The Cross: Where Justice and Love Embrace

This Sunday, our journey through the Apostles' Creed takes us from the majesty of God the Father to the heart of God the Son. We move from "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth," to "I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord." While the life of Jesus is a tapestry of miracles, teachings, and profound love, one symbol looms above all others: the cross. It is here, in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, that the very foundation of our faith is secured.

There's an old way of describing what happened on that cross, a phrase that encapsulates its profound significance: "Penal Substitutionary Atonement." It's a phrase that might sound a bit technical, but it holds the keys to understanding God's heart. "Penal" speaks of a legal reality; justice demands a price for sin. "Substitutionary" offers us the hope we desperately need; instead of us paying that price, God Himself, in the person of Jesus, stepped in. "Atonement" speaks of the satisfaction of God's righteous anger, a reconciliation we could never achieve on our own.

The Necessity of the Cross: Justice and Love Intertwined

Why was the cross necessary? Why couldn't God simply forgive and forget? John Stott, in his masterful work, "The Cross of Christ," helps us understand that the cross is not an act of arbitrary violence, but the intersection of God's perfect justice and boundless love. God's justice demands that sin be punished. To ignore sin would be to compromise His very nature. Yet, God's love yearns for reconciliation with His creation. The cross is where these two seemingly contradictory attributes meet.

Stott emphasizes that the cross is not merely a display of love; it is the demonstration of God's righteous wrath against sin. As he articulates, "God's love does not override his justice, but vindicates it." Jesus, bearing our sins, absorbed the full force of God's wrath, satisfying the demands of divine justice. This is the "penal" aspect of the atonement.

Substitution: The Heart of Grace

The "substitutionary" aspect of the atonement is where the incredible grace of God shines through. As Romans 5:8 tells us, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus took our place, bearing the penalty we deserved. As J.I. Packer famously said, "Substitution is the heart of the gospel."

This concept is further illuminated in John Murray's "Redemption Accomplished and Applied." Murray meticulously unpacks the biblical doctrine of substitution, showing how it is woven throughout Scripture. He emphasizes that the imputation of our sin to Christ and His righteousness to us is a legal transaction, a divine exchange that transforms our standing before God.

Murray's work underscores the completeness and efficacy of Christ's substitution. Christ didn't just lessen the penalty; He bore it fully. He didn't just offer a chance for forgiveness; He secured it. This is why we can have absolute confidence in our salvation.

Atonement: Satisfying God's Righteous Anger

The word "atonement" speaks of the work of Christ in satisfying God's righteous anger. It’s important to understand that God’s wrath is not a capricious outburst, but a response to the profound evil of sin. Sin is not just a mistake; it is a rebellion against the very nature of God.

The doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement provides a robust framework for understanding the cross. It addresses the reality of sin, the necessity of divine justice, and the wonder of God's redeeming love. Without this doctrine, the cross becomes a tragic event, a mere symbol of suffering. With it, the cross becomes the epicenter of salvation, the place where God's justice and love embrace.

Addressing Objections: The Logic of Love

The doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement has faced its share of objections. Some call it "cosmic child abuse," arguing that it portrays God as a violent deity. However, as we will discuss in our men's breakfast tomorrow, this view misunderstands the voluntary nature of Christ's sacrifice and the unified will of the Trinity. Jesus willingly laid down His life, and the Father, in His love, sent His Son.

Others question why God had to kill Jesus. Why couldn't He simply forgive? The answer lies in the nature of God's holiness and the necessity of justice. Forgiveness always requires a sacrifice. As Phillip Johnson states, "Forgiveness always requires some sort of sacrifice." The cross is the ultimate demonstration of this truth.

Furthermore, we must remember the importance of logic and truth. We must represent opposing views with integrity and use sound reasoning to defend the truth. The cross is not a matter of blind faith, but a matter of reasoned faith, grounded in the Word of God.

Practical Implications: Living in Light of the Cross

Understanding the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement has profound implications for our daily lives.

First, it fills us with humility and gratitude. Knowing that we were saved not by our own merit, but by the immeasurable sacrifice of Christ, should lead us to a deep sense of thankfulness.

Second, it informs our understanding of forgiveness and grace. If God has forgiven us so completely, how can we withhold forgiveness from others? The cross teaches us that grace is not just a theological concept, but a lived reality.

Third, it motivates us to live for Christ. Knowing the cost of our salvation, we should strive to live lives that honor Him. The cross empowers us to overcome temptation and sin, knowing that we are no longer slaves to our old nature.

Conclusion: The Cross, Our Hope

The cross of Christ is the central event of human history. It is the place where God's justice and love meet, where our sins were paid for, and where our salvation was secured. As we continue our journey through the Apostles' Creed, let us never lose sight of the profound significance of the cross. Let us embrace the truth of penal substitutionary atonement, and let it transform our lives, shaping us into the image of Christ.

With You;
Pastor Tim