The Centrality of Christ's Atonement in Salvation

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, Our Substitute: The Weight of the Cross

At the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of our sin and shame, taking our place and suffering the judgment we deserved so that we could be set free. The darkness that covered the land was a sign of God’s judgment being poured out, not on us, but on Christ, who willingly became our substitute. Every secret sin, every hidden thought, every failure was placed upon Him, and He endured it all so that we could walk in God’s light and no longer fear condemnation. This is not a sacrifice that needs repeating; it is a once-for-all act of love and redemption, demanding only our faith and trust in Him. [44:01]

Mark 15:33-39 (ESV)
And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Reflection: What is one area of guilt or shame you have carried that you need to lay at the feet of Jesus, trusting that He has already borne it for you on the cross?

Day 2: The Torn Veil: God’s Open Invitation

When Jesus died, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom, signifying that the barrier between God and humanity was removed by God Himself. No longer do we need priests or repeated sacrifices to approach God; through Christ’s perfect sacrifice, the way is open for all who believe. The colors of the veil—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—point to Jesus’ divinity, royalty, sacrifice, and purity. Now, by faith in His blood, we have confidence to enter God’s presence, not by our own merit, but by the new and living way He has provided. [53:55]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Reflection: In what practical way can you draw near to God today, knowing that Christ has opened the way for you to come boldly into His presence?

Day 3: Christ Alone: The Only Mediator

Jesus is the one and only mediator between God and humanity, fully qualified by His divinity and humanity to bridge the gap our sin created. No saint, ritual, or good work can take His place; only Jesus, who was tempted in every way yet without sin, can truly sympathize with our weaknesses and intercede for us. Because of His sacrifice, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that He understands our struggles and offers mercy and help in our time of need. [47:20]

1 Timothy 2:5-6 (ESV)
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

Reflection: Where in your life have you been tempted to rely on something or someone other than Jesus to make you right with God, and how can you turn to Him alone as your mediator today?

Day 4: Confession and Faith: The Response That Saves

The Roman centurion, hardened by countless crucifixions, witnessed Jesus’ death and confessed, “Truly this man was the Son of God.” The call of the gospel is to respond in faith and confession, trusting not in rituals or our own goodness, but in Christ’s finished work. Scripture promises that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, regardless of background or past. Salvation is a gift of grace, received by faith, and it is available to all who believe and confess Jesus as Lord. [01:01:06]

Romans 10:9-13 (ESV)
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the good news that salvation is by faith alone in Christ? How can you share this truth with them this week?

Day 5: Trusting in Christ Alone: The Gift of Grace

God’s plan of salvation has always been centered on Christ, the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world. We are not justified by our own efforts, rituals, or religious observance, but by grace through faith in Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection. No matter your past or present struggles, you are invited to come to God through Christ alone, trusting that He alone cleanses, saves, and makes you new. The cross is not just a tragedy, but the decisive turning point in history—trust in Him today and rest in the freedom and joy He offers. [01:04:25]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to rely on your own goodness or effort for acceptance with God, and how can you surrender that to Christ’s finished work today?

Sermon Summary

The atonement of Jesus Christ stands at the very center of God’s redemptive plan, not as a last-minute solution, but as the purpose woven into creation itself. From the very beginning, God’s intention was to provide a way for humanity—created in His image but fallen through sin—to be reconciled to Himself. The cross is not a tragic accident, but the fulfillment of every promise, every shadow, and every longing in Scripture. On that dark Friday, as supernatural darkness covered the land, Jesus bore the full weight of sin and judgment, taking upon Himself the curse that rightfully belonged to us. In that moment, He became our substitute, suffering not just for us, but instead of us, so that we might be set free from guilt and shame.

The cry of Jesus—“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—reveals the depth of His suffering and the cost of His mediation. He was forsaken so that we would never have to be. In becoming the one true mediator between God and humanity, Jesus bridged the chasm that sin had created, fulfilling every requirement of justice and mercy. The tearing of the temple veil from top to bottom was God’s own declaration that the way to His presence is now open—not through repeated sacrifices, rituals, or human effort, but through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. The colors of the veil—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—each point to the divinity, royalty, sacrifice, and purity of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God.

