We preach Christ crucified
Introduction
My text is found in 1 Cor 1:23-24
At Tabor – we preach crucified
Salvation – the substitutionary death of the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf
There are several things bound up in His redemptive work
Several words are used: propitiation, redemption, justification, reconcilation
The late John Stott provides images to help us understand these things
Propitiation – to the temple, redemption – to the slave market, justification – to the law court, reconciliation – to the family
Book – the Cross of Christ
My aim: to preach Christ crucified
Propitiation
Imagery of the temple court and sacrifice
It means – "the removal of wrath by the offering of a gift"
Three passages in the New Testament were this word is used
Rom 3:25, 1 John 2:1-2, 1 John 4:10
It takes us to the mercy seat – explanation
The pacification of the wrath of God
This can cause a problem for many who believe God is only a God of love
Sin provokes a settled/steady reaction from a Holy God
This is seen in the Old and New Testament
Ex 32:9-10, Ps 7:11, Rom 1:18, 1 John 2:1
Jesus is our mercy seat, our atonement, our propitiation
Heb 9:5
God in His grace has provided Christ as our propitiation
Quote from John Stott
Redemption
Imagery of the slave market
From the ceremonial to the commercial, from the religious to the business
Jesus made a payment/transaction upon the cross
It means to ‘buy back’
Example of pawn broker
Old Testament example of a slave and a kinsman redeemer
Old Testament example of Gomer – Hosea 3
Jesus is our kinsman Redeemer – Mark 10:45
He paid the price (on the cross)
1 Pet 1:18-19, 1 Tim 2:5-6, John 8:34-36
The price of redemption was paid to God
We were in debt through the law
Jesus came to pay our debt for us
He has paid in full
Our chains fell off – because Christ paid our price
Justification
Imagery of the law court
We are all in the dock – guilty as charged
Rom 3:23
We are condemned
Isaiah
If we trust in Christ – we are cleared of all charges
Acquitted
Isa 53:11
How can man be righteous before God – Job 9:2
By grace alone
Rom 3:24, Eph 2:8, Rom 5:1,9
Do you know the power of His blood?
Example
We are in the dock and the charges have been proved
Receive the salvation of God in Jesus
Be justified by faith
Reconciliation
Imagery of the family
Example of the estranged daughter
Are you aware of your estrangement to God?
Jesus is the great reconciler
At Calvary
He was bringing people back to God
1 Peter 3:18, 2 Cor 5:18
What He has done for us – we want others to know
2 Cor 5:20-21
Sinner – come back to God
Like the prodigal son
Christ has brought God to us – in placating His wrath
Rom 5:10
Personal example
We have been given the spirit of adoption – the right to call God Father
Quote from song: ‘Arise my soul arise’
Luke 15:20
Do you know this reconciliation?
God can save you
Closing Remarks