Galatians 3:13-14 "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
A few years ago someone asked me this question: Why is Good Friday Good? When that question was posed to me, I began reflecting on what the scriptures say concerning Christ's accomplishments on the cross. As we endeavor to answer this question, we can find the answer by looking at Galatians 3:7-14. The Apostle Paul lays out for us three reasons why the Friday that Jesus died on the cross was indeed "Good Friday" and thus "The Best Friday".
Salvation's Promises were completed
Let's consider the first "good" that was accomplished on God Friday: "Salvation's Promises were Accomplished". Galatians 3:8 states - "The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” Over 2,000 years before Christ came, the grace of God came to a man named Abram. God brought to Abram the promise. The theme of promise runs from Genesis to Malachi. It began with Eve and was re-articulated by God to Abraham.
The Promises of salvation were carried out through the scarlet bloodline of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. By the time we come to the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew lists 42 generations spanning from Abraham down to Jesus, wherein the "seed of promise" was carried. The Promise would become more specified by the coming of the Person of the Son. God the Son, the Promiser, came to embody the Promise by taking upon Himself full humanity. When Christ in His humanity breathed His last on that First Good Friday, over 100 prophecies were fulfilled. The Promise was completed.
Sin's Curse was Broken
Why did Jesus Christ go to the cross? Did it really matter how He shed His blood? Why didn't Jesus come down on a weekend, go to a doctor, have the doctor prick His finger, put blood in a vial, and catch the next chariot back to Heaven? It may very well had been easier, but not effective. He had to experience the virgin birth and grow through all the stages of humanity to experience what we experience - yet without sin. But there's something more.
You see, when Adam sinned - a curse was pronounced. (Genesis 3:15-19) Adam ate from the wrong tree, and was barred from gaining access to the tree of life. In order for man to ever gain access to the tree of life, a perfect man, a "New Adam" would have to be placed upon a tree of death. Galatians 3:13 quotes Deuteronomy 21:23, which tells us "cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree".
The curse of Eden was broken at Calvary - Christ accomplished it. The Promise of salvation was completed - Christ finished it. But notice the third thing that makes God Friday Good....
Saving benefits received by faith
Galatians 3:14 states - "in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Now lets be clear - The Event of Good Friday must become an experience in your life. Salvation is not automatic. All that Christ accomplished on that First Good Friday was an objective event of History. As the passage states - all this was done by Christ "so that the promise of the Spirit (could come) through faith."
That phrase "through faith" could be rendered "through the faith", meaning the Divine Gifting of faith wherein I believe and receive all who Christ is and His benefits. When you by grace through faith believe on Jesus, the benefits of Good Friday will make everyday of your life a Resurrection Day. It is for these reasons that "Good Friday" is good.
That phrase "through faith" is in reference to "The Faith", "the gift of faith", wherein I choose Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, Treasure.
Closing thoughts:
So why is "Good Friday" so good? Why is "Good Friday" truly "The Best Friday"? As we aimed to answer this question, we discovered three reasons:
1. Salvation's promises were completed
2. Sin's curse was broken
3. Saving benefits received by Faith
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