Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1912-12-07

IL .L62& y. ~sss@s:s ~ III SUCH btdlc-
ment, for all men
die. Yet it is extraordinary when we
consider the person, character and
history OF the one who died. He was
God and man, divine and human. Gre
ator and creature. His life was abso-
iutely flawless. IL Enoch and Elijah
left this world without passing
through death. might not Christ have
done likewise?
Further. this death is extraordinary
when We consider that Christ could
have avoided II. He knew all about
the plots and plans that were laid
for his arrest and death. He could
have foiled them. LegioDs OF angels
were at his disposal. But he submit
ted to this death; therefore his sacri-
flee was willing, voluntary sacrifice.
We must remember, too, that it was
no ordinary death, for others have
suffered as tragic and ignominious
deaths as this. 1t was extraordinary.
however, because of its relation to
mankind and because OF the person OF
the one who died. Jesus himself said
that his death was a ransom for all
men; the apostles claimed that he
died the just for the unjust and for
the sins Of the world. This could not
be said Of the death of any other per
son in the world. Paul had seen Ste-
phen die martyrs death, but he did
not associate forgiveness OF sin with
Stephens death: yet this Is what is
claimed for the death OF Christ.
ii. The people for whom Christ
died. They are described as sinners.
ungodly. enemies. These terms are
all-inclusive, descriptive enough to
take in all the fallen and SHINING ones
OF men. Speaking broadly, this text
asserts that Jesus Christ died for the
whole human race of sinners.
1t is here said that he died for
them, and by this Is meant that he
half. Some one may say Il did not
need any one to die for me-" But
we know so little as to what was
necessary TO be done in our behalf;
we are so ignorant concerning these
things: our own reason can be trust
ed so little; that it Is better for US TO
believe what Jesus and the Apostles
say with reference TO the necessity OF
Christ's death
The death of Christ postulates that
something infinite needed to be done
for us. Had there been no dark, dire
need, God would not have made the
sacrifice OF his son. II Is clear from
our text that Christ died To do for US
what we, because we were weak and
without strength. could not do for
ourselves.
III. The purpose of Christs death
First. we are justified by his death.
The atonement provides the ground
upon which a righteous God can pro-
nounce repentant sinner innocent
free, and treat him accordingly. This
means that when man acknowledges
the claims of Jesus Christ, and sub
mits himself to him as his personal
savior, the guit and penalty Of his
sin are removed forever. We may not
understand or realize how this fact
becomes a fact and yet we may real
ize II is a fact Thousands use cleo
tricity every day who do not under
stand IL. So We are told what is a
great mystery-that because Christ
died we who believe In him do re-
ceive absolution for our sins.
Second. We are reconciled to God
through the death of Christ. Sin is
a barrier between God and man |
There can be fellowship between God |
and man only as this barrier is re-
q. 80
remove this barrier apart from the |
sacrifice OF Christ. Again, VIC are ~ot |
saved by understanding, but believ- |
ing this great truth. Men may bask |
in the rays Of the spring sunshine, and |
yet be ignorant OF astronomy. All |
enemity existing between God and the |
sinner is removed by reason OF the |
death OF Christ. BY believing In |
Christ the sinner who Is an enemy of |
God becomes a friend OF God.
Third We are saved from wrath |
through Christ's death. The modern |
mind rejects the idea OF wrath alto !
gether and says II exists only in the !
minds OF theologians. According to |
the scriptures. however, there Is !
wrath OF God as we'll az love OF God |
Love and wrath are not incompatible |
terms. God cannot overlook the |
wickedness OF men; and since Il is |
practically impossible to, separate |
between the man and the sin that |
he cherishes. pain. wrath and anguish |
must be visited on the sinner The |
death of Jesus Christ removes this |
wrath and the believer In him passes |
out Of death into life. the penalty OF
tho second death or the wrath Of God |
ahall not fall on him