No other mediator is needed. No ritual, no saint, no good work can add to what Christ has accomplished. The only barrier that remains is our own willingness to come to Jesus in faith. The confession of the Roman centurion—“Truly this man was the Son of God”—stands as an invitation to all: Jew and Gentile, man and woman, sinner and saint. Salvation is a gift, received by faith alone, not by our own merit. The call is simple and urgent: trust in Christ alone, for He alone has paid the price, opened the way, and invites us to eternal life.

Key Takeaways

1. The Cross as the Fulfillment of God’s Plan God’s plan for salvation was not a reaction to human failure, but the very foundation of creation. Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and every story in Scripture points to His atoning work. The cross is the central turning point in redemptive history, where God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly. [38:48]
2. Substitutionary Atonement: Christ in Our Place Jesus did not merely die for us; He died instead of us, bearing the full penalty of our sin. Like the soldier who fell on the grenade to save his friends, Christ willingly took the wrath we deserved so that we could walk in freedom and light. This substitution is the heart of the gospel and the only basis for our forgiveness. [42:46]
3. The Once-for-All Sacrifice and the End of Rituals The atonement of Christ is a single, sufficient sacrifice that never needs to be repeated. No ritual, sacrament, or human effort can add to what Jesus accomplished. We are justified by faith alone, and any attempt to supplement His work diminishes the sufficiency of His sacrifice. [44:42]
4. Jesus as the Only Mediator and the Torn Veil The tearing of the temple veil signifies that access to God is now open to all who come through Christ. Jesus alone bridges the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God; no other mediator is needed or possible. The colors and materials of the veil point to His divinity, royalty, sacrifice, and purity—He alone is qualified to bring us to God. [53:17]
5. The Universal Call to Faith and the Urgency of Response The confession of the centurion and the invitation to all—regardless of background or past—underscore that salvation is available to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. The only remaining barrier is our own reluctance to trust in Christ. The call is urgent: do not delay, for Christ alone cleanses, saves, and welcomes us into eternal life. [61:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[24:28] - Amazing Grace and Opening Worship
[27:03] - Opening Prayer and Announcements
[28:36] - Introduction to Mark 15 and the Atonement
[29:58] - The Uniqueness of Christ’s Death
[32:05] - Four Major Events at the Cross
[32:44] - Reading Mark 15:33-41
[34:08] - Congregational Prayer and Intercessions
[38:48] - God’s Plan of Salvation from Creation
[40:42] - The Darkness and Judgment at the Cross
[42:46] - Substitutionary Atonement Explained
[44:42] - The Sufficiency of Christ’s Sacrifice
[46:05] - The Cry of Dereliction and Jesus as Mediator
[51:22] - The Tearing of the Temple Veil
[53:17] - The Symbolism of the Veil and Christ’s Qualifications
[57:08] - Justification by Faith Alone
[58:29] - The Centurion’s Confession and Universal Invitation
[63:03] - Head, Heart, and Hand: Responding to Christ
[66:21] - Closing Worship and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 15:33-41 — (The death of Jesus, His cry from the cross, the tearing of the temple veil, and the centurion’s confession)

Observation Questions

What supernatural event happened during Jesus’ crucifixion, and how did the people around Him react? (Mark 15:33-36)
What did Jesus cry out from the cross, and what is the significance of that statement? (Mark 15:34)
What happened to the temple veil when Jesus died, and how is this detail described? (Mark 15:38)
Who confessed, “Truly this man was the Son of God,” and what might have led him to say this? (Mark 15:39)

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says the cross was not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of God’s plan. How does seeing the cross as “plan A” change the way someone might view God’s character and intentions? [[38:48]]
Jesus’ cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is described as showing the depth of His suffering and the cost of being our mediator. What does this teach about the seriousness of sin and the price of reconciliation? [[46:05]]
The tearing of the temple veil is said to symbolize open access to God. Why is it important that the veil was torn from top to bottom, and what does this say about who made the way to God? [[53:55]]
The centurion’s confession is highlighted as an invitation to all people. What does his response show about who can come to faith in Christ, regardless of background? [[58:29]]

