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15. Jesus our Righteous Judge

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Have you ever picked up the newspaper and read an article about an outrageous court decision? Whether it be millions of dollars for spilled coffee, or a guilty murderer being set free by a jury, this world is filled with unjust judgments. But there is coming a day when Christians will stand before a righteous judge and no high priced lawyer or foolish jury will be able to excuse our unfaithful lives.

In the last study we learned that Jesus is coming back to claim his bride (the church) at an event which we call the rapture. Once in heaven with Jesus the Bride of Christ will sit and take part in the marriage supper of the lamb (Rev 19:9). Here, the church will sit in communion with our saviour for the first time since his last supper with the disciples (Luke 22:16). But before this glorious supper can take place, there is another event that must come to pass.

• Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the _____________________________________________.

• 2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the____________________________________; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Before the church takes part in the marriage supper of the lamb, every believer must first stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For the remainder of this study we will ask simple questions about this judgment and see what the Bible has to say about it.

Who will be Judged?

Q. Who do you think Paul was writing to in 2 Cor 5:10 and Rom 14:10?

Q. Considering the beginning of 2 Cor 5:10, do you think Paul expected to stand before the judgment seat of Christ?_____________.

In these passages Paul was clearly addressing Christians. Every time this particular judgment is mentioned, it is in letters to the church. See also 1 Cor. 3:12f; 1 John 2:28; 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 1 Tim. 6:18-19; Tit. 2:12-14. All of these passages make it clear that Christians must prepare for the judgment seat of Christ.

Who is the Judge?

Q. Again, according to 2 Cor 5:10 and Rom 14:10, who is the judge?

• John 5:22. Q. What has God the Father committed to God the son?

• 2 Tim 4:1. Q. Who shall judge the quick and the dead?_______________.

These verses indicate that Jesus Christ will be our judge. God the Father has committed all judgment to Christ and has put all things under his feet (Heb 2:8). It is important to note at this point that there are actually two judgments which are yet to come. First, the Lord will judge his church shortly after the rapture and before the marriage supper of the Lamb, secondly, Jesus will judge the unsaved at the end of this world, where death and hell will finally be thrown into the lake of fire. This terrible judgment of the unsaved is found in Rev 20:11f.

Christians will not take part in this final judgment. This judgment is for those who have rejected Jesus Christ and who yet remain in their sins. The absence of their names in the Lambs book of Life is the evidence against them, and the judgment is eternity in the lake of fire (Rev 20:15). This judgment does not take place before the judgment seat of Christ, but before the Great white throne (Rev 20:11).

Why will we be Judged?

By contrast, it is the nations of them which are saved that will walk in the heavenly city (Rev 21:24). It is these saved folks who are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 21:27). Our judgment is much different from that of the unsaved.

• Rom 8:1. Q. What will the Christian not face?____________________.

We will not be judged in order to determine if we are saved, but we will face this judgment because we are saved.

But if this judgment does not determine our eternal destiny, what is it’s purpose? • 1 Cor 3:11-15.

Q. According to that passage, what shall be made manifest on our judgment day?__________________________.

Q. v13. What will the fire mentioned here determine about our works?

This judgment is not to determine who is or isn’t a Christian, but this is a judgment only for Christians. Our sin was judged when Jesus bore our penalty on the cross, and when we accepted Him as our Lord and Saviour. Our judgment now is not as sinners, but as his servants. This judgment will reveal the quality of service we have given to Him as we sojourned here on earth.

• 1 Pet 1:17. Q. According to what, does God judge?__________________.

Q. What does this verse encourage us to do because of the coming judgment?

In 1 Cor 3:11-15, our works are compared to gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and stubble. The judgment which we will face is likened to fire. Each of the materials mentioned withstands fire differently, some endure, and some are destroyed. This is exactly what will happen to our works when we stand before Christ at the judgment. Those things which we have done in the flesh, the idle, worthless things that have no impact on the kingdom of Christ will be destroyed. Those things which we have done in the power of the Holy Spirit, which have a lasting impact for Christ will endure.

Q. According to 1 Cor 3:14, what will the man receive whose work is not destroyed

Q. According to 1 Cor 3:15, what will the man suffer whose works are burned

Q. Considering verse 14, what do you think the man who suffers loss will lose?

Q. According to verse 15, what happens to the man himself whose works are burned?

This judgment will determine how we have served Christ. Some will receive rewards from Jesus Christ, and others will stand before a heap of ash with nothing to show for his Christian life. Q. According to 1 John 2:28, what will some men be, at his coming?_______________________.

Q. According to 1 John 4:17, what can we have at his coming?____________

Although our works will not determine our salvation, they are still of the utmost importance. How we serve Him now is what will determine whether we stand before him in shame, or with boldness. If this judgment were to happen at this moment, which would best describe you?

Of what sort they are…

• 1 Cor 4:1-5. Q. What will Jesus, our judge, bring to light when he comes?

