Study 5
“Then He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?”
(Luke 24:25-26)
Introduction
If there was another way to save sinners then God would have made use of it, but, in the divine plan to atone for sin, there was no other way possible. The only remedy for the sin problem was the shedding of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. He would have to die in the sinner’s place and take upon Himself the sin of the world and the wrath of God.
God did not have to do it
Just because man was lost in sin does not mean that God was obliged to save him. He did not have to send His only begotten Son to be the propitiation for sin (John 3:16). When the angels sinned God damned them to imprisonment to await their final judgement (2 Peter 2:4). If we had been utterly forsaken by God He would have acted in absolute and perfect justice.
The mercy of God
When divine justice and love meet there is an explosion of mercy. While justice demands that the sinner pay the price in full, though it is impossible to do so, mercy creates a way to free him from the debt. This deliverance and mercy is revealed in Christ.
As He prayed about the events of the coming day, Jesus said to His Father, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39.) We find two important truths here. Firstly, there was no other way that could possibly atone for man’s sin, and secondly, it was God’s will that His Son pay the price as the Lamb of God. His death on Calvary was the only possible means of salvation (Acts 4:12).
In our opening text it is clear that Jesus’ death on the cross was absolutely necessary if man was to be redeemed. This He proved through a multitude of Scriptures (Luke
24:27).
One like us
The atoning power of the blood of Jesus Christ was God’s way both to maintain His justice and save the sinner. This deliverance comes not through good works but by faith (Romans 3:26-28; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Only Christ could accomplish this act of mercy. It is impossible for man to atone for his own sin, and animal sacrifices are insufficient. Though animals are innocent of sin, they do not understand the reason for their suffering on man’s behalf. Hebrews 10:4 plainly states, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins” A better sacrifice was required; one which could fully meet man’s need. The Lord Jesus became like us so that He could take our place in every way … “Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto his brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17-18).
Conclusion
Simply put, there is no possible means of salvation but through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Those who seek another way, or present such to sinners, dishonour the Lord who paid the highest price to redeem them. There is no other way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Page created 13 October 2005