Why Christ Died (3)

Why Christ Died (3)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Last week’s article addressed the subject of sin. Jesus was crucified because of man’s sin. As we noted, sin is transgression against God’s law (1 Jn. 3:4), and the consequence of sin is eternal death (Rom. 6:23).

Still, the question can be asked, Why did Jesus die on the cross? Why did his blood have to be shed? The answer is rooted in the very nature of life itself. Before the time of Christ, blood sacrifices of animals were offered for the sins of mankind. Even before the Law of Moses, God had ordained that “life is in the blood” (Genesis 9:4). Then, with the inauguration of the Law of Moses, this truth was restated and joined to the concept of atonement: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11). The Hebrew writer tells us that under the Law of Moses “almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22). These Bible statements combine to lead us to one inescapable truth: humans cannot be saved without a blood sacrifice. Death can only be reversed by life, and life is in the blood.

The Hebrew writer also explained that the blood that was shed in the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament was not sufficient to take away sins: “For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin” (Heb. 10:4). We are told that these sacrifices were merely a “shadow” or type of good things to come (antitype, Heb. 9:23). We are told that those annual sacrifices only gave people “remembrance” of their sins “year after year continually” (Heb. 10:2-3). Animal sacrifices themselves could not atone for sin. However, the practice of blood sacrifice did train people to connect sacrifice to salvation. Old Testament blood sacrifices pointed to the real substance of a “better covenant,” that was based upon “better promises,” that was inaugurated by a “better ministry” and purchased by a “better sacrifice” (see Hebrews 8:6; 9:23). Indeed, Christians are “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20), and that purchase price is the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Peter said that saints are “redeemed by the precious blood of Christ; as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19). Next week’s article will explain when and how people are saved by the blood of Christ.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com.