I. Why Jesus Christ Died

Death entered the world as a result of sin. The first death is a consequence of death passing upon all men. The second death--eternal death--is to be the penalty for each individual's sins. Either man must die or someone has to die in his place. Jesus Christ came to this world to take man's place and carry out god's plan to eliminate sin and death. This plan makes provision not only to destroy sin and death, but also to restore men to the oneness with God that Adam and Eve enjoyed before they sinned.

The plan for man's salvation was no afterthought merely to meet an emergency. In His perfect knowledge God was aware of the need that would arise, and before He created Adam He made provision to safeguard man's eternal future. Before the foundation of the world the plan was laid to restore to sonship those who accepted the plan's provisions. Ephesians 1:4. Almost immediately after their first sin the plan was announced to Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:15. The One who would come to bear the people's sins was later brought to view in prophecy (Isaiah 53:4-6) and in the sanctuary service. At the birth of Jesus the angels told the shepherds that the Saviour had been born. Luke 2:11.

When Jesus was ready to begin His ministry, John the Baptist pointed to Him as "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. We have already seen the significance of His sinless life and loving ministry. At the end of His ministry the Saviour was ready to give His ife so the plan of salvation might be made effective.

II. The Significance of Christ's Death

What was accomplished for men by the death of Christ His sacrifice should be viewed in its relation to the whole plan of salvation, for only then can we see its true significance. The key to its meaning is found in the ancient Hebrew sanctuary.

1. His death was vicarious. A vicarious act is one performed by one person instead, and in behalf, or another. Christ died in the place of all men, and His sacrifice is effectual for anyone who chooses to accept Him as his substitute.

Christ did not die for His own sins; He was sinless. 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15. It is repeatedly emphasized in the Bible that He died for the sins of others. Note the various ways the thought is expressed. (Isaiah 53:5, 6; Romans 4:25; Galatians 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:14, 21; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18)

2. His Death provided for full restoration.

1. It met the penalty of the broken law--death. Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

2. It satisfied the requirements of justice which demands that sin receive its full penalty. Romans 3:26.

3. It provided for the forgiveness of past sins. Romans 3:25.

4. It provided for man's reconciliation to God. Romans 5:10.

5. It provided for man's full restoration to oneness with God. Colossians 1:20-22. Provision was made not only for man's restoration, but for the restoration of everything that was lost through sin.

3. His death was a complete sacrifice. Christ's death was a complete sacrifice. There is no need for it to be repeated as were the daily ancient sacrifices; it was made "once for all." See Hebrews 9:24-28; Romans 6:10. It is especially necessary that we note this, since there are some who believe the sacrifice is offered repeatedly for the sins of men.

III. Significance of the Resurrection

Faith in Christ's resurrection is essential to salvation. Romans 10:9, 10. It is a fundamental of Christian faith. Without the resurrection, the death of Christ would have been in vain and we would be without hope. Study carefully 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 and note what Paul said would be true if Christ had not been resurrected.

The resurrection. Because Christ was God as well as man, He had the power not only to lay down His life but to take it up again. When summoned from the grave by His Father, the Saviour came forth by His own divine life. Note carefully: (John 10:18, Acts 13:32, 33; Romans 1:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-22; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 1:3)

 The resurrection and our salvation. What was accomplished and what can be accomplished for us because of the resurrection of Christ? to what experiences in our lives does it point? (Acts 4:10; 10:39-42; Romans 4:25; 5:8-10;6:4; Romans 7:7:4; 8:11, 34; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 2 Corinthians 4:14; Ephesians 1:19-23; Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:21)

IV. Significance of the Ascension