Subject: do we have any free will? |
Bible Note: Dino We know man was cut off/separated from God by sin. However under the Mosaic practice of offering a sacrifice for sin, the offering wasn't cut off when it became sin but was rather accepted by God, it's offering became a sweet aroma before the throne of God. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice how much more should He be accepted. If man was cut off from God because of sin shouldn’t Christ when he became sin? I agree the logical answer would seem to be yes. However, human logic does not stand well in the light of the trinity. Jesus was God, for Jesus to died both physically and spiritually would mean that God would have died. This phrase was originally spoken by David, at a time in his life when he was facing great despair. It was if God had forsaken him, yet had God? No! God was even closer to David than before, calling David into repentance, into a closer relationship. If Jesus spoke out the phrase in question at the time of His death because He felt God’s presence leave Him, would He not be questioning God? For Him to be questioning God two things would have to be true. First Jesus, who as God knew everything, was surprised or at least was caught un-expecting the action of God. Secondly Jesus felt questioning God was acceptable. The phrase Jesus spoke was the beginning of Psalm 22. Psalm 22 just happens to describe in great detail exactly the crucifixion of the Messiah, what was taking place before their very eyes. The Jews were still in denial, Jesus was providing one more clue, giving one more proof of who he was. Rather as seeing this as Jesus questioning the actions of God, can it not be seen as a one more attempt of Jesus to soften the heart of man? I readily admit I don’t understand or comprehend all the typeology, all the spiritual meaning, and all the dynamics that were involved at the cross. But to my mind for Christ to die spiritually would have meant God died. Of this I’m certain what transpired that day on the cross made it possible for you and me to enter heaven as sons of the Most Holy God. What took place that day was our salvation, forgiveness and cleansing from sin. Jesus allowed his blood to be poured out for the New Covenant. That all who believed in Him would not die but would have eternal life. I agree we should cease this discussion as we have taken it as far as it can go. I pray I have given you things to think about, as you have me. I pray this discussion has made our faith and our conviction the Jesus died for our sins that much stronger. Be blessed and be a blessing EdB |