Historical Significance of Christ's Crucifixion and Salvation

 

Summary

In reflecting on the passage from John 19:31-37, we are reminded of the profound historical and theological significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This Good Friday, we gather not to observe a "holy day" but to reaffirm the historical foundation of our faith. Our Christian belief is not merely a philosophy or a set of teachings; it is rooted in the concrete events of history, particularly the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The crucifixion is not a myth or a story; it is a historical fact that underpins our faith. Without these events, there would be no Christian faith.

The passage also emphasizes the certainty of these facts. John, as an eyewitness, provides a true account so that we might believe. Our faith is not based on feelings or experiences but on the testimony of the apostles. The peculiar details of the crucifixion, such as the unbroken bones and the spear piercing Jesus' side, are not irrelevant. They serve to fulfill prophecies and to counter early heresies that denied the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection.

The fulfillment of prophecy is crucial. It verifies the divine plan and purpose behind Jesus' death. The crucifixion was not an accident but a fulfillment of God's eternal plan for salvation. The details of Jesus' death, particularly the blood and water that flowed from his side, point to the intense suffering he endured. His heart literally ruptured, not from fear of death or disappointment, but from bearing the weight of humanity's sin and the wrath of God.

This Good Friday, we are called to remember the price of our forgiveness. Jesus' suffering was not just a display of love; it was the necessary means of our salvation. There is no other way to be reconciled to God except through Jesus Christ and his sacrifice. As we reflect on these truths, let us consider what we are doing in response to the love and sacrifice of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Historical Foundation of Faith: Our Christian faith is grounded in historical events, not just philosophical ideas. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are factual occurrences that form the bedrock of our belief. Without these events, Christianity would not exist. [06:31]

2. Certainty of the Facts: The testimony of the apostles, particularly John's eyewitness account, assures us of the truth of the crucifixion. Our faith is not based on subjective experiences but on the reliable witness of those who saw and recorded these events. [09:42]

3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The details of Jesus' death fulfill Old Testament prophecies, confirming the divine plan and purpose. This fulfillment assures us that the crucifixion was not an accident but part of God's eternal plan for salvation. [17:50]

4. The Agony of the Cross: Jesus' heart literally ruptured from the intense suffering of bearing humanity's sin and God's wrath. This physical and spiritual agony underscores the seriousness of sin and the depth of Christ's love for us. [29:52]

5. The Only Way of Salvation: The crucifixion is the only means by which God can justly forgive our sins. There is no other way to be reconciled to God except through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This truth challenges us to respond to Christ's love and sacrifice. [36:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Passage
- [01:50] - Protestant Tradition and Good Friday
- [03:13] - Historical Character of Faith
- [05:24] - General and Particular Messages
- [06:31] - Historical Foundation of Faith
- [09:42] - Certainty of the Facts
- [11:58] - Peculiar Details of the Crucifixion
- [12:33] - Answering Early Heresies
- [15:57] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [21:08] - Divine Plan and Purpose
- [22:30] - Cause of Jesus' Death
- [29:52] - The Agony of the Cross
- [36:05] - The Only Way of Salvation
- [39:15] - Response to Christ's Sacrifice

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 19:31-37

---

Observation Questions:

1. What specific details does John provide about the crucifixion of Jesus, and why are these details significant? [11:42]

2. How does John emphasize the certainty of the events he witnessed during the crucifixion? [09:13]

3. What Old Testament prophecies are mentioned in the passage, and how are they fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus? [16:14]

4. What is the significance of the blood and water that flowed from Jesus' side, according to the sermon? [26:08]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the historical foundation of the crucifixion impact the way Christians understand their faith? [06:31]

2. In what ways does the fulfillment of prophecy during the crucifixion strengthen the belief in God's divine plan? [17:50]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of Jesus' suffering and its purpose for humanity? [29:52]

4. How does the sermon challenge the idea that there could be another way of salvation apart from Jesus' sacrifice? [36:05]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the historical foundation of your faith. How does knowing that your beliefs are rooted in historical events affect your daily walk with Christ? [06:31]

2. The sermon emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy as a confirmation of God's plan. How can you seek to understand and trust God's plan in your own life, especially when things seem uncertain? [17:50]

3. Consider the intense suffering Jesus endured for humanity's sins. How does this understanding of Jesus' sacrifice influence your response to sin in your own life? [29:52]

4. The sermon states that the crucifixion is the only way to be reconciled to God. How does this truth challenge you to share your faith with others who may not know Christ? [36:05]

5. Reflect on the love and sacrifice of Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate gratitude for what Jesus has done for you? [38:46]

6. The sermon calls us to respond to Christ's sacrifice. What is one area of your life where you feel called to make a change in response to Jesus' love and sacrifice? [40:23]

7. How can you incorporate the remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice into your daily routine, ensuring that it remains a central focus of your faith journey? [39:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Historical Events as the Bedrock of Faith
Our Christian faith is not a mere collection of philosophical ideas or teachings; it is deeply rooted in historical events, particularly the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events are not myths or stories but factual occurrences that form the foundation of our belief. Without the crucifixion and resurrection, Christianity would not exist. This historical grounding is crucial because it assures us that our faith is not based on abstract concepts but on real events that have been witnessed and recorded. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our faith is anchored in the reality of what God has done in history. [06:31]

"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (2 Peter 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: How does knowing that your faith is based on historical events change the way you live out your beliefs today?


