Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 18, "If Christ Had Not Died . . .", Page 101.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
PHOTO: A group of eminent (famous and respected) historians got together to imagine what would have happened if certain well-established historical events had turned out differently. In their book What If and its sequel What If 2, they use their creativity and expertise to entertain history buffs.
What if Socrates had died in a battle he fought in 424 BC, before he met his student Plato? What if Napoleon had invaded North America? What if Martin Luther had been burned at the stake in 1521? Such were the questions asked by the historians. One of them, Yale University Christian historian Carlos Eire, explores how things might have turned out if Pontius Pilate had spared Jesus and not sent Him to the cross. [1a]
In his imaginary narrative, Eire presents successive scenes: the trial of Jesus, one year, 30 years, and 60 years after the trial, and finally 230 years later, when Constantine was Roman emperor. He paints the picture of an aging Jesus and the emergence of a form of Judaism, a "Christianity without the crucifixion". But we all know that history did not turn out that way. Thank God!
As Good Friday and Easter, the church observes the historical events that occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and rose victoriously from the dead on the third day.
It is possible, however, that this yearly season might degenerate into empty ritual. Or superficial experience when we, with preoccupied minds and distracted hearts, walk past the cross and empty tomb with practised habit, with little or no wonder and awe. The annual observance of Good Friday and Easter is not meant to lull us to false familiarity with the greatest mystery of human history. Rather, it should jolt us back to reality, to the most important facts about God and ourselves.
One way we can conserve the wonder and depth of this holy season is to ask ourselves the "what if" questions. In fact, Scripture does the same thing.
What if Christ had not died on the cross? The writers of the New Testament respond by stating clearly why Jesus had to die on the cross. Yes, it is true that Pontius Pilate sent Jesus to the cross to be crucified. But that is only part of the answer. Scripture says that all of us sent Him to the cross. He died because of us.
The apostle Peter declared that Christ "suffered once for sins" (1 Peter 3:18). The fact that Jesus died for our sins is further reiterated by Paul: "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). But what do Peter and Paul mean? Why did Jesus have to die for our sins? Here again, Scripture is clear. We all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We were all headed for judgement, condemnation, and eternal death, unless God himself intervened. And, God did intervene - that is how we are to understand the coming of Jesus into this world and His death on the cross.
The author of Hebrews explained to his Jewish readers that Jesus made a "sacrifice of himself" (Hebrews 9:26). The Jewish readers, with their Jewish background, would have understood the author's point. Centuries of animal sacrifices, performed to atone for the sins of the people, all pointed to the one sacrifice that really mattered, the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus when He died on the cross to atone for our sins. No wonder that John Wesley testified that the blood of Christ is the remedy for the sickness in our souls. [2] Or as P.T. Forsyth summed up, the death of Christ is "the one final treatment of sin, the one compendious (short and to the point) work of grace, and the one hinge of human destiny." [3]
The crucifixion of Jesus was not a historical accident. It was a carefully planned event, as indicated by Paul when he pointed out that Christ's death was "according to Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). God had already revealed to His prophets how and why the Sons of God would die. Before the thought of Jesus dying on a cross occurred in Pilate's mind, it had already occurred in God's. God was not surprised by this turn of events.
Neither was Jesus the unwilling victim of Pilate's command. Scripture makes it clear that in the surreal scene when the Lord was judged by Pilate and sentenced to death, it was Pilate who was, like all of us, the condemned prisoner. He thought he was the judge. He had no idea that Jesus, whom he thought was the condemned prisoner, was in fact the one who would come to judge the living and the dead. At the trial, Jesus was the one in control, for He voluntarily went to the cross (John 19:10-11). John says as much when he wrote that "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16). Jesus died willingly because He loved us, even "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8).
What if Christ had not died on the cross? There would be no atonement for our sins. We would still be headed for eternal damnation. All pleasures on earth would only be a momentary distraction from the certain and ultimate doom of every member of the human race.
Christ died on the cross for our sins. But what if He had not risen from the dead? Paul answers this question well when he writes: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith . . . your faith is futile: you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:14,17). While the cross atones for sins, the resurrection points to the divine power that gives new life, and to our future in eternity. Without Easter, Good Friday would neither be "good" nor complete. Our hope would be "only for this life" (1 Corinthians 15:19).
