Christ's Redemption: The Depth of the Cross

 

Summary

In Galatians 3:10-14, Paul speaks of the curse that falls upon those who rely on the works of the law, emphasizing that no one is justified by the law but by faith. Christ redeemed us from this curse by becoming a curse for us, allowing the blessing of Abraham to extend to the Gentiles. This profound truth invites us to reflect on the depth of the cross and the multifaceted nature of Christ's atonement. The cross is not a one-dimensional event; it is a tapestry woven with various threads, each representing different aspects of redemption, such as substitution, satisfaction of divine justice, and victory over evil.

The concept of a curse is often misunderstood in contemporary culture, where it is seen as superstitious. However, biblically, a curse is a serious divine pronouncement. From Genesis, where the serpent and the earth are cursed, to the covenant at Sinai, where blessings and curses are tied to obedience and disobedience, the idea of a curse is deeply rooted in Scripture. The New Testament reveals that Christ bore the curse for us, becoming the ultimate scapegoat, driven outside the camp, into the wilderness, symbolizing the removal of our sins.

The imagery of the Day of Atonement, with its blood sacrifices and the scapegoat, prefigures Christ's work on the cross. Propitiation and expiation are central to understanding the gospel. Propitiation involves satisfying God's justice, while expiation involves the removal of sin. Christ's crucifixion was a fulfillment of these, as He bore the full measure of the curse, experiencing the ultimate forsakenness by the Father.

This message challenges the modern notion of God's unconditional love, which can lead to complacency in sin. Instead, it emphasizes the necessity of fleeing to the cross, where Christ took the curse upon Himself. The reality is stark: without Christ, we remain under God's curse. This truth should drive us to preach the gospel with clarity and urgency, for it is the only hope we have.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Curse of the Law: The law brings a curse upon those who rely on it for justification, as no one can perfectly obey it. Christ redeemed us by becoming a curse for us, highlighting the necessity of faith over works. This profound exchange underscores the depth of God's grace and the futility of self-reliance. [00:51]

2. Multifaceted Atonement: The cross is a complex tapestry of redemption, involving substitution, satisfaction of divine justice, and victory over evil. Each aspect reveals a different dimension of God's redemptive plan, inviting us to explore the richness of Christ's sacrifice. [05:50]

3. Understanding the Curse: In biblical terms, a curse is a serious divine pronouncement, not a superstition. From Genesis to the New Testament, curses are tied to disobedience, while blessings follow obedience. Christ's atonement involved bearing the curse, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the depth of His sacrifice. [11:32]

4. Propitiation and Expiation: These two concepts are central to the gospel. Propitiation involves satisfying God's justice, while expiation involves the removal of sin. Christ's work on the cross fulfilled both, offering us reconciliation with God and the removal of our sins. [38:01]

5. The Necessity of the Cross: The modern notion of God's unconditional love can lead to complacency in sin. The reality is that without Christ, we remain under God's curse. This truth should drive us to preach the gospel with clarity and urgency, for it is the only hope we have. [52:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:51] - Reading from Galatians
- [01:50] - Prayer for Illumination
- [03:38] - The Depth of the Cross
- [05:50] - Multifaceted Atonement
- [07:44] - Substitution and Redemption
- [08:41] - The Curse in Modern Context
- [11:32] - Biblical Understanding of Curse
- [13:28] - Blessings and Curses in Deuteronomy
- [16:29] - Joy to the World and the Curse
- [17:20] - Exploring God's Curse
- [18:36] - The Oracle of the Prophets
- [20:34] - Oracles of Weal and Woe
- [24:01] - God's Judgment and Blessing
- [28:12] - The Hebrew Benediction
- [35:03] - The Supreme Malediction
- [38:01] - Propitiation and Expiation
- [43:00] - Christ Becomes the Curse
- [49:03] - The Darkness of the Cross
- [52:38] - The Necessity of the Cross
- [56:54] - Final Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Galatians 3:10-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse"? How does this relate to the idea of justification by faith? [00:51]

2. How does the sermon describe the multifaceted nature of the cross? What are some of the different aspects of redemption mentioned? [05:50]

