Part 5 · Deep dive

What Jesus has done

His life, death, resurrection, ascension and return, and the many pictures Scripture uses for the cross.

The gospel centers on events. Each step of Jesus' saving work matters, and Scripture describes the cross with several images that together show how much was accomplished.

His obedient life

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and did not sin, succeeding where Adam and Israel failed. His whole life was obedience offered to the Father, 'even to the point of death on a cross'.

Matt 4:1–11 Rom 5:18–19 Phil 2:8 Heb 5:8–9

His death: five pictures of the cross

Sacrifice

The Lamb of God

Jesus is the final sacrifice that takes away sin, fulfilling the sacrifices of the Old Covenant.

John 1:29 Heb 9:26–28 Heb 10:10–14

Substitution

In our place

He bore the penalty our sins deserved. 'He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.'

Isa 53:5–6 2 Cor 5:21 Gal 3:13 1 Pet 2:24

Ransom and redemption

The price of freedom

Mark 10:45 1 Pet 1:18–19 Eph 1:7

Reconciliation

Enemies made friends

Rom 5:10–11 2 Cor 5:18–20 Col 1:20–22

Victory (Christus Victor)

The powers defeated

Through death He broke the power of the devil and freed those held by fear of death.

Col 2:13–15 Heb 2:14–15 1 John 3:8

How traditions emphasize the cross

Where traditions differ

Orthodox

Emphasizes Christ's victory over death and the devil and the healing of human nature; 'Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death' (Paschal hymn).

Catholic

Christ's death is the one perfect sacrifice that makes satisfaction for sin and reconciles humanity to God (CCC 613–617), made present in the Eucharist.

Protestant

Often emphasizes penal substitution: Christ bore the just penalty of sin in our place, alongside the other biblical images.

These are not rival gospels. Each tradition affirms all the biblical images, while stressing some more than others.

The early church on the cross

The early church

Epistle to Diognetus · 2nd century · ch. 9

'O sweet exchange!' God gave His own Son as a ransom for us, the holy for the lawless, the righteous for the unrighteous, so that our sin is hidden in Him.

Athanasius of Alexandria · c. 318 · On the Incarnation 9

Christ offered His body to death in the place of all, paying the debt and abolishing death's power.

John Chrysostom · c. 390 · Homilies on 2 Corinthians 11

On 2 Corinthians 5:21: God made the sinless one a sinner, so that we might become the very righteousness of God.

His resurrection

Without the resurrection, 'your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins' (1 Corinthians 15:17). The empty tomb, the appearances to many witnesses, and the transformation of fearful disciples into bold martyrs all testify that Jesus rose bodily.

1 Cor 15:12–22 Luke 24:36–43 Rom 4:25

Where to go from here

Theme

Resurrection and the Life to Come →

Christ's victory over death and the hope of new creation.

His ascension, reign and return

Jesus ascended to the Father's right hand, where He reigns and intercedes for His people. He poured out the Holy Spirit, and He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and make all things new.

Acts 1:9–11 Acts 2:33 Heb 7:25 Acts 17:31 Rev 22:12–13

Where to go from here

Theme

The Second Coming and the Day of the Lord →

Christ's return, the resurrection, and the final judgment.

Key takeaways

Jesus' life, death, resurrection, ascension and return are all part of the gospel.
Sacrifice, substitution, ransom, reconciliation and victory describe one cross.
The resurrection proves the cross worked.

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