Q. What will Jesus, our judge, make manifest when he comes?

• Heb 4:13. Q. What are all things in the eyes of God?

In determining of what sort our works are, Jesus will reveal the things which we have done in secret. Nothing is hidden from his eyes. Even our heart condition while serving him will determine whether our works are wood, hay, stubble, or gold.

In this life many men and women are hypocrites. Christian’s may teach, give, soul win and serve, but do it for the wrong reasons or with the wrong attitude. These works will be burned up at the judgment and the condition of his heart will be revealed

Q. 1 Cor 4:2. What is required of us, God’s stewards?_________________.

The unfaithful Christian can fool fellow believers into believing he is a spiritual man, he can even see a measure of “success” in his ministry. But God is more concerned with sincerity and faithfulness then he is with success. God will judge this man’s heart and determine finally of what sort his works are.

• Matthew 12:36. Q. What will we give account of at the judgment?

_ Discuss in your groups what you think is meant by idle words.

• Heb 13:17. Q. What do you think a Pastor will be responsible to give an account for at the judgment seat of Christ?

List below, some areas of the Christian life that you think will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ.

What is the result of this judgment?

• 1 Corinthians 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a ________________.

• Matthew 5:11,12. Q. What will the Christian who is persecuted falsely, for Christ sake receive in Heaven?________________________.

• Rev 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my _______________ is with me, to give every man according as his _____________________.

The Bible indicates that the faithful Christian, whose works endure the judgment will receive rewards from Jesus Christ himself.

• James 1:12. Q. What will this man receive, why?

• 2 Tim 4:8. Q. What will these men receive, why?

These verses seem to indicate that some of the rewards at this judgment will be in the form of crowns. The word crowns here refers not to the crown which royalty would wear, but to a wreath which could be won in the sporting events of that day. These crowns will be God’s recognition that we have fought a good fight, finished our course, and have kept the faith (2 Tim 4:7).

• Rev 4:10,11 speaking of the 24 elders in heaven, may be an indication of what we will be inclined to do with our crowns after they are rewarded.

How should we prepare for this Judgment?

• 1 John 2:28. Q. How should we live while we wait for his coming?

• 1 Peter 1:16,17. Q. What should we be as we pass our time here on earth?

• 2 Tim 4:1,2. Q. What did Paul exhort Timothy to do because Jesus is coming in judgment?

• Col 3:23-26. Q. How should we serve him knowing that there is a reward awaiting us at the judgment?

Unlike the unsaved, our standing in judgment before Jesus Christ does not have to be a frightening and terrible experience. The faithful and sincere Christian can stand before Him with confidence (1 John 2:28). In preparing for this judgment we must abide in him and ensure that our works are done in the right spirit and with the right motivation. Unlike other religions, we do not look for rewards in heaven that satisfy fleshly desires. The faithful Christian is motivated by a love for the Lord and lives for the day that he can receive rewards from Christ, not for his own glory, but so that he can lay them again at the feet of Jesus.

14. Jesus our Coming Lord

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In Biblical times when a marriage took place it was much different than the way in which we do things in the West. When a man chose his bride, he would purchase the right to marry her by giving her Father a dowry. At this time they would not immediately be married, but he would return to the place of his Father where he prepared a new home for he and his bride. Meanwhile the bride remained apart from her future husband and prepared herself for his promised return. Because only the groom and the Father of the groom knew the date of the marriage, the bride had to live each day as if her groom would return at any moment. When the day finally arrived, the groom would return to his bride with great fanfare and celebration. After this marriage celebration, the groom would receive his bride as his wife.

Now • Look Up John 14:1-3, where Jesus uses this powerful imagery to illustrate our relationship to him.

Q. v2 Where did Jesus say he was going?________________________.

Q. v2 Why did Jesus say he would go?_________________________.

Q. v3 Since Jesus is preparing a place for us, he also promised that he would do what?

In the above passage Jesus was clearly alluding to the marriage ceremonies of that day. He was illustrating what othewise would have been a hard concept to understand – his return to earth to receive all saved people as his bride. In Rev 19:7,8 we read about this marriage reception.

• Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the ______________ is come, and his ­­­_________ hath made herself ready.

• Revelation 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of _________________.

Q. Who do you think the saints are as referred to in Rev 19:8? (check 1 Cor 1:2)________________.

The bride of Christ in Rev 19:8 is made up of all saints or saved people. Since the scene in Revelation 19 takes place in Heaven we know that sometime between now and that day, Christ must return to collect his bride. This second coming of Jesus Christ is what we call the Rapture or First Resurrection.

The Rapture Defined


The return of Jesus Christ to earth for his saints is what Christianity has commonly referred to as the rapture. The word ”rapture” does not appear in the Bible but it shares a meaning with the greek word harpazo which is found in 1 Thess 4:17.