If Christ had not risen from the dead, we would have nothing to look forward to beyond this life, beyond our deaths, beyond the injustices of this world, and beyond our present comforts and discomforts.
You have probably experienced waking up from a nightmare disturbed, sweating profusely, pulse racing in terror. The events and emotions in the nightmares had seemed so real. Perhaps you dreamed of a loved one dying or dead. Then you wake up. For a brief moment you are confused. Then it dawns on you. It was only a nightmare. It did not happen.
All is well. Your mind is eased and you are grateful that it was only a bad dream.
What if Jesus did not die on the cross? What if He had not risen from the dead? Eire's imaginary narrative was only a bad dream. Thank God it did not happen that way! Christ did die on the cross. He did rise from the dead. And He is coming again. Sometimes, nightmares help us to appreciate what we have been given. May we be filled with gratitude and awe as we behold the cross and empty tomb once again.
Picture posted by Miracle14!
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A group of eminent (famous and respected) historians got together to imagine what would have happened if certain well-established historical events had turned out differently. In their book What If and its sequel What If 2, they use their creativity and expertise to entertain history buffs.
PHOTO: A group of eminent (famous and respected) historians got together to imagine what would have happened if certain well-established historical events had turned out differently. In their book What If and its sequel What If 2, they use their creativity and expertise to entertain history buffs.
Picture posted by Amazon
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https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81fEdk9iYUL._SL1500_.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/Books-Collection-Randall-Munroe-What/dp/B0BLSPTGMS
What if Socrates had died in a battle he fought in 424 BC, before he met his student Plato? What if Napoleon had invaded North America? What if Martin Luther had been burned at the stake in 1521? Such were the questions asked by the historians. One of them, Yale University Christian historian Carlos Eire, explores how things might have turned out if Pontius Pilate had spared Jesus and not sent Him to the cross. [1a]
In his imaginary narrative, Eire presents successive scenes: the trial of Jesus, one year, 30 years, and 60 years after the trial, and finally 230 years later, when Constantine was Roman emperor. He paints the picture of an aging Jesus and the emergence of a form of Judaism, a "Christianity without the crucifixion". But we all know that history did not turn out that way. Thank God!
As Good Friday and Easter, the church observes the historical events that occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and rose victoriously from the dead on the third day.
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81fEdk9iYUL._SL1500_.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/Books-Collection-Randall-Munroe-What/dp/B0BLSPTGMS
What if Socrates had died in a battle he fought in 424 BC, before he met his student Plato? What if Napoleon had invaded North America? What if Martin Luther had been burned at the stake in 1521? Such were the questions asked by the historians. One of them, Yale University Christian historian Carlos Eire, explores how things might have turned out if Pontius Pilate had spared Jesus and not sent Him to the cross. [1a]
In his imaginary narrative, Eire presents successive scenes: the trial of Jesus, one year, 30 years, and 60 years after the trial, and finally 230 years later, when Constantine was Roman emperor. He paints the picture of an aging Jesus and the emergence of a form of Judaism, a "Christianity without the crucifixion". But we all know that history did not turn out that way. Thank God!
As Good Friday and Easter, the church observes the historical events that occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and rose victoriously from the dead on the third day.
PHOTO: As Good Friday and Easter, the church observes the historical events that occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and rose victoriously from the dead on the third day.
Picture posted by Vicky Sehgal
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/bc/25/09bc25e1284c95732e849379a73beadc.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3096293488932201/
It is possible, however, that this yearly season might degenerate into empty ritual. Or superficial experience when we, with preoccupied minds and distracted hearts, walk past the cross and empty tomb with practised habit, with little or no wonder and awe. The annual observance of Good Friday and Easter is not meant to lull us to false familiarity with the greatest mystery of human history. Rather, it should jolt us back to reality, to the most important facts about God and ourselves.
One way we can conserve the wonder and depth of this holy season is to ask ourselves the "what if" questions. In fact, Scripture does the same thing.
