Jesus Christ is revealed as Prince of Peace in the New Testament

Matthew 4:12 -17 Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, he withdrew into Galilee; (13) and leaving Nazareth, he came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. (14) This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: (15) 'the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - (16) the people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light has dawned.' (17) From that time Jesus began to preach and say, 'repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.'

Introduction :

In yesterday's post we explored the significance and the importance of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. we looked mainly at Isaiah chapter 9: 1-7. We noted that as the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ shines light into darkness, breaks the yoke of bondage and brings order to chaos. We had also looked briefly at a few New Testament passages that utilize Isaiah's prophecy concerning Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. 

I felt in today's post needed to explore more specifically how Jesus Christ's designation as "Prince of Peace" is developed in the New Testament. The reader will notice that the opening passage for today's post begins in Matthew chapter 4. I find it interesting that Matthew's gospel uses Isaiah's prophecy as one of the defining texts for describing the meaning of Jesus's public Ministry. This decisively tells us that what Isaiah was writing about in chapter 9 of his book was pointing explicitly to what would be the public Ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. And so with these thoughts in mind I wanted to briefly explore some passages in the New Testament but developed further this thought of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace.

1. Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace in the four Gospels

In the four Gospels we see various episodes that describe the ways in which Jesus Christ had shone light, broken the yoke of bondage and brought order to chaos in the lives of various people. One example of this is found in the first two verses of Luke chapter 8. The passage describes the various women who had accompanied Jesus and the apostles in the course of his earthly ministry throughout the regions of Galilee and Judea. Luke 8:1-2 states: "soon afterwards, he began going around from one city and village to another proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, (2) and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out." Imagine if you will what it must have been like for Mary - who had been encountered by the Lord Jesus Christ - and the way in which he brought light into her Darkness, delivered her from the Yoke of bondage and brought order into her chaotic world. I can imagine all of those who were associated with Jesus's ministry had powerful testimonies concerning how he is the Prince of Peace had brought peace into their lives.

2. Jesus as Prince of Peace in the book of Acts

As the Apostle Peter was preaching in Acts chapter 10, we read his summary of Jesus' Ministry in verses 36-38 - "The word which he sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all) - (37) you yourselves know the things which took place throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee after the baptism which John proclaimed. (38) You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him." 

Peter's description of Jesus ministry not only in the four Gospels but in terms of how his ministry was continuing on through the power of the Holy Spirit in the church, describes Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace.

3. Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace in the New Testament Letters or Epistles

One of the many examples that we can consider the New Testament letters concerning Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace, is found in Paul's letter to the church at Rome. Romans 5:1 states: "Therefore having been justified by faith,  we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

We also find this theme of Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace in Ephesians 2:14 "for he himself is our peace who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall." The Apostle Paul is talking about how in Jesus Christ, the Jews and the Gentiles - who by grace through faith believe on him - are brought together as one people of God. 

Paul is alluding to what would have been the dividing wall that existed in the temple in Jerusalem in the first century period.  That wall separated the so-called Court of the Gentiles from the innermost remaining courts wherein only Jews were allowed to enter. In that Temple system there were signs which had written in Greek prohibitions against Gentiles. What Jesus Christ did in effect, was to bring about peace and reconciliation to God. All who place their faith and trust in him can have unlimited access to the Heavenly Father.

We could go on, but just for sake of completion, let the reader consider 1 Peter 2:1-12. In Peter's text we see how Jesus Christ had worked salvation as the Precious Cornerstone in order to rescue his people out of darkness in order to bring them into His marvelous light. Incidentally, the Apostle Peter is alluding to what Isaiah wrote in chapters eight and nine of his prophecies.

4. Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace in The Apocalypse of John

When we come to the 19th Chapter of the Book of Revelation, we are witnessing what will be the second coming of Jesus Christ to defeat all of the armies of the world. As the victory of Jesus Christ is without question in Bible prophecy, we understand that when he returns, he will set up his kingdom here on Earth. 

