B. The meaning of His death:
(1) It was a ransom for sin (Matthew 20:28; Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 1:18).
(2) It was to pay the penalty for sin (Romans 3:24; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).
Mankind is the object of God's wrath because of rebellion and sin, but God took the initiative in satisfying His wrath by sending His own Son to Calvary.
(3) It is a reconciliation. Because of Christ's death, the enmity between
us and God has ended (Romans 5:10) and we are restored to fellowship with God (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).
(4) It is a substitution: He died in our place (2 Corinthians 5:21;
1 Peter 3:18).
(5) In summary, the problem of sin has been completely dealt with by
Christ's death (Hebrews 9:26; 10:12; 1 Peter 2:24).
2. He was resurrected from the dead: This event was unique in human history and is fundamental to Christianity:
A. The reality of the Resurrection (John 20:1–10; 1 Corinthians 15:4).
B. The credibility of the Resurrection:
(1) Jesus predicted it (Matthew 20:18–19; Luke 24:1–7).
(2) The tomb was empty (John 20:11–13).
(3) Many witnesses saw Him alive: the women (Luke 23:55–56); Mary
Magdalene (John 20:1–2, 11–18); Peter and the other disciples (John 20:3–9, 19–20, 24–31; 21:1–14). The Results of His Work
1. He ascended to His Father (Luke 24:49–53; Acts 1:6–11).
2. He is our eternal mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6; 1 John 2:1).
3. He is our Savior: "You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31):
A. He is the only Savior: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is
no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NIV).
B. He is a complete Savior: "Therefore He is also able to save to the
uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives