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Study 06

The Cross: God's Solution to the Sin Problem

At the cross the corporate race was legally condemned, executed, and raised in Christ.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

For Sequeira the cross is not primarily a demonstration, an example, or even a payment made on our behalf while we stand outside it — it is the place where humanity itself died. Because Christ carried the corporate race in Himself, His death was the death of that race. The law's full penalty — the second death, separation from God — fell upon the Man who contained us all. This is why the cry of dereliction is the theological centre of the passion narrative: Jesus experienced not merely physical death but the equivalent of eternal separation, tasting death for every man. Sequeira insists the cross satisfied justice fully, so that God can be both 'just and the justifier.' At the same time, the cross unveils the character of God and unmasks the true nature of sin and of Satan's accusations. Resurrection is inseparable from the cross: in the risen Christ the condemned race is raised legally justified. The chapter closes by insisting that nothing needs to be added to Calvary; the gospel is not Calvary plus our contribution.

Key points

  • In Christ, the corporate race was condemned and executed at Calvary.
  • Christ experienced the equivalent of the second death — separation from God.
  • The cross satisfies justice and reveals God's character simultaneously.
  • Resurrection is the Father's verdict of justification upon the race in Christ.

Key passages

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • Galatians 3:13
  • Romans 4:25
  • Romans 6:6-10
  • Isaiah 53:4-6
  • Matthew 27:46

Study questions12 total

  1. 1.

    What did the cross actually accomplish, according to Sequeira, and for whom?

    Comprehension
  2. 2.

    Study 2 Corinthians 5:21. What is the double exchange described, and how literal is it?

    Scripture
  3. 3.

    Explain Matthew 27:46 in the light of the second death. Why is this cry the theological centre of the passion?

    Scripture
  4. 4.

    Contrast the cross as a 'potential provision awaiting acceptance' with the cross as an 'accomplished execution of the race.' Which does Romans 6:6 support?

    Contrast
  5. 5.

    How does Galatians 3:13 relate the curse of the law to Christ's death? Who was under the curse?

    Scripture
  6. 6.

    How does Sequeira reconcile the full satisfaction of justice with the free offer of mercy? Use Romans 3:24-26.

    Doctrinal Clarity
  7. 7.

    What is the relationship between the resurrection and justification in Romans 4:25? Whose justification is in view?

    Doctrinal Clarity
  8. 8.

    If the cross is finished and complete, what exactly is left for the sinner to do? Answer without importing merit.

    Doctrinal Clarity
  9. 9.

    How does the cross expose both the true character of sin and the true character of God at the same time?

    Doctrinal Clarity
  10. 10.

    Describe how meditating on the cry of dereliction changes your view of what your salvation cost.

    Application
  11. 11.

    How would this understanding of Calvary reshape a Communion service in your congregation?

    Application
  12. 12.

    Write a two-sentence statement of the cross you could use in personal witnessing this week.

    Application