One of the most remarkable statements concerning the uncontestable reign of the Lord Jesus Christ is found in Revelation 19:6 "then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, Hallelujah! For the Lord Our God, the Almighty, reigns."  In so far as Jesus Christ is already the Prince of Peace right now, this fact gives the guarantee of Him continuing on thia role into his future thousand year reign here on Earth, as well as what will be his eternal Kingship over all those who responded to His gospel into eternity.

Closing thoughts

In today's post we briefly surveyed how Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace is developed in the New Testament. We certainly did not cover all the passages. Nevertheless, the Christian is encouraged to not only study these passages, but others that communicate this wonderful truth of Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace.

The importance of Jesus Christ being the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6-7 "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this."

Jesus - the Prince of Peace

In our church sanctuary there are a series of banners hanging on the wall. The first time I had ever set foot in that beautiful worship space - the banners caught my eye. On each banner is featured a name of Jesus. There are six banners in all - however let not the reader think that there are just six names or ways of referring to Jesus Christ. If one were to survey the scriptures they would discover some 200 names. In today's post we are only going to focus on one of those names - "Prince of Peace". I felt it necessary to offer some thoughts on this particular name ascribed to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Isaiah's prophecy is dealing with a desperate situation wherein the people and leadership have utterly failed God morally, nationally and spiritually. They are - as-it-were - between a rock and a hard place. No king can save them. The most feared nation of that era (Assyria) and its monarch (Sennacherib) are predicted to come. What were they do do? They needed their King (Yahweh), and they needed to quit refusing His offer to save them. You and I need the Prince of Peace revealed in this passage. Notice what the Prince of Peace can do for you based upon Isaiah 9:1-7 and other passages:

1. He shines light into darkness. 9:1-3

We could extend the context of this first thought to include Isaiah 8:9-9:3. I won't belabor the context - only to say that it seemed as if all resources of hope and help had been exhausted. The people had really gotten themselves into the proverbial pickle. The spiritual sky was dark. The ground was dry. The soul was shriveling. The lamps were flickering. Despair lurked in the shadows. Then Isaiah blurts out in 9:1 how the "people saw a great light". What is this great light? Matthew 4:12-16 takes this very text and ascribes it to Jesus. 

Jesus shines light into darkness. As Martin Luther's Hymn "A Mighty Fortress is our God states: "The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him, one little word will fell him". Certainly the prince of darkness has his way with the people. All of us born into this world can be described in the same manner (Ephesians 2:1-3). Yet, God's glory is revealed on the face of Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:1-6). He is the Prince of Peace. He shines light into darkness and secondly...

2. He breaks the yoke of bondage. Isaiah 9:4-5

Isaiah writes in Isaiah 9:4-5  "For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders,The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. 5 For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire." 

Have you ever been under the yoke of bondage? That is to say, have you ever carried in your heart a secret, a hidden sin? Or perhaps you had to shoulder a pain from childhood that was no fault of your own? The people of Isaiah's day had made covenants and allies with people whom they thought they could trust. One can never broker diplomacy with the kingdom of darkness. Eventually, we grow tired of being tired. 

Whenever we recognize that only God's grace can intervene and that we are too weak to do anything about it - that is when the Prince of Peace's work in our lives is most effective. Isaiah 9:4-5 in effect speaks of the warfare being brought to an end. When Jesus enters the picture, fighting God and conflict within ourselves is quieted. The yoke of bondage is broken and we are set free. As Jesus Himself notes in John 8:36 "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." So Jesus as the Prince of Peace shines light into darkness; breaks the yoke of bondage and thirdly....

Brings order to chaos. Isaiah 9:6-7

We of course have been focusing on this one title of Jesus: "Prince of Peace". It is instructive to consider how this title is clustered among several others in Isaiah 9:6-7. In the Hebrew text of Isaiah 9:6 the word translated "name" is singular. Now the reason why this is of particular interest is that there are several names given. Why didn't Isaiah say "names" instead? The unity of the character of the Son is in view. Just as sunlight is all one color (white) composed of seven colors when passed through a prism, the Lord Jesus Christ is truly Divine light passed first through the prophecies of Isaiah and others and then through the taking on of true humanity in the New Testament. 

Now this point is important, since we need a Prince who is able to bring unity and order into what would be otherwise our chaotic world. All of those names of Jesus bespeak of His character, power and goodness that He wished to bestow on His people. Only He can bring order to chaos.

Closing thoughts

Today we considered the title of Jesus: "Prince of Peace". We noted from Isaiah's passage and other texts three truths about Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace:

1. He shines light into darkness

2. He breaks the yoke of bondage

3. He brings order to chaos

How to take the meaning of the Bible back then and relate it to today

Isaiah 9:1-3 But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them. 3 You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Introduction

It is amazing to think about how old some of the portions of the Bible really are. The above prophecy composed by Isaiah the prophet under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit dates back over 2700 years. When we read the above text, we are reminded of the truth conveyed by 2 Timothy 3:16 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." All scripture is - in the words of 2 Timothy - profitable, useful, beneficial. Our responsibility as Christians is to grasp the meaning of the scripture and apply it to our lives. The question is: "how do I take a text written over 2700 years ago and apply it to my life today?"

Consider what is referred to as "The Fallen Condition Focus"

Dr. Bryan Chapell is a homiletics professor at Covenant Theological Seminary that teaches young men to preach the Word of God. In his book "Christ-Centered Preaching", Dr. Chapell uses a key idea that helps preachers and people in the pew in applying God's Word. His method involves what he has termed "The Fallen Condition Focus". The "Fallen Condition Focus" is defined by Chapell as follows: "The Fallen Condition Focus (FCF) is the mutual human condition that contemporary believers share with those for or by whom the text was written that requires the grace of the passage to manifest God's glory in his people."

According to Dr. Chapell, we must ask three questions when approaching a given text of scripture: what is the meaning of this text? what particular problem or issue motivated the writing of this text? what over-arching concerns are shared between the audience of that day and us living in today's world? With these questions comes the awareness of the tension resident in the text in our lives. To put it another way, the people in Isaiah's time were under the threat of a foreign king ravaging their land. Moreover, they had become so compromised in their spiritual condition that they seemed beyond all remedy. I'm sure you and I have felt that way at one time or another - or perhaps that characterizes your circumstances today. 

This tension must be felt and experienced in order for us to appreciate the light of God's grace. The brokenness of the nation of Judah and the failure of her leadership to heed Isaiah's prophecies is nestled in between two great prophecies of Jesus' first coming. The first of these mighty prophecies speaks of His virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14. The second of these great prophecies concerns not only Messiah's birth and first coming, but also His future second coming and kingdom. The mighty grace of God was needed to shine light in an otherwise hopeless and dark situation. In Isaiah's day of 734 b.c, the failures of a nation and its leadership led to ruin, darkness and hopelessness. That was in Isaiah's day. 

How the New Testament takes Isaiah's prophecy and connects it with the beginning of Jesus' ministry

So with this "fallen condition focus", we are concerned with the mutual human condition shared by us and the people of the Bible that requires God's grace to intervene. Isaiah's prophecies were written in 734 b.c. The Gospel of Matthew (50's A.D) takes Isaiah 9:1-3 and applies it to the beginning of Jesus' ministry in Matthew 4:12-17 - "Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee; 13 and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali.14 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 “The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a Light dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Taking the meaning of the Bible back then and applying it today

Now when we consider the similarities of circumstances facing the audience of the first century versus the audience of the seventh century b.c, we can easily take the following questions and apply them to our lives in the 21st century:

1. What is the meaning of the text? Isaiah's prophecy dealt with a people (Judah) who were frightened by a foreign power (Assyria) and who had experienced the spiritual failure of their leadership and themselves. Times were dark and only God could intervene. In Jesus' time we see the nation of Israel frightened by a foreign power (Rome) and whom were led by leadership who failed spiritually. 

2. What is the prevailing problem or circumstance? 

The people in the first century were in a state of desperation. No new word from God had shone in the land for 400 years. Then, suddenly, Jesus bursts on the scene as God-incarnate, preaching and doing miracles. Amazingly, the prophecy speaks of the general ministry location of Jesus. Think about those times when you and I have felt like we are between a rock and a hard place. Maybe the circumstance was of our own doing, maybe it wasn't. What we need to do in addressing a problem too big for men to handle is to get God involved.

3. What over-arching concerns are shared by the audiences of Isaiah, Matthew and our own?

All three contexts have this tension of being in an impossible situation wherein man can offer no remedy. Jesus is the only answer. We must make sure we're asking the right questions. Both Isaiah 9:1-7 and Matthew 4:12-17 guide us in asking those questions and pointing us to Jesus. Henceforth, when the tide has turned against us, and it seems as if we're going to drown, the circumstances are ripe for God to show up and for us to be ready for His arrival. 

This type of exercise is illustrated for us within the scripture. Thus, we have a method for application. I would urge the reader to get into their Bibles (begin with one of Paul's letters or the Epistle of James) and walk through the method of application we did here today. May the Lord richly bless you the reader.

Thoughts on how your time in God's word and prayer-time relate to one another

Hebrews 4:12 the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Introduction:

I thought we would begin today by meditating on how it is our time in God's Word and our prayer time are related to one another. Most of the following reflections will derive from considerations out of Hebrews 4:12-16 and other Biblical texts. May God be glorified in the following thoughts below on this subject.

Why the Bible and Prayer go hand-in-hand
As you look at the above two passages, they are only separated by four verses, the first being about God's Word and the second concerned with your prayer-life. Why do prayer and the study of God's Word go hand-in-hand? If we had included the verses in between, you would discover that the author is connecting prayer and God's Word together by way of Jesus' High-Priestly ministry. Jesus is the contact point between our prayers to God and our direction from Him. As the Father has sent the Spirit in His name to make clear the scriptures (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-13), He also gives clarity in the realm of our prayer-lives (Romans 8:26-27).

Four types of Prayer
There are over 600 prayers recorded in the Bible, prayer by different sorts of people. In looking at those prayers, we can classify them under four main types and use the acrostic A.C.T.S to aid in our memory of them.

Adoration = This is when I praise and worship God in my prayer-time

Confession = This is when I confess, or fully admit of my sins to God in my prayer-time

Thanksgiving = This is when I thank God for Himself and other things in my prayer-time

Supplication = This refers to how I ask God for things in my prayer-time

Applying the types of prayer to the scriptures
By once again appealing to the little Bible book of 1 John, we can observe how you can combine your prayer life with God's word. I will use 1 John 1:9 as the example, since it is a wonderful promise for every Christian to claim. 1 John 1:9 states - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Now as you look at that passage, you can plug in those four types of prayer, and pray through that passages in the following ways:

-Adoration = Lord, I praise you, I adore you for that fact that through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, I have the right to come to you by faith. I praise you Jesus that you are sufficient and just to forgive me of my sins.

-Confession = Lord, I confess to you my sin this day. I admit I have done wrong in this or that area. I confess Lord that may I should have done this or not done that. Lord, please forgive me.

-Thanksgiving = I'm thankful to you Lord that having confessed my sin to you, by the blood of Jesus Christ, I stand innocent before you. I am so thankful that you and I can walk in fellowship and friendship with one another. I thank you Lord that you cleanse.

-Supplication = I ask Lord that you would enable me to walk by the power of your Grace to embrace my Lord and Savior, and that by your grace I would hate sin. Enable me Lord to flee to your word when I am tempted, and to not rely on myself, but only on you - amen.

Closing thoughts
When you take a verse of scripture, and pray it, it is like adding high octane fuel into the tank of your prayer life. Prayer and scripture reading go hand-in-hand. Both together, combined with meditating on what I read and on what I hear in my prayer time form a three-braided rope that is not easily broken. May the Lord bless you today dear friend - as you live and walk for Jesus in prayer and in the scriptures.

Six reasons why Jesus' resurrection from the dead is the most important truth

1 Corinthians 15:19-20 "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep."

Introduction:

Today's post aims to offer some reflections on the significance of the Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. The goal is to give the reader a sampling of the massive significance of this truth. Notice the follow reasons why the resurrection of Jesus is the most important truth of Christianity, life and existence...

1. The resurrection provides the basis for truth, meaning and life's purpose
To begin, the clearest statement found in the Bible on the significance of Christ’s resurrection from the dead is found in 1 Corinthians 15:19-20a “If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most pitied. (20) But now Christ has been raised from the dead…” All Christianity, and life and the entirety of existence rises or falls with this doctrinal and historical reality. 

2. The resurrection is the only explanation for the beginnings and spread of Christianity

Christ’s empty tomb, post-mortem appearances, the sudden switch of the disciples’ skepticism to robust faith and the early church can only be explained by the historical, physical, supernatural resurrection of Jesus from the dead. 

3. The resurrection of Jesus is the power-source behind the preaching of the Bible

Christian doctrine would be jeopardized (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) as well as Christian preaching and the church itself if Christ had not risen from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Moreover, any ability to derive hope in this present life must be abandoned if Jesus Christ had never risen from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20-28). For finding the purpose of existence and hope for the future, such quests must be abandoned if indeed Jesus Christ’s resurrection never took place (1 Corinthians 15:29-58). 

4. Jesus' resurrection is the basis for worship and adoration of God

But praise be to God – Jesus has risen – and thus we serve a risen, exalted Savior! The existence, reality and identity of the true and living God of the Bible is verified chiefly by the fact that He is credited with raising Jesus from the dead (Romans 6:4-11; Romans 8:11; 1 Peter 1:3). Jesus’ own Deity and true humanity are both verified by this event (John 10:17;Romans 1:1-3; Romans 9:5). Christ’s resurrection from the dead –deemed “firstfruits” in 1 Corinthians 15:20b, guarantees the Christian’s future glorified transformed resurrection body at His return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; 1 Corinthians 15:42-58). 

5. Jesus' resurrection validates the truth of the Bible

Christ’s resurrection also has set in stone all of the prophecies and predictions pertaining to the rest of the Old Testament saints in the resurrection of the righteous, of which we will be a part (Job 14:14; Daniel 12). The Kingdom of darkness and Satan himself stand condemned and defeated as a result of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead (Colossians 2:11-12; Hebrews 2:11-14; 1 Peter 3:18-20). 

6. The resurrection of Jesus is relevant for the power to live the Christian life today
To summarize – Jesus’ resurrection stands as the epicenter of Christian experience, doctrine, history, the present and future hope for all who believe.

What Jesus Achieved on Good Friday and Holy Saturday: Reflections and Applications

1 Peter 3:18-20  For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; 19 in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, 20 who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

Introduction:

Today is the Saturday that lies between "Good Friday" and "Easter Sunday". This day, simply called "Holy Saturday", considers what all was potentially taking place during the interment of Jesus' body in the tomb of Joseph of Arithmathea. In the book "Preaching through the Christian Year", a particular ancient practice of the early church is recounted: "In the ancient church, the tradition of the Easter Vigil played an important role. Catechumens (young converts to the Christian faith), after remaining awake and watchful throughout Saturday night, were baptized early on Easter morning and then joined the Christian community in Holy communion." 1 Such practices fazed out. However, throughout church history, much effort was spent in taking the time to focus on Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. I'm sure some readers for instance can recall "Easter Sunrise Services" and other Christian traditions that help the church to be reminded of her central identity in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. 

In today's post I want us to consider what Jesus accomplished in these events. The aim is to consider Jesus' accomplishments on Good Friday and Holy Saturday in preparation for resurrection Saturday. 