The Thessalonians knew that Jesus would return for them one day, in fact, they were so sure of it that they expected it to happen during their lifetimes. When this church began to see some of their members dying before the return of Christ, they became sorrowful and worried. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to assure them that Christ would indeed return.

Read • 1 Thess 4:13-18. Q. What did Paul say the Lord would do?

Q. What will happen to the dead in Christ at this time?

• 1 Thes 4:17 Then we which are ____________ and remain shall be ___________________ together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

It is here in verse 17 that we see the phrase caught up. The greek word harpazo is used here. Our english word rapture shares a common defintion with harpazo, and for this reason the event described in 1 Thess 4:17 (and elsewhere) has come to be referred to as The Rapture. For a clear defintion of this word, let’s look at other passages where it is used.

• Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord _________________ Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

• John 6:15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him _________________, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Each of the blanks above is translated from harpazo. We see that it carries with it the idea of being caught up, caught away, and taken by force. These are all descriptions of what will happen on that day when the Lord himself shall descend from heaven (1 Thess 4:16).

Q. v16. Who will rise first at the rapture?__________________________.

Q. v17. What will happen to those that are alive?

Q. According to this passage, do you think Jesus will set foot on the earth at the rapture? Why or Why not?

The Imminence of His Return


Just like the groom in Biblical times, Jesus can return for his bride at any time. There are no events that must take place before He returns, nor are there any signs of his coming. Because the resurrection and rapture can happen at any moment, it is referred to as the imminent return of Christ.

• Matt 24:36-44. Q. v36. Who knows when Jesus will return?

Q. In light of Matt 24:36, what should we think of those who make predictions or set dates regarding the return of Jesus?

Q. Jesus compares his coming to the coming of the flood in Noah’s day. Did the men of that day know that the flood was coming?_______.

Q. How were the people of Noah’s day behaving immediately before the flood came?

Q. v44. At what hour did Jesus say he would return?

According to Jesus himself, no one knows the day or time that he will return. In fact, during his earthly ministry, Jesus himself did not avail himself to that information. The Bible teaches that men and women will be living their lives as normal, eating, drinking and marrying, with no knowledge of, or regard for the coming Christ.

Although the world lives like Jesus will not return, we as Christians are instructed to live as if he may return at any moment.

• Hebrews 10:37 For yet a __________________, and he that shall come will come, and _____________________.

• James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord __________________.

• Rev 3:11 Behold, __________________________: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

God has chosen to leave the day of his Sons coming a mystery, but he has not left us here to sit idle waiting for his return. In a parable about his return, Jesus gave these instructions: • Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, _________ ________________________.

The Character of the Waiting Bride


Look up the following verses where we find instructions on how to conduct ourselves while we wait for our coming saviour.

• 1 Thess 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved ______________ unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• 1 Tim 6:14 That thou _________________________________ without spot, ___________________, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

• Philp 4:5 Let your _________________ be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

• James 5:8 Be ye also patient; ______________________________: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

Jesus desires that as we live our lives waiting for his return, that we obey his commandments, maintain a right testimony, be resolute in our faith, and guard ourselves in order to remain blameless until his coming. Paul echoed these desires in 2 Cor 11:2 where he shares his burden for the Corinthian church.

• 2 Cor 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a ___________________________ to Christ.

John had this same desire for the readers of his epistle. • 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, ______________________; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ____________ before him at his coming.

The soon return of Jesus Christ ought to be the motivation for us to live holy and blameless lives here on earth. Many Christians live as if they do not believe he will return at any moment. They are not abiding in Christ but in the world, wasting their time, money and affections on the vain things of this life.

If Jesus returned this moment would you be ashamed before him or could you meet him with confidence? The desire to answer this question right should drive us to live whole heartedly for him. Jesus could have, at any time, called his bride home, but has instead chosen to leave us here to do a work for Him. How have you chosen to occupy yourself until his coming? • Write Phil 3:20 below.



The Rapture – Our Final Redemption


In a previous study we learned about Jesus, our Redeemer. In it, we saw that Jesus has redeemed our souls from the penalty of the law – death in Hell. We also learned that our redemption has past, present and future aspects. The resurrection and rapture at the return of Christ is what will usher in the final aspect of our redemption – that transforming of our mortal bodies.

• 1 Cor 15:51-57. Q. v51. What will happen to all Christians?

Q. v52. How will the dead be raised?_________________________.

• 1 Cor 15:53 For this corruptible must put on _____________________, and this mortal must put on ____________________.

Q. v54. What will be defeated at the Rapture?_______________________.

According to this passage, the rapture will happen quickly – in the twinkling of an eye. There will be the sound of a trumpet and all those who are saved, both living and dead, will have their mortal bodies transformed into immortal, glorious bodies. At this moment every saved man, woman, and child will overcome the power of death.