Application Questions

The sermon teaches that Jesus’ atonement is a once-for-all sacrifice and that no ritual or good work can add to it. Are there ways you sometimes try to “earn” God’s favor or forgiveness? What would it look like to rest in Christ’s finished work instead? [[44:42]]
The only barrier left is our willingness to come to Jesus in faith. Is there anything holding you back from fully trusting Christ alone for your salvation? What step could you take this week to surrender that area? [[57:48]]
The centurion’s confession was public and clear. Have you ever publicly confessed your faith in Jesus? If not, what makes that difficult? If so, how did it impact you or others? [[58:29]]
The sermon says the torn veil means we have direct access to God. How does this truth affect the way you approach prayer or worship? Are there ways you still act as if you need a “mediator” other than Jesus? [[53:55]]
The cross is described as the place where God’s justice and mercy meet. How does this shape the way you view your own sin and the sins of others? Does it make it easier or harder to forgive? Why? [[38:48]]
The call to trust in Christ is described as simple and urgent. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear this message? What is one practical way you could share it with them this week? [[01:01:06]]
The sermon mentions that salvation is a gift, not something we can earn. How does this truth affect your motivation to serve, worship, or obey God? Does it lead to more freedom or more pressure? Why? [[57:08]]

Sermon Clips

The death of Jesus is one of the most heinous most wicked most blasphemous acts in all of human history there is nothing in scripture there is nothing in the passage of time uh that was or ever will be that compares to the outright evil that mankind did to Jesus. [00:29:49]

And what we forget is that man is a morally responsible agent capable of the worst acts imaginable remember that God he is never the author of evil he permits it to happen for his glory that's for sure but he never authors it he is never the originator of it and yet even in the midst of all those tremendous acts of evil of wickedness of vileeness of blasphemy we can see him still work. [00:30:39]

So you see the Christian belief is that the plan of salvation was in motion from creation jesus is not plan B he is plan A he is the lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world uh in the beginning God he made all things at creation he looked at everything and he made everything good on the sixth day. [00:38:41]

All throughout the Bible God he didn't delight in burnt offerings or sin offerings he says that over and over through the prophets all the offerings they never justified anyone the reason why they were there was to point to the promise of the future deliverer the future Messiah that the king is coming a deliverer who would come and he would suffer and he would die on their behalf. [00:40:01]

And I want you to imagine standing at the foot of the cross there's an eerie darkness everywhere it is black outside and the weight of sin is crushing our savior amos 8:9 it says "And on that day declares the Lord I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight." [00:40:50]

What is happening here is God's judgment on sin jesus he is bearing the weight and the guilt of all the sin and all the shame all the secret things that you've done all the evil thoughts that you've had they will be judged every single one of them no exceptions. [00:41:40]

Either they have been judged when you trusted in Christ and his death paid for them or they will be judged if you do not turn away and trust in Christ for salvation and he beckons you to do that it's in this moment in human history that everything changes. [00:42:05]

Jesus Christ he took our place on the cross in order to satisfy God's justice and he took our place he's the one that died instead of us he's the one that takes the judgment instead of us. [00:42:31]

And when we believe that Jesus is who he says he is that he died on the cross for our sins we lean all of our hopes on him what happens is is that we are set free we no longer have guilt we no longer have shame jesus he's the one that bore the weight and the judgment of our sins and he took the darkness so that we could walk in God's light. [00:43:34]

So now we don't have to worry about judgment anymore because God is not wicked he's not going to collect debts twice now some groups they celebrate something that they call mass it's a it's a a sacrifice that takes place it's a representation of Christ's sacrifice. [00:44:01]

You see the atonement is a one-time sacrifice for our redemption it doesn't take reoffering over and over again and the darkness of the cross of Jesus does not require ongoing sacrifices on our part it it requires faith it demands our faith and our trust so we don't supplement the work of Christ by our own efforts by our own obedience we are justified by faith alone in Jesus's death burial and resurrection. [00:44:57]

And why did this separation have to take place well it's because Jesus was becoming the mediator between sinful man and a holy God 1 Timothy it says for there is one God and there is one mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus. [00:47:06]

Let us hold fast our confession for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are yet without sin let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [00:47:45]

And yet it is in this cry that Jesus he becomes our mediator and he bridges that chasm that we can never cross so that we could be reconciled to God we don't need any other mediators we have one mediator and his name is Jesus and he alone bore the cost to become our mediator. [00:48:52]

And it is because of Jesus's death that the veil is torn and it wasn't torn from bottom to top as though humans had made a way to God it was torn from top to bottom because salvation is of the Lord and he made a way for us to be redeemed it's his way it's the only way and no one can come to the father by any other way. [00:54:15]

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