This is part of the series What is the Gospel?
As we approach Easter I am confronted with the same question I find myself asking during this time of year, “Was there another way?” The answer to this question is a resounding “No.” The way of the cross is the way that God has chosen to supply redemption to sinners. As one reads the gospels it is obvious that Jesus understood that the culmination of His ministry would be death. But there is something else that is wound into the fabric of the biblical narrative. The crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth was not an afterthought as a response for Adam and Eve’s sin.
The cross was the intention of God from before creation.
As Christian people we value Free Will and it can be difficult to resolve this tension, but the Bible reminds us that we are responsible for our own response to the Gospel. We should allow God the freedom to reign over creation in whatever way God deems appropriate, even if we don’t understand. The Remedy was delivered just as God had planned and determined. Glory to God!
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know– 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” [Acts 2:22-23 ESV]
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, …. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. [1 Peter 1:17-21 ESV]
4 But when the fullness of time had come [the predetermined time had arrived], God sent forth his Son, … 5so that we might receive adoption as sons. [Galatians 4:4-5 ESV]
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