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Study 16 of 49

The Cross — Our Substitute

What actually happened when Jesus died

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

Synopsis

At Calvary the sinless One was treated as sin so that sinners might be treated as righteous. The cross is a real transaction: guilt borne, penalty paid, condemnation exhausted. Everything the believer receives flows from what was finished there.

Key points

  • Christ bore the full penalty of sin, not a symbolic gesture.
  • The atonement is complete and needs no supplement.
  • 'It is finished' declares an accomplished work, not a good intention.

Key texts

  • 1 Peter 2:24
  • Galatians 3:13
  • John 19:30
  • Colossians 2:14
  1. Comprehension

    1. What did Christ actually bear on the cross?

  2. Scripture

    2. Read Galatians 3:13. How did He redeem us from the curse?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. What does 'It is finished' finish?

  4. Contrast

    4. Contrast an atonement that is complete with one we complete by our obedience.

  5. Scripture

    5. Read Colossians 2:14. What happened to the handwriting against us?

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. If the atonement is finished, what is Christ's present ministry?

  7. Application

    7. Where do you still try to add to the cross?

  8. Application

    8. How does the finished cross change the way you pray for forgiveness?