The Rapture – Our Deliverance from Wrath

We have seen clearly that the return of Christ has been promised, but why has God chosen to catch away his church from the earth in this manner? For the answer to this, look up • 1 Thes 1:9,10.

Q. According to verse 10, what has Jesus delivered us from?

In Revelation 6 we read about this wrath. It is called the wrath of the Lamb and the great day of his wrath. It is also called the great tribulation. The rapture of the church and the resurrection of the saved dead is God’s way of delivering the church from the coming tribulation. These seven years of tribulation will come sometime following the removal of the church from the earth. • 1 Thess 5:9. Q. What has God not done?

Conclusion

Jesus himself promised that he would return (John 14:3) and later told us it could happen at any moment (Matt 24:42). He desires that his bride, the church, remain pure and blameless until he comes. He is returning in order to deliver his church from the coming wrath. This truth has served as a comfort and hope for Christians for the last two thousands years (1 Thes 4:18, Titus 2:13). T&D. How is this truth a comfort to Christians?

Review

1. What does the word Imminent mean? (use a dictionary)

2. How might we live our lives in a way that shows we are expecting Christ’s return?

3. How should the rapture change our view of death?

4. How should the rapture make us feel about our dead relatives who were Christians?

5. What would be strange about 1 Thess 4:18, if we were not going to be delivered from the wrath of the tribulation?

13. Jesus our Risen Saviour

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Of all the subjects which we have studied since we have started this series on the Lord Jesus Christ, none rises to the level of importance that this week’s study does. All that Jesus did in his earthly ministry would amount to nothing, if it were not for His resurrection from the dead. In fact, it is upon the foundation of his literal, historical resurrection that all of Christianity rests.

Because of our limited space we will only deal briefly with a few aspects of this important doctrine.

First, consider that Jesus staked the credibility of his entire earthly ministry on the fact that he would rise on the third day following his crucifixion.

• John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days __________________________.

Q. According to verse 21 in this passage, what temple was Jesus speaking of?

• Matthew 16:21. Q. What 3 things did Jesus tell his disciples would happen?

• Matthew 26:32. Q. When did Jesus say he would go before them into Galilee?

• Mark 9:31. Q. What 3 things did Jesus teach his disciples?

• Matthew 27:63. Q. According to the chief priests and Pharisess, what did Jesus claim would happen after his death?

During Jesus’ earthly ministry he made it very clear to both his disciples and his enemies, that he would be killed, buried and that he would rise again three days later (See also, Matthew 17:23, 17:9, 20:19). Q. If Jesus was crucified but did not rise again the third day, what would we be reasonable in assuming about the rest of his teachings? Why?

Jesus himself set the standard for his own authenticity as the son of God – if he rose from the dead as he said he would, then he must be who he claimed to be; if he died just like every other man and did not rise, then he is not who he claimed to be and can be dismissed as just another false teacher. Christianity cannot survive apart from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as Paul said “what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.” (1 Cor 15:32)

The Resurrection and the Spread of Christianity

The purpose of this study is not to perform an exhaustive examination of the resurrection and it’s evidences, but rather to briefly touch on some key facts. In regard to the resurrection, one basic but powerful truth that cannot be ignored is the fact that something following the death of Jesus Christ occurred which transformed what appeared to be a dead religion into a living, growing, and ultimately world-changing movement. According to scripture, this something was the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Five Hundred Witnesses

• 1 Cor 15:4-6. Q. How many people saw Jesus alive, after his death, all at once?

Q. What did Paul say regarding the greater part of these witnesses?

In this passage Paul is laying out evidence for the Corinthians regarding the resurrection of Christ. The strength of the evidence which he cites here should not be underestimated. Paul was writing to the Corinthians at a time when the majority of these 500 witnesses were still alive. These men could have been sought out at any time and asked to confirm or deny Paul’s claims. If these witnesses did not exist or did not verify Paul’s account, the authenticity of Paul’s writings and Christianity itself would have been brought into question and the Christian faith would not have survived through the first century.

The New Found Boldness of the Disciples

This next evidence can be illustrated very well by the following passage where we read about the disciples after the death of Christ but before his resurrection was known to them. • Read Luke 24:13-35.

Q. As the Disciples were talking about the missing body of Jesus, who drew near, and went with them? _____________________.

Q. What emotion were these disciples experiencing at this time? V17.

The disciples, yet unaware that the one which spoke with thm was Jesus, were saddened by the events of the day. It was the third day since the death of Christ, yet they had not seen him alive. You can imagine the somber mood which would have fallen over all of the disciples at this time. They were confused and in despair.

Q. According to Luke 24:36, as all the disciples spoke to one another about these events, who stood in the midst of them?__________________.

At what must have been a dark and discouraging time for these men, the Lord Jesus Christ himself, risen from the dead, stood in the midst of them and showed them his hands and his feet (40). He took fish and a honeycomb and ate before them (42,43) and then reminded his disciples that while he was alive, he told them he would die and rise again from the dead (44).