What if Christ had not died on the cross? The writers of the New Testament respond by stating clearly why Jesus had to die on the cross. Yes, it is true that Pontius Pilate sent Jesus to the cross to be crucified. But that is only part of the answer. Scripture says that all of us sent Him to the cross. He died because of us.
PHOTO: The annual observance of Good Friday and Easter is not meant to lull us to false familiarity with the greatest mystery of human history. Rather, it should jolt us back to reality, to the most important facts about God and ourselves.
Scripture says that all of us sent Him to the cross. He died because of us.
Picture posted by Hany Rady
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/eb/63/39/eb63399556e41028b86bfb757763f8db.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6544361951075732/
The apostle Peter declared that Christ "suffered once for sins" (1 Peter 3:18). The fact that Jesus died for our sins is further reiterated by Paul: "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). But what do Peter and Paul mean? Why did Jesus have to die for our sins? Here again, Scripture is clear. We all have sinned (Romans 3:23). The consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We were all headed for judgement, condemnation, and eternal death, unless God himself intervened. And, God did intervene - that is how we are to understand the coming of Jesus into this world and His death on the cross.
The author of Hebrews explained to his Jewish readers that Jesus made a "sacrifice of himself" (Hebrews 9:26). The Jewish readers, with their Jewish background, would have understood the author's point. Centuries of animal sacrifices, performed to atone for the sins of the people, all pointed to the one sacrifice that really mattered, the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus when He died on the cross to atone for our sins. No wonder that John Wesley testified that the blood of Christ is the remedy for the sickness in our souls. [2] Or as P.T. Forsyth summed up, the death of Christ is "the one final treatment of sin, the one compendious (short and to the point) work of grace, and the one hinge of human destiny." [3]
PHOTO: We were all headed for judgement, condemnation, and eternal death, unless God himself intervened. And, God did intervene - that is how we are to understand the coming of Jesus into this world and His death on the cross.
Picture posted by Andy Pereira@gudmorder on 12 February 2024 at 10:09 am
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The crucifixion of Jesus was not a historical accident. It was a carefully planned event, as indicated by Paul when he pointed out that Christ's death was "according to Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3). God had already revealed to His prophets how and why the Sons of God would die. Before the thought of Jesus dying on a cross occurred in Pilate's mind, it had already occurred in God's. God was not surprised by this turn of events.
Neither was Jesus the unwilling victim of Pilate's command. Scripture makes it clear that in the surreal scene when the Lord was judged by Pilate and sentenced to death, it was Pilate who was, like all of us, the condemned prisoner. He thought he was the judge. He had no idea that Jesus, whom he thought was the condemned prisoner, was in fact the one who would come to judge the living and the dead. At the trial, Jesus was the one in control, for He voluntarily went to the cross (John 19:10-11). John says as much when he wrote that "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us" (1 John 3:16). Jesus died willingly because He loved us, even "while we were still sinners" (Romans 5:8).
PHOTO: God had already revealed to His prophets how and why the Sons of God would die. Before the thought of Jesus dying on a cross occurred in Pilate's mind, it had already occurred in God's. God was not surprised by this turn of events.
Picture posted in Pinterest
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What if Christ had not died on the cross? There would be no atonement for our sins. We would still be headed for eternal damnation. All pleasures on earth would only be a momentary distraction from the certain and ultimate doom of every member of the human race.
Christ died on the cross for our sins. But what if He had not risen from the dead? Paul answers this question well when he writes: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith . . . your faith is futile: you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:14,17). While the cross atones for sins, the resurrection points to the divine power that gives new life, and to our future in eternity. Without Easter, Good Friday would neither be "good" nor complete. Our hope would be "only for this life" (1 Corinthians 15:19).
If Christ had not risen from the dead, we would have nothing to look forward to beyond this life, beyond our deaths, beyond the injustices of this world, and beyond our present comforts and discomforts.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/14003448835894576/
What if Christ had not died on the cross? There would be no atonement for our sins. We would still be headed for eternal damnation. All pleasures on earth would only be a momentary distraction from the certain and ultimate doom of every member of the human race.
