The Astonishing Plan

There are some things that really move me and stir the emotions inside. As those people who know me would agree, I become passionate about music of various sorts and have very definite views as to what I consider good or bad.

However, the subject that we were discussing in our Theology class on Wednesday is one which can generate far far greater responses than to styles of music. We were dealing with the Atonement of Christ and how it is absolutely central to the Christian faith. Without it there is no gospel, no Christian faith. Our teacher, Patrick Mitchel entitled the class "The astonishing plan". I can't think of a better title.

It's just amazing to think of Jesus so willingly coming to this earth specifically for the purpose of dying. We considered what actually happened in his death, and concluded that looking at this is like a many sided diamond. It was the hymn writer Isaac Watts who wrote "When I survey the wondrous cross." To survey means to look from every possible angle. There are so many when it comes to the death of Jesus. Here are a few, these really warmed my heart:

He took the punishment that I deserve because of sin. He became sin, taking upon himself God's judgment. It needs to be pointed out that Jesus did this willingly, there was no sense that God in some way laid an irrational punishment on his Son who was forced to go to the cross. The plan was completely Trinitarian, agreed by all persons of the Godhead. It certainly was not "cosmic child abuse", or anything approaching that. Jesus suffered agony before going in the garden, and on the cross itself, but he went voluntarily.

We have redemption - the sense of being bought back. Our sin and rebellion as it were took us from where we were meant to be, in fellowship with God, into the "camp" of the enemy. In order for us to be released from there, a price had to be paid - Jesus paid it by his blood to buy us back.

The enemies of sin, death and the devil were conquered. This is seen clearly in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Both are bound up together. These things have no ultimate power over us.

We have been brought into the family of God now, our relationship with him is what it should be. As well as that, we have been brought into a right relationship with others. We have been saved to be part of a worldwide body of believers that is called the Church.

There is SO much more that could be said. If there are any other aspects of the cross of which any of my readers would like to remind us, please feel free. It is important that the message of the cross does not just impact our emotions, but also changes the way that we live our lives. Isaac Watts' hymn finishes "Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."