By Jim Mettenbrink
The apostle Paul defined the gospel (good story) as Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection and that we are saved by that gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Last week, we considered the dilemma that sin results in death and that there is no way we could pay the penalty to live again and restore the broken relationship with God. And we considered that Jesus paid the penalty for us in His own death on the cross. Why was it necessary for Jesus to die?
Beginning in the garden of Eden, God has always demanded that human beings, obey Him. From the beginning, stubborn and frail man doesn’t obey God. Sinners all! This is why God Himself came in human flesh to fulfill the law (covenant given to ancient Israel) so as to be acceptable payment for our sins. It was necessary for the law to be kept perfectly in order to satisfy God. Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus kept the law, and thereby became the acceptable sacrifice (Hebrews 5:9; 12:2), dying once for all sins for all sinners. He paid the penalty. Jesus, “who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” died on the cross “once for all when He offered up Himself” (Hebrews 7:26-27). But did His death restore our relationship with God?
When a criminal (sinner) has served his sentence in prison, his penalty is paid. But it is forever a blot on his record unless a governor or president pardon’s him. Jesus paid the penalty, but what about the pardon?
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13). “and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). Peace with whom?
“…we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ….” (Romans 5:1). Jesus paid the penalty and obtained the pardon in His death. Why is the burial and resurrection part of the gospel?