The Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ: The Pivotal Moment in Human History for Salvation
Introduction:
The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ stand as the cornerstone of Christian faith and the pivotal moment in human history for the salvation of mankind. Rooted in biblical prophecy and intertwined with the history of Israel, the path of Jesus to the cross was ordained before the foundation of the world, culminating in the redemption of humanity from sin and death.
The Predestined Path:
Before the creation of the world, God, in His infinite wisdom and love, ordained a plan for the redemption of humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:4-5 (NKJV) affirms this predestined plan, stating, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself.”
Throughout the Old Testament, God foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah and His sacrificial death for the sins of mankind. In Genesis 3:15, after Adam and Eve’s fall, God prophesied that the Seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent, indicating the ultimate victory over sin and death through Christ. This promise set the stage for the Messianic lineage, tracing through the generations of Israel, from Abraham to David and beyond.
The History of Israel:
The history of Israel serves as the backdrop against which the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ unfolded. God chose Israel as His people, delivering them from slavery in Egypt, establishing a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, and promising a Messiah who would bring ultimate redemption. Through prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah, God foretold the suffering and glory of the coming Savior.
Isaiah 53 paints a vivid picture of the suffering servant, describing His rejection, affliction, and sacrificial death for the transgressions of humanity. Verses 5-6 (NKJV) declare, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”
The Triumphal Entry and Crucifixion:
As Jesus entered Jerusalem during the triumphal entry, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy (Zechariah 9:9), the stage was set for the climax of His earthly ministry. In John 12:23-24 (NKJV), Jesus foretells His impending death, stating, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.”
The events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus reveal the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, including His betrayal by Judas (Psalm 41:9), His trial before Pilate (Isaiah 53:7), and His crucifixion alongside criminals (Isaiah 53:12). Despite the agony and humiliation, Jesus willingly embraced the cross, bearing the weight of humanity’s sin and fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.
The Atonement and Burial:
At Golgotha, Jesus endured the agony of crucifixion, experiencing the full weight of humanity’s sin and separation from God. In His final moments, Jesus cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30, NKJV), declaring the completion of His atoning work on the cross. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus bridged the gap between God and humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe in Him.
Following His death, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, obtained permission from Pilate to bury Jesus in his own tomb (Matthew 27:57-60). The burial of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 (NKJV), which states, “And they made His grave with the wicked—But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth.”
The Resurrection and Victory:
Three days after His burial, Jesus triumphantly rose from the dead, fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies and securing victory over sin and death. The resurrection of Jesus is the central tenet of the Christian faith, confirming His identity as the Son of God and validating His redemptive work on the cross.
In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (NKJV), the apostle Paul affirms the significance of Christ’s resurrection: “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.”
Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin, defeated death, and opened the way to eternal life for all who believe in Him. Romans 6:4 (NKJV) declares, “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Conclusion:
The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ stand as the pivotal moment in human history for the salvation of mankind. From before the foundation of the world, God ordained a plan of redemption, culminating in the sacrificial death and victorious resurrection of His Son. Through the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the history of Israel, God prepared the way for the coming Messiah, whose atoning sacrifice brings forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life to all who believe. As Christians, we embrace the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection, knowing that through Him, we are redeemed, reconciled, and renewed in our relationship with God.
I cannot speak for others, but this sinner is ever so grateful that Jesus Christ chose to do the impossible on behalf of Eugene Coghill. It is utterly mind-blowing to me that He looked down from heaven from eternity past and saw a young lost soul, crippled by the ravages of sin and shame, and made a commitment to God the father who called me from before I was ever born to go the last mile of redemption that would take him to a cross between two thieves. The thing is he would have done so even if I was the only one lost. He would have left the other 99 sheep just to find me and bring me back to the flock and fold to which I was called. Truly “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 Amen!