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Study 07 of 19

The Cross of Christ

The cross meets sin’s judgment and reveals God’s self-giving love.

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

Synopsis

In chapter 7, Sequeira examines the cross of christ within the larger question of Christ’s humanity and the everlasting gospel. It is God’s redemptive act dealing with sin and reconciling humanity. God’s love gives Himself for sinners rather than waiting for them to deserve mercy. He took the condemnation of sin on our behalf so we could receive life in Him. Christ’s death includes the humanity He represented, not merely an isolated individual. The study invites the reader to test the author’s argument with Scripture and apply it without losing either Christ’s sinlessness or the priority of grace.

Key points

  • It is God’s redemptive act dealing with sin and reconciling humanity.
  • God’s love gives Himself for sinners rather than waiting for them to deserve mercy.
  • He took the condemnation of sin on our behalf so we could receive life in Him.
  • Christ’s death includes the humanity He represented, not merely an isolated individual.
  • Christ bore sin’s ultimate judgment; the emphasis is the depth of His saving self-surrender.
  • Faith identifies with Christ’s death and abandons self as the basis of life and righteousness.

Key texts

  • Isaiah 53:4–6
  • 2 Corinthians 5:14–21
  • Galatians 3:13

Chapter reading

Chapter 7 · Read this chapter

    Put it into practice

    • Read chapter 7 before answering and compare the argument with Isaiah 53:4–6.
    • Write your own explanation before revealing the model answer.
    • Discuss one practical implication with your study group and pray for a Christ-centered response.
    1. Comprehension

      1. Why is the cross more than a tragic example of suffering?

    2. Doctrinal Clarity

      2. How does the cross reveal the character of God?

    3. Contrast

      3. What does Christ’s bearing the curse mean for our redemption?

    4. Comprehension

      4. How does “one died for all, therefore all died” support the chapter’s argument?

    5. Doctrinal Clarity

      5. What does Sequeira mean when he relates the cross to the second death?

    6. Application

      6. How should the cross change the believer’s relation to self?

    7. Scripture

      7. Read Isaiah 53:4–6. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on the cross of christ? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    8. Scripture

      8. Read 2 Corinthians 5:14–21. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on the cross of christ? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    9. Scripture

      9. Read Galatians 3:13. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on the cross of christ? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    10. Application

      10. How would you explain this truth to a discouraged church member: It is God’s redemptive act dealing with sin and reconciling humanity.?

    11. Application

      11. What mistaken conclusion should you avoid when applying this chapter’s teaching: Christ bore sin’s ultimate judgment; the emphasis is the depth of His saving self-surrender.?

    12. Application

      12. Name one change in your prayer, Bible study, or ministry that follows from this principle: Faith identifies with Christ’s death and abandons self as the basis of life and righteousness.