After Jesus had finished speaking and had left his disciples we read:

• Luke 24:52-53 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem ___________________________. And were ___________________ in the temple, _______________ and __________________ God. Amen.

What caused clouds of heaviness and sadness to be lifted from the disciples? It was a resurrected Christ! After this encounter the disciples were no longer sad, but were filled with joy. Their attitudes and actions were transformed. Before this appearance they were gathered together discussing what the death and disappearance of Christ’s body might mean, now they were blessing and praising God in the temple.

It was the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ that changed his disciples from discouraged and defeated followers of a defunct religion, into joyous, bold proclaimers of the gospel. The very fact that Christianity has continued for two millenia since this time is evidence that these disciples were powerfully changed by the resurrected Christ.

The disciple’s encounter with Jesus after his resurrection was so powerful and so important that it was the key subject of their witness wherever they went. In fact, in the book of Acts, every time the disciples are called witnesses, it is in reference to their witness of his resurrection. For example:

• Acts 1:22. Q. What was Matthias ordained to be a witness of?

• Acts 2:32. Q. What did Peter say they were all witnesses of?

• Acts 4:33. Q. Of what did the apostles give witness with great power?

The reason Christianity survives today is the fact that these disciples whole-heartedly believed that Jesus rose from the grave. It was because of this undying comittment to the truth of the resurrection that many of these men were beaten, stoned, tortured, crucified and even thrown to lions. Whether one chooses to deny the resurrection or not, one thing that cannot be explained away is the fact that something powerful and life-changing happened to these early Christians – something so powerful, they were willing to die for it.

Our View of the Resurrection

Like the New Testament Christians, we should not lose sight of the importance of the resurrection. Let’s look at a few areas in which the resurrection affects us today.

Belief in the Resurrection is Necessary for Salvation

Beware of any individual, denomination or movement that claims to be Christian but denys the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that a belief in the resurrection is necessary for one to be saved.

• Rom 10:9. Q. According to this verse what two things must we confess in order to be saved?

• Rom 1:4. Q. How was Jesus declared to be the son of God?

The fact of the resurrection strikes to the very heart of who Jesus was. If He rose from the dead then he was the Lord and the son of God. If he did not rise, then he is a liar. When we confess that he rose from the dead we are confessing that we believe he is who he said he was – the Lord and the son of God. One cannot be saved if he does not confess this.

The Resurrection Gives us Power for Daily Living

• Philp 3:10 That I may know him, and the ________________________

_______________________, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

What did Paul mean by knowing the power of his resurrection? For the answer to this we can look at another statement of Paul’s in • 2 Cor 1:8,9, where he gives an account of the troubles that he has faced.

Q. Who did Paul say he trusts in? Why?

A belief in the resurrection gives us confidence in the face of trials, and even death. It gives us hope of heaven and our own resurrection from the dead.

Our Response to the Resurrection

As Christians, there is a proper way to live and respond to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we identify with his death and resurrection. We should die to ourselves and live a new life for Him (Gal 2:20). The following verses describe this new life.

• Rom 6:4. Q. How should we now live in response to Christ’s resurrection?

• Rom 6:9-12. Q. Because Christ defeated death and sin by the resurrection, what relationship should we now have with sin?

• Col 3:1-3. Q. Because Christ has risen from the dead, where should our affections now be?

The resurrection life of Christ should have real power and impact in our daily lives. Because he has defeated sin (Acts 3:26), death (1 Cor 15:26), and the devil (Heb 2:14), we should now live as if it is so. Through his resurrection, he was able to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us; when we walk in the the Spirit, we are experiencing the power of his resurrection. When we grieve, quench or ignore the Spirit within us, we are in essence denying the power of his resurrection in our own lives.

In Conclusion let’s look at 1 Corinthians 15, to see what Christianity would be without the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• 1 Cor 15:14. Q. What did Paul say regarding our faith and preaching if the resurrection did not take place?

• 1 Cor 15:17. Q. If Christ did not rise, what are we still in?

• 1 Cor 15:18. Q. If Christ did not rise, what has happened to those Christians who have died?

• 1 Cor 15:19. Q. How did Paul describe the man who does not have the hope of the resurrection?

We can thank God that the resurrection did indeed happen. By it, we have been delivered from our sin and now have hope of our own resurrection and eternal life in Heaven. Let us never minimalize the fact that Christ has been raised from the dead, but let us rather be like the disciples and make it the theme of our witness.

Think & Discuss

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Review

1. Why is the historical resurrection important in regards to the credibility of Jesus?

2. How could Paul’s evidence for the resurrection of Christ have been easily discredited?

a. What is significant about the time that Paul wrote to the Corinthians regarding the resurrection?

3. The disciples were expecting Jesus to remain on earth and to set up an earthly kingdom, how do you think they felt after they saw him die?