The four Gospels detail the events of Christ's death, burial and resurrection.  The remainder of the New Testament (Acts, 21 Epistles and Revelation) unfold the meaning and implications of what He achieved.  The Apostle Peter in his first epistle aims to show how we as Christians ought to stand firm in God's grace (1 Peter 5:12). Peter's letter ties in our ability to stand in such grace to what Jesus Christ accomplished.  Thus, we will consider the following two main thoughts about Christ's accomplished work:

1. The Purpose of Christ's Accomplished Work - reconciliation.  1 Peter 3:18

2. The Proclamation of Christ's Accomplished Work - Victory.  1 Peter 3:19-20

1. Purpose of Christ’s Victorious Work – Reconciliation 3:18 

a. What did He do? He died 

 He died for sins.  As Dr. Danny Akin of South Western Baptist Theological Seminary once noted: "He lived the life I couldn't live and He died the death I should have died."

b. Whom did He die for? The unjust 

Romans 5:6-8 states - "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 

Jesus' death on behalf of sinners accomplished two necessary effects required for reconciliation with God. The first necessary effect was expiation or the removal of the cause of God's wrath upon us - our sin (Romans 5:10). The second effect had to do with propitiation - that is to say, the satisfaction of God's wrath (1 John 2:2). Below in the next thought (point "c"), we see why expiation (taking away of sin) and propitiation (satisfying wrath) are necessary for reconciliation.

c. Why did he die? To bring us to God (reconciliation) 

Dr. Michael Horton notes: "The result of God's wrath being satisfied is reconciliation. Just as we are first of all passive subjects of God's wrath when God propitiates, we are passive subjects of God's reconciliation at the cross.  We do not reconcile ourselves to God; God reconciles Himself to us and us to Him."2

d. How did He do it? Death and resurrection

Christ's death, burial and resurrection are at the heart of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The New Testament mostly focuses upon Christ's death and resurrection.  However, what went on during the three days He was buried is not explained in near as much detail as the two book-ends of the Gospel: namely Christ's death and resurrection.  Death and Resurrection serve to explain how Christ accomplished what he accomplished. What He did in His burial (down below) reveals some of the behind (and under) the scenes work He did in insuring our ability to walk as believers in His Victorious work. 

2. Proclamation of Christ’s Victorious Work – Victory 3:19-20 

 a. What did he do between His death &    resurrection? Proclaimed victory 3:19 

John MacArthur has perhaps explained this text better than just about everyone I've read or heard: "He was announcing, proclaiming (and) heralding a triumph. About what? It must be pretty obvious, about His triumph over sin, about His triumph over death, about His triumph over hell, about His triumph over demons, about His triumph over Satan." 3

b. Whom did he proclaim His victory? The  demons reserved for judgment. 3:19-20 

If we were to attempt to offer a faint outline of what Jesus did between His death and resurrection, we could maybe understand why He went to proclaim His victory to the demonic realm.  First He went immediately into the presence of His Father by way of the Holy Spirit in his human spirit to present His once and for all sacrifice (Hebrew 9:15). 

Next He went down into those regions of hell where some of the demons (especially those who rebelled in Noah's day) are being reserved for judgment. 

Thirdly Christ's proclamation of victory insures that hell will not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18) as well as fulfilling the fact of His triumph over the demonic realm (Colossians 2:14-15). 

Fourthly, Christ's resurrection from the dead meant He had completed His mission of proclamation and thus He arose as a victorious King, subduing all cosmic powers under Himself (Acts 2:24; 1 Peter 3:22).

c. Why did he proclaim His victory? To  guarantee Christian victory 3:19-20 

He did this to pave the way for what would be His ascension into Heaven 40 days after His resurrection from the dead (Ephesians 4:7-10). 

d. What was His victory over? Sin (1 Pet 3:18), hell 1 Pet 3:19-20; Col 2:11-12) grave (3:18,21b)

Revelation 1:4-5 states - "John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood".