3. In what ways does the sermon explain the biblical concept of a curse, and how is it different from contemporary understandings? [11:32]

4. What are the roles of propitiation and expiation in the context of Christ's atonement, as explained in the sermon? [38:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon challenge the modern notion of God's unconditional love, and what implications does this have for understanding sin and grace? [52:38]

2. What is the significance of Christ becoming a curse for us, and how does this fulfill the requirements of the law? [43:00]

3. How does the imagery of the Day of Atonement help us understand the depth of Christ's sacrifice on the cross? [36:10]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the cross is a "tapestry woven with various threads"? How does this enrich our understanding of redemption? [06:41]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of God's love. How does the sermon challenge or affirm your beliefs about God's love and justice? [52:38]

2. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of fleeing to the cross. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your faith is centered on Christ's sacrifice rather than your own works? [54:07]

3. Consider the concept of a curse as a serious divine pronouncement. How does this understanding affect your view of sin and its consequences in your life? [11:32]

4. The sermon discusses the importance of preaching the gospel with clarity and urgency. How can you incorporate this urgency into your conversations with others about faith? [54:07]

5. How does the multifaceted nature of the cross inspire you to explore different dimensions of your faith? What specific aspect of Christ's atonement would you like to understand more deeply? [06:41]

6. Reflect on the idea of Christ as the ultimate scapegoat. How does this imagery impact your understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation with God? [40:39]

7. The sermon mentions the danger of complacency in sin. What are some areas in your life where you might be complacent, and how can you address them? [52:38]

Devotional

Day 1: The Curse of the Law and Faith's Redemption
The law, as described in Galatians 3:10-14, brings a curse upon those who rely on it for justification because no one can perfectly obey it. This curse is a divine pronouncement that highlights the futility of self-reliance and the necessity of faith. Christ redeemed us by becoming a curse for us, allowing the blessing of Abraham to extend to the Gentiles. This profound exchange underscores the depth of God's grace and invites us to reflect on the significance of faith over works. The law's curse is not merely a historical or theological concept but a present reality that Christ has overcome through His sacrifice. [00:51]

Galatians 3:13-14 (ESV): "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree'—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts rather than faith in Christ's redemptive work? How can you shift your focus to trust in His grace today?


Day 2: The Tapestry of the Cross
The cross is not a one-dimensional event but a complex tapestry of redemption, involving substitution, satisfaction of divine justice, and victory over evil. Each aspect reveals a different dimension of God's redemptive plan, inviting us to explore the richness of Christ's sacrifice. This multifaceted atonement demonstrates the depth of God's love and the comprehensive nature of His salvation. By understanding these various threads, we gain a fuller appreciation of the cross and its implications for our lives. The cross is a profound mystery that calls us to deeper reflection and gratitude. [05:50]

Colossians 2:14-15 (ESV): "By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."

Reflection: Which aspect of Christ's atonement—substitution, satisfaction of divine justice, or victory over evil—resonates most with you today? How can you meditate on this aspect to deepen your understanding of the cross?


Day 3: Understanding the Biblical Curse
In biblical terms, a curse is a serious divine pronouncement, not a superstition. From Genesis to the New Testament, curses are tied to disobedience, while blessings follow obedience. Christ's atonement involved bearing the curse, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the depth of His sacrifice. This understanding challenges contemporary views of curses and invites us to see them as part of God's redemptive narrative. By bearing the curse, Christ has removed the barrier between us and God, offering us the blessing of reconciliation. [11:32]

Deuteronomy 28:15 (ESV): "But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you."

Reflection: How does understanding the biblical concept of a curse change your perspective on sin and redemption? What steps can you take to live in the blessing of obedience today?


Day 4: Propitiation and Expiation in the Gospel
Propitiation and expiation are central to the gospel. Propitiation involves satisfying God's justice, while expiation involves the removal of sin. Christ's work on the cross fulfilled both, offering us reconciliation with God and the removal of our sins. These concepts highlight the completeness of Christ's atonement and the depth of His love for us. By understanding propitiation and expiation, we gain a clearer picture of the gospel's power and the transformative nature of Christ's sacrifice. This understanding calls us to live in the freedom and joy of forgiveness. [38:01]

1 John 2:2 (ESV): "He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to accept the fullness of Christ's propitiation and expiation in your life? How can you embrace the freedom and joy of His forgiveness today?