4. What are some evidences that the disciples were not lying about the resurrection?

5. How can we experience the power of the resurrection in our own lives?

6. With 1 Cor 15 in mind, where does our faith stand if the resurrection did not happen?

12. Jesus Our Redeemer

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We dealt briefly in a previous study (6, pg 3) with the concept of redemption. In it, we examined the Old Testament law of the Kinsman Redeemer. Because it aptly illustrated the doctrine of redemption and for thoroughness sake this page is also included here.

One portion of the law that God demands be fulfilled is that of the Kinsman Redeemer. This law is found in • Leviticus 25:47-49.

v 47. Q. Why has the man in this verse sold himself?

v 48. Q. Who can redeem or “buy back” this man?

v 48. Q. Under what conditions could he redeem himself?

This man, due to his poverty has sold himself as a slave to his debtor. Only a near of kin could pay the debt that this man could not pay. Once this payment was made, this man was freed from his service to his debtor and is made free.

This is the exact position in which the lost sinner finds himself.

• Rom 7:14 …. I am carnal, ________________________.

All of mankind is spiritually bankrupt and sold under sin. As a result we find ourselves as servants of sin (Rom 6:6). We do not possess the means to redeem ourselves, as the cost is death in Hell (Rom 6:23). Thankfully we can appeal to God’s law of the kinsman redeemer and seek one to deliver us from our servitude! • John 8:34-36.

v 34. Q. What is one who commits sin? ________________________.

v 36. Q. Who can make us free? _____________________________.

Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the kinsman redeemer when he took on human form. 1. He was able to pay the price (Rom 8:3), 2. He was willing to pay the price (Gal 1:4), 3. He himself was free (Heb 4:15), and lastly 4. He was our kinsman (Heb 2:17).

Had the incarnation not taken place, we would remain sold under sin. From the first sin of Adam until the birth of Christ, there was never born one who could fulfill the requirements for redemption. Jesus and he alone could be the kinsman redeemer, thus fulfilling God’s law and redeeming us from sin.

Jesus Our Redeemer

According to Kenneth Wuest, a greek scholar, there are three different words translated redeem in the New Testament. The first word means “to buy in the slave market”, the second means “to buy out of the slave market”, and the third means, “to set free by paying a price”. All three of these definitions describe what Jesus has done for us. Jesus had to buy us in the slave market as we stood as slaves to sin, he purchased us out of the slave market never to be sold again, and he has set us free by the blood of his cross.

Now let’s look at redemption in more detail.

Who is our Redeemer?

• Ps 78:35. Isa 47:4. Who is the redeemer in these verses?____________.

• Gal 3:13. Who is the redeemer mentioned here?___________________.

The above verses not only prove that God is our redeemer but that Jesus is equal to God! In Job 19:25 we read an amazing verse which contains a prophecy regarding Christ’s redemptive role and his incarnation. Write it below.

Job 19:25:

What are we Redeemed from?

• Gal 4:4-5. Q. Jesus has redeemed us out from under the ______________.

• Gal 3:13. Q. What has Christ redeemed us from?___________________.

Without Christ’s redemptive work we are left under the law. This means that the unsaved person is still subject to the penalty of sin as pronounced under the law – death (Rom 6:23), and remains estranged from God. Christ’s redemptive work means that he has paid this penalty and has freed us from the bondage of the law.

Think for a moment of someone who has been taken hostage. His captor seeks a payment of some sort before he will let his prisoner free. The payment which he demands is called a ransom. His prisoner will never be free unless someone satisfies his damands of payment. In a similar sense we have been held captive by the law and to sin, the price demanded is death in Hell.

• Matt 20:28. What has Christ come to give his life as?

Jesus and he alone could satisfy the demands of our captor, he has redeemed us from the penalty of law and sin.

How have we been Redeemed?

We know now that there was a need for a redeemer since we owed a penalty which we could not pay, we know also that Jesus was the only one who could redeem us, and lastly we know that he did in fact redeem us. But how did Jesus accomplish this redemption?

• 1 Peter 1:18-19. Q. By what were we redeemed?____________________

Q. Why is Jesus compared to a lamb without blemish and spot in this verse?

• Hebrews 9:12. Q. With what did Jesus enter the holy place?

Q. What did Jesus obtain for us by doing so?

• Acts 20:28. Q. What has Jesus done with the church of God?

Q. With what did Jesus purchase the church?

• Revelation 5:9. Q. According to this verse, how are we redeemed?

Jesus came to redeem us from the law. The only ransom suitable to free us was his sinless blood. He was crucified, bled and died in order to secure our redemption. Notice that the above verses do no simply mention Christ’s death, but specifically his blood. The shedding of Christ’s blood for our redemption is an essential doctrine and should never be minimized.

Redeemed–how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.

• Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged ____________; and without shedding of blood is __________________.

