What Christ Accomplished on the Cross—and Why It Matters Today 

Discover the profound significance of Christ’s crucifixion. Learn what Jesus accomplished on the cross, why He died, and how it continually transforms Christian faith and life.

Christians worldwide revere the cross as their faith’s most recognised symbol. It also signifies the defining moment in the history of the human race. Christ created a bridge between man and God through redemption, reconciliation, and eternal hope. Moreover, the cross does far more than mark a historical event; it stands as the anchor of our faith and offers the clearest revelation of God’s love.

WHY DID CHRIST DIE ON THE CROSS

At its core, the crucifixion addresses the problem of sin. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin separates us from God and the wage of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Therefore, Christ’s death was necessary to pay the penalty for our sins and restore our relationship with God. 

Jesus said in Matthew 20:28, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” His sacrifice was intentional, driven by love and obedience to the Father’s will. 

THE ATONEMENT: WHAT CHRIST ACCOMPLISHED ON THE CROSS 

Atonement is the theological term that describes how Christ’s death reconciles us to God. Here are three key aspects: 

Substitutionary Atonement: Jesus took our place, bearing the punishment we deserved. Isaiah 53:5 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.” 

Redemption:  Through His sacrifice, Jesus paid the price to free us from sin and death. Ephesians 1:7 states, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” 

Reconciliation:  Christ’s death restores our relationship with God. Colossians 1:20 declares, “and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross.” 

THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION: SEALING THE VICTORY 

While the crucifixion secured our atonement, the resurrection confirmed Christ’s victory over sin and death.Romans 4:25 explains, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” Therefore, the resurrection powerfully demonstrates that Christ conquered death (1 Corinthians 15:54–55); furthermore, believers now receive new life in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). Consequently, we can live with unwavering eternal hope (1 Peter 1:3).

HOW THE CROSS IMPACTS DAILY LIFE 

The cross is not just a historical event, it transforms our daily lives. Firstly, without the cross we would not be living in freedom. Romans 6:14 declares “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.”  Therefore, we have freedom from sin because Christ’s sacrifice on the cross secured our forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to likewise forgive others, just as He forgave us. Perhaps one of the most beautiful impacts the cross has is that we get to approach God’s throne of grace. We can approach it with confidence and have divine relationship with our Father in Heaven.

OLD TESTAMENT FORESHADOWING OF THE CROSS 

The cross is the fulfilment of countless Old Testament prophecies and symbols, including: 

• Passover Lamb – Just as the blood of the lamb saved Israel from judgment (Exodus 12), Jesus’ blood saves us from sin.    

• Bronze Serpent – Jesus compared His crucifixion to the serpent Moses lifted in the wilderness (John 3:14-15; Numbers 21:9).     

• Isaiah’s Suffering Servant – Isaiah 53 vividly describes Christ’s sacrifice.  

Indeed, the cross stands as the highest revelation of God’s love and mercy, for it demonstrates that God forgives our sins, secures our future, and transforms our lives forever. As Galatians 2:20 states, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 

We know what Christ did on the crosss. How will you respond? It’s time to walk in the power of the cross and let it change your life! God extends the invitation and Christ has already won the victory.

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