Closing thoughts
As we draw this post to a close, let's remember our two main thoughts for today's post: 

1. The Purpose of Christ's Accomplished Work - reconciliation.  1 Peter 3:18

2. The Proclamation of Christ's Accomplished Work - Victory.  1 Peter 3:19-20 

What Jesus accomplished was proclaimed by Him both in heaven and to the defeated demonic realm. Such activities provided grounds for which future generations of Christian could stand who by grace through faith trusted in Jesus. The cross of Friday and the work of Saturday pointed to what would be the great victory of that early Sunday Morning: He has risen! As Christians, we rest in these works of Jesus. 

Endnotes:

1. Fred B. Craddock; John H. Hayes; Carl R. Holladay and Gene M. Tucker. Preaching Through the Christian Year - Part A. Trinity Press International. Harrisburg, PA. 1992. Page 227

2. Michael Horton. The Christian Faith - A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way. Zondervan. 2011. Page 500

3. http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/60-37/the-triumph-of-christs-suffering-part-2

Three reasons why we can say "Good Friday" is good

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.

Introduction
What is Good Friday? Many churches and Christians the world-over celebrate the Friday before Easter Sunday as a time to reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus. The book "Preaching through the Christian Year" (Edited by Fred Craddock; John H. Hayes; Carl R. Holladay and Gene M. Tucker) notes the following about how one ought to celebrate "Good Friday": "Good Friday services tend to focus on the suffering of Jesus as the servant of God. This is a corrrect and proper theme for the day. Good Friday also, however, looks forward, beyond itself, beyond suffering and humiliation, to exaltation, triumph and Easter." Henceforth we can see the "Good Friday" is indeed all about the "Good News" of Jesus' accomplishment on the cross and of course, what would ultimately be the confirmation of that accomplishment by His resurrection from the dead.

Such thoughts remind me of a question someone asked me a few years ago: Why is Good Friday Good? When that question was posed to me, I began to reflect on what the scriptures explain 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. I want today's post to take a deeper look at what Jesus achieved on the cross, so as to understand why this day is indeed a day of triumph for the Christian (and how it can be yours if you're not one yet). The Apostle Paul lays out three reasons why the Friday that Jesus died on the cross was indeed Good Friday.

Salvation's Promise was completed
Let's consider the first "good" that was accomplished on "Good Friday": Salvation's promise was completed. 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 to a land that He promised to show him - Canaan. In Genesis 13 Abram is told to walk that land. Later on the "promise" to Abram regarding a physical descended would be fulfilled in the birth of his son Isaac in Genesis 21. This overall redemptive theme of "promise" runs from Genesis to Malachi.  It began with Eve and was re-articulated by God to Abraham, to his descendants, to Moses, the prophets, kings such as David and regular people like Ruth.

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 culminated. The Promise turned out not to be abstract - but concrete. What had been an overarching principle of God's redemptive purposes in the Old Testament would turn out to culminate in the Person of the Son. God the Son, the Promiser, came to embody the Promise in true humanity as Jesus Christ. When Christ in His humanity breathed His last on that First Good Friday, over 100 prophecies were fulfilled. The Promise that pointed to the Person achieved the full payment of substitutionary death of the Savior in the place of sinners. So "Good Friday" is good because salvation's promise was fulfilled, but notice secondly...

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 - that is to say, 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 in His humanity what needed paid for by man and provided salvation that He as God alone could provide. The Promise of salvation was completed! Finished! Paid in full! Never to be repeated again!  But notice the third thing that makes Good 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 let's 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 - which is to say - an event that is true and occurred apart from what you may or may not believe. With that said, unless you by grace through faith subjectively receive that event - its benefits won't be applied to you.  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 that operates in salvation becomes a free decision of faith wherein I freely believe and receive all who Christ is and all He has done (Ephesians 2:8-9; James 1:18). When you by grace through faith freely and truly trust in Jesus - the benefits of Good Friday make everyday of your life a Resurrection Day (Romans 10:8-10). 

Closing thoughts:

So what three reasons can we offer in answer to the question: "why is Good Friday good?" 

1. Salvation's Promise was fulfilled

2. Sin's curse has been broken

3. Saving benefits are received by faith. 

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.