Why Christ Died (4)

Why Christ Died (4)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Our study has thus far revealed that Jesus died because of the sins of mankind. We learned that “life is in the blood,” thus requiring a blood sacrifice. We also learned that, though blood sacrifices had been offered since the time of Abel, these were animal sacrifices which could not take away sin. This is why Jesus shed His own blood: the blood of the incarnate Son of God (Hebrews 9:12). This blood was shed by one whose body was possessed by God Himself (Hebrews 10:5 & 10). The church has been purchased with the very blood of God (Acts 20:28). Note that the passage describes “the church” as being purchased with the blood of Christ. We shall later emphasize this significance.

This leads us to an important question: How are we saved by the blood of Christ? Justification and redemption are certainly through the blood of Christ (Romans 5:9 & 3:24-26), but at what point are we justified by that blood? Are human sins forgiven automatically and unconditionally by the mere fact of Christ’s death? Universalists say yes. But if they are correct, then how do we explain the various conditions of salvation that are required by Scripture? In John 3:16, Jesus promised salvation to those who believe on Him. If people were all saved automatically at the death of Christ, then why would faith be necessary to salvation? Jesus said, “he that believes and is baptized will be saved; but he that disbelieves will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). How can people be “condemned” after Jesus shedding His blood for them? Salvation must be conditional.

And what about confession and repentance? Jesus twice stated that we will perish if we don’t repent (Luke 13:3, 5). In Acts 2:38, remission of sins is predicated upon repentance. Was Peter wrong to promise forgiveness of sins upon the basis of faith and repentance? No, for he was an inspired apostle. And what about the requirement of baptism, which Peter fastened to repentance? He said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” May we ignore such commands? Not if we wish to be saved! Obedience to King Christ is demanded (Hebrews 5:9; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).

God’s grace contains conditions. It “teaches us” what we must do, and how we must live (Titus 2:11-14; 3:5). In order for the spiritual benefits of the blood of Christ to save us, we must meet the conditions of salvation. We are saved by God’s grace, and we are saved by Christ’s blood, but only when we respond to God’s word in obedient faith.

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.