Christ died on the cross for our sins. But what if He had not risen from the dead? Paul answers this question well when he writes: "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith . . . your faith is futile: you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:14,17). While the cross atones for sins, the resurrection points to the divine power that gives new life, and to our future in eternity. Without Easter, Good Friday would neither be "good" nor complete. Our hope would be "only for this life" (1 Corinthians 15:19).
If Christ had not risen from the dead, we would have nothing to look forward to beyond this life, beyond our deaths, beyond the injustices of this world, and beyond our present comforts and discomforts.
PHOTO: Christ died on the cross for our sins. But what if He had not risen from the dead?
If Christ had not risen from the dead, we would have nothing to look forward to beyond this life, beyond our deaths, beyond the injustices of this world, and beyond our present comforts and discomforts.
Picture posted by The Watchtower Online Libruary
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https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019683
You have probably experienced waking up from a nightmare disturbed, sweating profusely, pulse racing in terror. The events and emotions in the nightmares had seemed so real. Perhaps you dreamed of a loved one dying or dead. Then you wake up. For a brief moment you are confused. Then it dawns on you. It was only a nightmare. It did not happen.
All is well. Your mind is eased and you are grateful that it was only a bad dream.
What if Jesus did not die on the cross? What if He had not risen from the dead? Eire's imaginary narrative was only a bad dream. Thank God it did not happen that way! Christ did die on the cross. He did rise from the dead. And He is coming again. Sometimes, nightmares help us to appreciate what we have been given. May we be filled with gratitude and awe as we behold the cross and empty tomb once again.
PHOTO: You have probably experienced waking up from a nightmare disturbed, sweating profusely, pulse racing in terror. The events and emotions in the nightmares had seemed so real. Perhaps you dreamed of a loved one dying or dead. Then you wake up. For a brief moment you are confused. Then it dawns on you. It was only a nightmare. It did not happen.
All is well. Your mind is eased and you are grateful that it was only a bad dream.
Picture posted by IMDb - Nightmare
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkt2JqIRODg31_tCx19jT4Ku1tzJmcuZqNPmaFTZQfKHzg3Krgbit9wQRq9wEa5GwLYN2y7QVmV8kysott2BBUqfbEAnigJi5KV4nMlJMRyN-O7GIA2neOdILgZGGhYgRnIxTiQV-HjngC6hIdqGUBB_yjniFjnh7LqHzmxNyL70nq9BswIsqzra6EFZg/s2731/V1_FMjpg_UY2731_1.png
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https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14807000/mediaviewer/rm992288769/
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, thank You that Christ did die on the cross. He did rise from the dead. And He is coming again. May we appreciate what we have been given.
May we be filled with gratitude and awe as we behold the cross and empty tomb once again.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by 💫♡Star Mother♡💫
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Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 18, "If Christ Had Not Died . . .", Page 101.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Other Books (Links)
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God", © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html
Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 18, "If Christ Had Not Died . . .", Page 101.
[1a] Carols Eire, "Pontius Pilate Spares Jesus: Christianity without the Crucifixion," in What If 2, ed. Robert Cowleyl (New York G.P. Putnam's Son, 2001), 48-67.
[2] John Wesley, "Christians Perfection," Christian Classic Ethereal Library, https://ccel.org/ccel/wesley/sermons.v.xl.html. See also Philip W. Ott, "Medicine as Metaphor: John Wesley on Therapy of the Soul" Methodist History, vol. 33, no. 3 (Apr 1995); 178ff.
[3] P.T. Forsyth, The Cruciality of the Cross and the Work of Christ (Weston Rhyn, England: Quinta Press, 2008), 13.
Links
Other Books (Links) - https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/10/reflection-books-links.html
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1 Corinthians 15:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A3&version=NIV
1 Corinthians 15:14,17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A14%2C17&version=NIV
1 Corinthians 15:19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15%3A19&version=NIV
1 John 3:16 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A16&version=NIV
1 Peter 3:18 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+3%3A18&version=NIV
Hebrews 9:26 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9%3A26&version=NIV
John 19:10-11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A10-11&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Romans 3:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23&version=NIV
Romans 5:8 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A8&version=NIV
Romans 6:23 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A23&version=NIV
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