Day 2: The Certainty of Apostolic Testimony
The testimony of the apostles, especially John's eyewitness account, provides us with the assurance of the truth of the crucifixion. Our faith is not based on subjective experiences or feelings but on the reliable witness of those who saw and recorded these events. This certainty is vital because it gives us confidence in the truth of the gospel message. The peculiar details of the crucifixion, such as the unbroken bones and the spear piercing Jesus' side, serve to fulfill prophecies and counter early heresies that denied the reality of Jesus' death and resurrection. These details are not irrelevant; they are essential to affirming the truth of our faith. [09:42]

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—" (1 John 1:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of the apostolic testimony to strengthen your faith today?


Day 3: Prophecy Fulfilled in Christ's Death
The details of Jesus' death fulfill Old Testament prophecies, confirming the divine plan and purpose behind the crucifixion. This fulfillment assures us that the crucifixion was not an accident but part of God's eternal plan for salvation. The prophecies serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in bringing about His purposes. As we consider the fulfillment of prophecy, we are reminded of the reliability of God's word and His commitment to His promises. This understanding should inspire us to trust in God's plan for our lives, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises. [17:50]

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

Reflection: How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' death encourage you to trust in God's promises for your life?


Day 4: The Agony of Bearing Sin
Jesus' heart literally ruptured from the intense suffering of bearing humanity's sin and God's wrath. This physical and spiritual agony underscores the seriousness of sin and the depth of Christ's love for us. His suffering was not just a display of love; it was the necessary means of our salvation. As we reflect on the agony of the cross, we are called to remember the price of our forgiveness and the depth of Christ's sacrifice. This reflection should lead us to a deeper appreciation of the seriousness of sin and the magnitude of Christ's love for us. [29:52]

"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted." (Isaiah 53:4, ESV)

Reflection: What specific sin in your life do you need to bring to the cross today, acknowledging the price Jesus paid for your forgiveness?


Day 5: The Exclusive Path to Reconciliation
The crucifixion is the only means by which God can justly forgive our sins. There is no other way to be reconciled to God except through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This truth challenges us to respond to Christ's love and sacrifice by living lives that reflect our gratitude and commitment to Him. As we consider the exclusivity of the path to reconciliation, we are reminded of the urgency of sharing this message with others. Our response to Christ's sacrifice should be one of worship, obedience, and a desire to make His love known to the world. [36:05]

"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the exclusive path to reconciliation through Jesus, and how can you share this message with them today?

Quotes


They remind us that our Christian faith is based solidly upon facts and events in history. Now we need constantly to be reminded of that. We all need to be reminded of that. The danger always confronting us is to turn this Gospel of Salvation into a philosophy, into a teaching, into a matter of ideas. [00:05:43]

The first message is this: they remind us that our Christian faith is based solidly upon facts and events in history. Now we need constantly to be reminded of that. We all need to be reminded of that. The danger always confronting us is to turn this Gospel of Salvation into a philosophy. [00:06:31]

John, you remember, takes trouble to tell us this: he that saw it bear record, and his record is true, and he knoweth that he say true that you might believe. There is nothing more important for us than the certainty of the facts. If this is a fairy tale, if it is a story, if it is a vivid imagination, well then our faith is vain. [00:09:42]

The fulfillment of prophecy is most valuable with regard to our Lord's own person. Read Isaiah 53. There's a prophecy about the Messiah. The Jews didn't understand it, and it was because they didn't that they stumbled at Jesus Christ. But there is a prophecy which says that the Messiah is going to suffer. [00:19:50]

The death of Christ upon the cross was not an accident. It wasn't something that took him by surprise. It wasn't something that took God by surprise. No, no, the very fact that it's all been predicted and prophesied right through the old dispensation is a proof that it was a part of the plan and the purpose of God. [00:21:08]

The cause of death was a ruptured heart. His heart literally broke. Now, say the medical authorities, this is something that is not only very rare, it's well now impossible in the normal heart, and yet it happened to him, which you see in turn leads us to this all-important question: what was it that caused the rupturing of his heart? [00:29:52]

The agony, the pain, the suffering, the bearing of the wrath of God against the sin of men. Thank God for these details, for this astounding explanation. But as I leave you, shall I draw two conclusions that we all must inevitably draw? Here's the first: is it not perfectly clear that there could have been no other way of Salvation? [00:36:05]

There is no way of being reconciled to God except through Jesus Christ and him crucified. There is no way into the holiest of all except the blood of Jesus. Oh, don't run away with your philosophy. You must have blood, literal blood, the ruptured heart, the bearing of the punishment. Without blood, there is no remission of sins. [00:37:15]

He actually endured and suffered that for you and for me. This is not just a wonderful tale of self-sacrifice, a display of love. Oh no, no. May God give us Grace never to forget this. There came out blood and water because of that agony that killed him, that raptured his heart. He suffered it, he bore it. [00:39:15]

Do you ever stop to consider that? Do you ever stop to consider what he suffered that you might live, the price that was paid for your forgiveness and mine? Do we ever stop? It seems that certain saintly people in the Middle Ages used to dwell so much upon these things that the very Stigmata appeared in their own bodies. [00:41:15]

All this I have done for thee, what doest thou for me? And that's the message that comes through the blood and the water from his pierced side this morning. All this, and I think we've had some insight into this, all he endured the Pains of hell. All this I have done for thee, what doest thou for me? [00:42:15]

Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen. We do hope that you've been helped by the preaching of Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones. All of the sermons contained within the MLJ Trust audio library are now available for free download. You may share the sermons or broadcast them. [00:44:15]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?