 1 John 5:19).

The cross, therefore, represents far more than just a historical event. It was the moment of ultimate spiritual victory where Christ, through His suffering, paid the ransom for our souls and freed us from the eternal consequences of sin.

Conclusion

The cross of Christ is the ultimate expression of suffering, pain, and redemption. It represents the unimaginable price that was paid to free us from the power of sin and death. As believers, we must allow the cross to have its full effect in our lives. The cross is not just a historical symbol but a transformative reality that shapes our daily walk with God.

Moreover, the cross is also a symbol of discipleship. Jesus calls all who follow Him to “take up their cross” daily (Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24). This means embracing self-denial, enduring hardship, and remaining faithful, even in the face of persecution. To carry our cross daily means to align our lives with the path of Christ—living in the reality of both His suffering and the victory He secured through His death and resurrection.

In essence, the cross is an invitation to participate in Christ’s sufferings while living out the victory He achieved for us. It is not just a reminder of what has been done but also a call to live out the redemption and transformation we have received through His sacrifice.