The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was part of God’s intentional plan for salvation, prophesied centuries before in Isaiah 53. Jesus willingly came to earth to fulfill the Father’s will, becoming a guilt offering for our sins and bearing our transgressions. His death removed our sin, while His resurrection proved the Father’s acceptance of His sacrifice and established His authority over death and life. This dual purpose accomplished both the removal of sin and the imputation of righteousness, gathering believers into God’s family and establishing His eternal kingdom.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean that Christ’s death was ‘the will of the Father’?
- How does Isaiah 53’s prophecy, written 700 years before Jesus, strengthen our faith?
- What is the significance of Jesus being both a ‘guilt offering’ and the giver of righteousness?
- Why is it important that Jesus not only died for our sins but also rose again?
- How does understanding Christ’s resurrection impact our daily lives as believers?
- What does it mean that Jesus ‘makes intercession’ for believers?
- How does the concept of Christ’s descent and ascent relate to our own spiritual journey?
- What hope does Christ’s resurrection give us for our own future?