By Cynthia L. Simmons
A: Today, some intellectuals dislike the teaching that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins.
They say a loving God would never abuse His Son to the point of death.
To them, only a barbarian would demand human sacrifice, like monsters in a sci-fi movie. Instead, they believe Jesus died to demonstrate self-sacrifice and a better lifestyle.
I think they misunderstand God of the Scriptures.
Let’s talk about who He is.
God Is Holy
First, examine God’s holiness.
Look at the passage in Isaiah, chapter six, which describes an intense vision of God’s glory. Angels flying around the throne use their extra wings to shield themselves from the brilliance of the sovereign.
As they fly, they shout, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3 ESV).
Notice God is not just holy: He is holy, holy, holy. That’s important because holiness is the only attribute spoken three times. The repetition highlights their message.
The angels’ voices cause the ground to shake. How frightening! As Isaiah observes this scene, he calls down a curse upon himself. We know from other passages that a sinful person cannot survive complete holiness.
When Moses asked to see God’s face, the Lord replied, “… man shall not see me and live” (Exodus 33:20 ESV). In Isaiah’s case, an angel purified his lips with a coal from the altar. Ouch! Think of the need for such searing pain.
Most Bible scholars believe Isaiah saw a pre-incarnate vision of Jesus rather than God the Father.
God Is Love
Second, God is love. C.S. Lewis pointed out love has no meaning without someone to love.
Before the foundation of the world, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existed in perfect love and harmony.
God created Adam and Eve, knowing they would defile themselves with sin. When they rebelled, God longed to draw them back into the warmth He enjoyed with the Trinity.
But God’s holiness demanded a sacrifice for sin. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 ESV). Isaiah explained further, “But he was pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV).
Jesus went to the cross willingly to forgive the debt we owe. Hebrews says it was Jesus “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV).
What amazing love Jesus displayed to allow evil men to flog Him and put Him to death.
One Perfect Sacrifice
Finally, we don’t have a vicious idol who requires constant sacrifice.
Jesus paid for sin once and for all. Afterward, He rose, conquering death and assuring our destiny. Romans tells us He ”was declared to be the Son of God in power … by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4 ESV).
We rejoice in a holy God who provides forgiveness and hope. “Death is swallowed up in victory! … But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54, 57 ESV).