The word remission means “a pardon, or forgiveness”. According to scripture there is no pardon from sin without the shedding of blood. Now look at:

• Matt 26:28. Q. Why was Christ’s blood shed?

We have been redeemed by the spotless blood of Christ!

The Benefits of our Redemption

Forgiveness of Sins

• Eph 1:7, Col 1:14. Q. What do we have as
a result of our redemption?

When Jesus redeemed us from the law we were pardoned from the penalty which we owed. Our debt was forgiven. Once redeemed from the law we are never to return to it’s enslavement. The pardon which we have received is not a one-time event but is a perpetual pardon. As Christians we can, at any time, access this pardon by asking his forgiveness for our daily sin. (1 John 1:9)

Justification

• Romans 3:24. Q. Being ____________________ freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

The word justified means “rendered just or innocent”. According to that verse we have not simply escaped the penalty of our sin through His redemption, but we have also gained innoceny in the eyes of God. This is an important distinction. Consider for a moment the way in which we regard criminals who have been released from prison. Although they may have served their sentence or paid their penalty, they remain guilty in the eyes of men. This is much different from our justification. Not only has the sentence been served, and the penalty paid, but we have been rendered innocent and just in the eyes of God.

• Romans 5:1 Therefore being ______________________ by faith, we have ____________________________ through our Lord Jesus Christ:

If you know for sure that you are trusting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you need never feel guilty over your past sins! Although we may regret the things we have done in the past, we must realize that God does not hold those things against us any longer, we have been redeemed from the penalty of our sin and we have been justified before God. We must, by faith, accept that we are accepted by God (through Christ’s finished work on the cross). The Christian who wallows in self pity over sins of the past must realize that they are in fact minimizing Christ’s work on the cross. They are not failing to accept themselves (“low self-esteem”), they are failing to accept that Christ’s work on their behalf was sufficient to justify them.

The Adoption of Sons

• Gal 4:4-5. Q. According to these verses, what have we received?

As a result of Christ’s redemptive work, we have become the children of God and joint-heirs with Christ. (Rom 8:17). This will ultimately be fulfilled in Heaven. For this reason we often read of our adoption in the future tense.

Our Future Redemption

We have not yet experienced all of the benefits of our redemption. Some aspects of our redemption have taken place, some are taking place, and others will take place in the future. We have been redeemed from the law (Gal 4:5), we are being redeemed from iniquity (Titus 2:14), and one day our fleshly bodies will be redeemed from the sin curse of this world (Rom 8:23), at which time our redemption will be complete.

While we wait for our complete redemption, God has given his Holy Spirit as the promise of it’s coming.

• 2 Cor 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the ________________ of the Spirit in our hearts.

• Eph 1:13,14. Q. The Holy Spirit is the _________________ of our inheritance.

Q. Until what time is the spirit to be the earnest of our inheritance?

Q. What will finally be redeemed at this time?

• Rom 8:23. Q. What do we which have the Spirit wait for?

The word earnest can be thought of as a “down payment”, a “pledge”, or even a “security deposit”. God has given us the indwelling Spirit as a token of things to come. We have a glorious inheritance waiting for us in heaven, and we are looking forward to the redemption of our fleshly bodies. The Holy Spirit is the down payment or earnest of these things until they come. See also Eph 4:30 and Luke 21:28.

The Right Response to Our Redemption

• 1 Cor 6:20. Q. What should we do now that we are redeemed (bought..)?

• 1 Cor 7:23. Q. What should we do now that we are redeemed (bought..)?

• Rom 6:22. Q. Who should we serve now that we are free from sin?

• Titus 2:14. Q. What should we zealous of now that we are redeemed?

• Gal 1:4. Q. What has our redemption delivered us from?

Since we have been redeemed we have become the rightful posession of God. We have been bought with a price and should therefore use our present lives to glorify God. We are to separate from this present evil world, glorify Him in our bodies, develop a zeal for good works, and seek to bear the fruit of holiness. This is the right response to our redemption.

11. Jesus our Substitute

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As we approach the end of our series called All About Jesus, we will spend a few weeks considering the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This week we will see that Jesus died as our substitute.

• Heb 9:22. Q. How are almost all things purged (purified or cleansed)?

Q. What is necessary for the remission (forgiveness or liberty) of sin?

The concept of one dying as a substitute for another did not start in the New Testament with Jesus.  The substitutionary death of one for another is a strong theme throughout the Old Testament beginning all the way back in the Garden of Eden with the first couple, and the first sin.

The Bible says that when Adam and Eve sinned they knew that they were naked.  Their newly fallen nature made them ashamed of their nakedness and they attempted to cover themselves with aprons of leaves.  God’s plan for dealing with their nakedness was much different from theirs.

• Genesis 3:21. Q. What did God make coverings for Adam and Eve from?