Day 5: The Urgency of the Cross
The modern notion of God's unconditional love can lead to complacency in sin. The reality is that without Christ, we remain under God's curse. This truth should drive us to preach the gospel with clarity and urgency, for it is the only hope we have. The necessity of the cross is a call to action, urging us to share the message of salvation with those around us. By understanding the urgency of the cross, we are compelled to live out our faith with passion and purpose, knowing that Christ's sacrifice is the foundation of our hope. [52:38]

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of the cross today? How can you share the gospel with clarity and urgency, trusting in the power of Christ's sacrifice to transform lives?

Quotes


"For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, 'Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.' Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" [00:00:51]

"Our Father and our God, Your curse reaches throughout the earth and is heaped upon everyone in it who is not covered by the righteousness of Jesus. O Lord, even now we tremble at the very thought of being under Your curse, and we can't possibly imagine what it would mean to have the fullness of that curse poured out upon us." [00:02:06]

"I think we are soon aware that there is no one image or one dimension that can comprehensively explain the cross. Rather, we find many images, many metaphors that would indicate that the cross is a multifaceted event. It is by no means one dimensional. It is as a magnificent tapestry that is woven by several distinct, brightly hued threads that when it is brought together gives us this magnificent, finished work of art." [00:06:03]

"We see that it speaks of the satisfaction of the justice and of the wrath of God. We see the metaphor of the kinsman-redeemer who pays the bridal price to purchase His bride with His own blood, releasing her from bondage. We see the motif that is used in the New Testament that speaks of ransom that is paid." [00:07:25]

"But in biblical categories, dear friends, there is nothing superstitious about it, and the idea of the curse is deeply rooted in biblical history. We need only go to the opening chapters of Genesis to the record of the fall of man that provokes from God His anathema on the serpent who's cursed to go on his belly, and the curse that is then given to the earth itself that it would bring forth thorns and briers, making it difficult for Adam to live by the toil of his brow." [00:11:24]

"The positive sanction is articulated there in terms of the concept of blessedness. Let me quickly jump back to Deuteronomy chapter 28 that we read this litany of blessings. 'And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.'" [00:13:17]

"In the imagery of atonement on the Day of Atonement, we know that there are several animals involved in the ritual of that day. The priest, before he can enter into the holy of holies, where the high priest and only the high priest and only this one day of the year can go, must first himself make a blood sacrifice and go through an elaborate process of purification." [00:35:38]

"We know two things from the Day of Atonement. One, that without the shedding of blood there was no forgiveness of sins. We also learn from the author of Hebrews that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin. But in that half of the drama, with the blood sacrifice that is sprinkled on the mercy seat, what is symbolized is an act of propitiation." [00:37:32]

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. Listen to this, not simply by being cursed for us, but becoming a curse for us. He who is the incarnation of the glory of God now becomes the very incarnation of the divine curse. As it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs upon the tree.'" [00:43:00]

"Jesus was the ultimate obscenity. And so, what happened? The Bible tells us that God is too holy to even look at sin, and He cannot bear to look at this concentrated, monumental condensation of evil, and His eyes are averted from His Son. The light of His countenance is turned off, all blessedness is removed from His Son whom He loved, and in its place was the full measure of the divine curse." [00:46:41]

"For Jesus to become the curse, He has to be utterly, totally, and completely forsaken by the Father. I started off by saying to you I've been thinking about these things for fifty years, and I can't begin to penetrate that, what it meant that Jesus was forsaken by God. But there is none of this to be found in the pseudo-gospels of our day." [00:50:53]

"And here's the reality that we must make clear to our people, that they will either bear the curse of God themselves, or they will flee to the One who took it for them. Cursed of God! The Father turns His back. Thomas Aquinas once was asked. 'Thomas, do you think that Jesus enjoyed the beatific vision through His whole life?'" [00:54:07]

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Transcript
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