OUR SALVATION ACCOMPLISHED VIA THE CROSS
The Bible says, “he [Jesus Christ] has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant” (Hebrews 9:15; John 1:29; John 3:16). In the past, some denied that Jesus actually die on the cross. Today, in a similar spirit of denial, some teach that his death on the cross was inadequate for the atonement of man’s sins. However, we should know how the “inspired” Scripture of God inform us that our salvation was accomplished via the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross (2 Timothy 2:16-17; Romans 6:23).
SOME DENY THAT JESUS CHRIST DIED ON THE CROSS.
The disciple John, and other disciples of the Lord, warned that many deceivers, denied that Jesus Christ came in the flesh and died for man’s sin. And that these deceiver had already gone out into the world. Such deceivers were referred to as being of “the spirit of the antichrist.” (1 John 4:3; 2 John:7; Ephesians 6:12).
Early Church Fathers–followers of the early disciples–like Ignatius, Tertullian and Irenaeus, also labeled those “Gnostics,” whom the chosen apostles called “the Antichrist.” The Church Fathers said that in the attempts of antichrist-Gnostics’ to deny the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, they went as far as saying Jesus did not actually die in the flesh on the cross: Antichrist-Gnostics said that what appeared to be Jesus on the cross was really a phantom.*
THE BIBLE AFFIRMS JESUS’ DEATH AND RESURRECTION
Jesus told his disciples, after his death and resurrection, they were his eyewitness of these things. Thomas had doubted Jesus’ death and resurrection until he put his finger in Jesus’ wounds that occurred when he was put to death a cross. Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (Luke 24:44-48; John 20:27-29).
The Lord’s disciple John said Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came in the flesh and died as an atonement for the sins of mankind (1 John 4:2,10).
Peter said: “Christ also suffered for our sins…to bring us to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18).
The disciples of Jesus Christ went everywhere preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and risen by the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Acts 8:4).
SOME DENY THE ADEQUACY OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.
Like the early antichrist denial of Jesus’ death on the cross, recent denial of the efficacy of the atoning blood of Jesus on the cross for the sins of mankind is contrary to overall scriptures of the Bible. Some say Jesus had to go to hell to achieve mankind’s salvation. The antichrist spirit of the devil works through many human agents, in seeking to negate or cause doubt about the atoning effect of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Below are some unbiblical statements by popular religious teachers about the inadequacy of the atonement of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. These unbiblical statements were reported In an article, “Did Jesus Die Spiritual?”, by Matt Slick, President and Founder of Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry:
Joyce Meyer:
“Jesus paid for our sins on the cross and went to hell in our place.”
“Jesus went to hell because that is where we deserved to go…There is no hope of anyone going to heaven unless they believe this truth.”
“He went to hell in our place and gained victory there, triumphing over the enemy.”
Kenneth Copland:
“Not only did Jesus go to hell, He sank to the deepest, darkest part of it to suffer everything that was necessary on our behalf.”
“Had he not gone to hell, we would have to go.”
“Jesus went to hell to free mankind from the penalty of Adam’s treason…when his blood poured out it did not atone.”
Frederick K. Price:
“Do you think that the punishment for our sins was to die on the cross?…No, the punishment was to go into hell itself and to serve time in hell separated from God.”
Kenneth Hagin:
“He tasted spiritual death for every man. He died on the Cross and took our place in spiritual death. His spirit, His inner man, went to hell in our place.”
THE BIBLE AFFIRMS THE ADEQUACY OF JESUS’ BLOOD.
Despite denials, the Bible affirms that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross accomplished God’s plan of salvation for mankind.
- The Bible says: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed… he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth” (Isaiah 53:5).
- Having accomplished God’s plan of salvation on earth, Jesus cried out on the cross, Jesus said “it is finished:” and “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (John 19:28-30; Luke 23:46).
- Without the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:11-22).
- Jesus partook of “flesh and blood” that he might destroy the power of the devil (Hebrews 2:14).
- In offering the cup of wine that represented his blood, Jesus said “this is my blood, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” He said this before going to the cross to die for man’s sins. (Matthew 26:27-28).
- While being crucified, Jesus told a dying criminal, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
- He [God] purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:9)
- At the moment Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple in Jerusalem, representing separation between God and man, was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-51).
- Following Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, he ascended into heaven as our “ great high priest” and our mediator with God (Hebrew 4:14-19).
- Because of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ on the cross we are able to “enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-20).
WE OUGHT TO BELIEVE THE BIBLICAL WORD OF GOD RATHER THAN MAN
Peter and other apostles were challenged concerning the death, resurrection and saving power of Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior: But “ Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel [and others] to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:29-32)
Our salvation and the salvation of other people depend largely on what we believe and teach in accordance with the Bible (Acts 10:14-15). We ought to believe and teach what the Bible says about salvation being accomplished via the cross of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:22; John 3:16-18)—In this way, people who repent and believe what the Bible teaches about our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ may be saved.