Q. What had to be done in order to produce these coats?

The very first sin was the cause of the very first physical death. An animal had to die in order to cover the results of Adam and Eve’s sin.  This was a powerful picture of the bloody religion that would soon fill the pages of the Old Testament.


Abraham and Isaac

Another Old Testament picture of a substitutionary death is found in the account of Abraham and Isaac. In Genesis 22 God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac his only son.  An obedient Abraham took his son up the mountain knowing by faith that God would provide a substitute, or raise his son again from the dead (Gen 22:8, Heb 11:19).  At the last moment God told Abraham not to harm Isaac and then we read:

• Gen 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering _____________________

___________.


The Scapegoat and the Day of Atonement

Another clear example of the substitutionary death of an innocent for the guilty is found in Leviticus 16 where we read about the Day of Atonement.

On the Day of Atonement the High Priest was required to take two goats from the children of Israel.  He was then to cast lots upon these goats, this was to determine which of these would be the sacrifice for a sin offering and which would be the scapegoat.

• Lev 16:15,16. Q. Who was this offering for? v15____________________

Q. What had to be sprinkled within the vail on the mercy seat?___________

Q. Why did an atonement (cleansing or forgiving) have to be made? v16

Now look at Lev 16:20-22. Where we read God’s instructions regarding the remaining goat.

Q. What did Aaron confess over this living goat?

Q. What was done with this goat next?

The goat on whose head the iniquities of the people were laid was set free, while the innocent goat that had no sin placed upon him was sacrificed before God. The scapegoat was sent away into the wilderness, unto a land not inhabited.

Q. What do you think God was teaching through this ceremony?

The ceremonies of the Old Testament can often seem strange, unnecessary or even cruel at times, but we should never forget that all these things were done to bring us to Christ (Gal 3:24).  The Day of Atonement was necessary for God to make the children of Israel acceptable in his sight, to show the Israelites the seriousness of their sin, to remind the Israelites of His holiness, to set Israel apart from all other nations and to picture the substitutionary death of the coming Messiah.

As a yearly holy day, God used the day of Atonement to continually teach the children of Israel (and ultimately us) that 1. Sin must be punished; 2. Sin can be atoned for; 3. He, by his mercy and grace, would provide a substitute to bear the punishment for their sin, thus making the atonement possible.


The Passover

Finally, let’s consider the Passover and how it reemphasizes the need for a substitutionary death in order to save from sin. While looking at this account in Exodus 12, we will make direct comparisons to the death of Christ as he is directly referred to as our Passover in 1 Cor 5:7.

In Exodus 12 we read the account of the Passover. The Passover as a holy day had its origins in Egypt on the night that God had the first born of every home killed by the death angel.  God provided a way for the children of Israel to be saved from sharing in the Egyptian’s fate.

• Ex 12:3. Q. What was every man to take? ________________________

• John 1:29. Q. How did John refer to Jesus?_________________________

• Ex 12:5. Q. What could the lamb not have?_______________________

• 1 Pet 1:19 Q. How is Jesus described here?__________________________

• Ex 12:6. Q. What were the people to do to the lamb?_________________

• Acts 2:23. Q. What did the people to to Jesus?______________________

Notice here that this lamb was to be held from the 10th day until the 14th day.  For these four days this lamb was to be observed, examined and inspected.  This was a time of testing to see whether or not he had any spot or blemish. This is the very same process which our Saviour went through after he rode a donkey into Jerusalem.  Q. With what words did Jesus’ examination before Pilate end? • Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, ____________________________________________.

• Ex 12:7. Q. What had to result from the death of the lamb? (Heb 9:22)

• Luke 22:20. Q. What happened to Christ’s blood, why?

• Ex 12:46. Q. What could not be done to the lamb?

• John 19:36. Q. What did not happen to Jesus?

• Ex 12:13. Q. What was God’s promise concerning the lamb’s blood?

• Rom 5:9. Q. How are we justified? With what result?


New Testament Scriptures Regarding the Subsitutionary Death of Christ

Now let’s briefly look various New Testament scriptures which clearly teach that Jesus has become our substitute by dying in our place on the cross. Look up the following verses and indicate 1. Which phrases refer to his Death and 2. Which words refer to the fact that he died for us as our substitute.

Death

Substitute

1 John 3:16

1 Peter 2:21

1 Peter 3:18

Hebrews 9:28

Isaiah 53:5

Jesus died as our substitute on the cross.   When we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour we are in essence saying “I identify with your death and accept you as my substitute”.  Subsequently the responsibility of the Christian is to identify with his life (Rom 5:10). He died for us, now we must allow him to live through us.  Just as he substituted his death for our death, we are now to substitute his life for our life. Try to memorize Gal 2:20 this week!



Service Times

  • Please note our temporary start times due to COVID-19. We will be conducting two identical services on Sundays.
  • First Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.
  • Second Sunday Service: 11:00 a.m.
  • Wed. Bible Study / Prayer: 6:30 pm