164. ROM 8:34. DEATH OF CHRIST

Rom_8:34. Death of Christ

"It is Christ that died."’97Rom_8:34.

Let us consider a few things in connection with the important event specified in the text. "It is Christ that died."

I. Christ died, not in an ordinary, but in an extraordinary manner.

All the circumstances connected with it were of a striking and wonderful description. The place and the mode of his death; phenomena which attended it’97earthquake, opening graves, veil rent, sun darkened, &c.; Mat_28:45-20.

II. Christ died by the Appointment of the Father.

God purposed to send his Son. Hence in due time he fulfilled that purpose. "Did not spare his Son, but delivered him," &c. The Father gave him the cup to drink. The Father caused the sword to awake, &c. Zec_13:7; Act_2:23. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son," &c. Joh_3:14-17.

III. Christ died through the Malignity of the Jewish Rulers.

With wicked hands they crucified and put him to death. Act_2:23. They envied him, hated him, and sought for false witnesses to appear against him. Paid his betrayer. Charged him with blasphemy. Refused his release. Cried, Crucify him, crucify him. Took his blood upon themselves Mat_27:25.

IV. Christ died by his own free and voluntary Consent.

Though given by the Father, yet he also freely gave himself. He was not a reluctant but willing sacrifice. "Who gave himself for our sins." "Who loved me, and gave himself for me." Gal_1:4; Gal_2:20; 1Ti_2:6. He left heaven for this express purpose. He ever kept this event before his eyes. He ever longed for its arrival. "I have a baptism to be baptized with," &c. Luk_12:50. "He cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost." Joh_19:30; Rev_1:5.

V. Christ died as the End of Sacrifices, and fulfilled the Predictions of the Old Testament Scriptures.

He was the last great Sacrifice, of which all the others were but as types and shadows. All referred to him and all terminated with him. Heb_9:19-28 From Moses to Malachi, the prophets testified of the sufferings and glory of Christ. His sufferings and death had been prominently exhibited, by David, by Isaiah, by Daniel, by Zechariah, &c. The time had been predicted. The traitor’97the mode, &c., &c., had been minutely detailed. 1 Pet. i 10, 11.

VI. Christ died as the Substitute for Sinners.

He did not die merely as one possessing our nature. He did not die merely as a martyr for the truth, or as an example for his people’s imitation. But he died, that he might "redeem us to God by his blood." He died in our room and stead. He "bare our iniquities in his own body on the tree." "Suffered, the just for the unjust," &c. The sinner’s blood or life was forfeited; without shedding of blood there could be no remission; therefore Christ shed his own blood, and was the true sacrifice and propitiation for the sins of the world. 1Ti_2:5-6; Heb_2:9; Isa_53:4-6; Rom_4:25; Rom_5:6-11.

Application

Learn, 1. The true and only foundation of the sinner’s hope. Sin may be pardoned through the sacrifice, and in the name, of Christ. God may now be the just God, and yet the Saviour and the Justifier of all who believe. Luk_24:46-47; Act_13:38, Act_13:39. Faith in Christ’s death essential to salvation. 2. The only way by which we have access to God. Heb_10:19:3. The true object of the believer’s trust and glory ing. "God forbid," &c. Gal_5:14

Autor: JABEZ BURNS