How the Cross Changes Us

Why exactly is Jesus’ death on the cross so significant? What happened on the cross that is intended to affect our daily lives? The New Testament provides at least seven different terms/pictures of what Christ accomplished on the cross and how that can change our life today.

Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:11-12)  As our once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin, Christ’s death offers us the ability to live separate from sin. Those who receive his death and are empowered by his life to NOT sin.
 
Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)  Because sin has been removed, we can now be reconciled to God. The image of God in which we were created is restored in us, and we are now always connected to him.

Propitiation (1 John 2:2)  As our propitiation Christ in his death has absorbed the wrath of God against sin. We no longer have to be fearful of God’s judgment, for it has been poured out on Christ.

Redemption/Ransom (Galatians 4:4-5, Mark 10:45)  Sin stole us from God, but Christ’s death is the payment by which we have been redeemed, so that we are now counted as his sons and daughters.

Justification (Rom. 5:16-18)  Apart from Christ, we are guilty before God. When we receive Christ’s death on our behalf as a free gift, we are declared “not guilty” by God, thereby being released from any and all condemnation, whether from God or others or ourselves.

Victory (Colossians 2:13-15)  Christ’s death is, ironically, a victory over and against Satan and his spiritual powers and authorities. When we are united to Christ in his death, we are indeed “more than conquerors” through him.

Expiation (1 John 1:6-9)  As our expiation, Christ is one who has cleansed and purified us from our past sin. Whatever shame and dirtiness may have accompanied our past, we are now cleansed by the blood of Christ.