The Work of Christ — The Good News

Jesus Was Resurrected

The Work of Christ

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (NASB)

When Christ walked on this earth, those who observed Him were astonished. They had never seen someone perform miracles nor had they heard teaching like His. One woman touched His clothes and was immediately healed. He was amazing and powerful. People would seek Him out and gather in His home. In both gospels of Mark and Luke, we read that the people were impressed with Him.

And He came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and He was teaching them on the Sabbath; and they were amazed at His teaching, for His message was with authority. (NASB) Luke 4:31-32

Even secular writers were impressed. One major comment comes from a Jewish historian. His name was Flavius Josephus (AD 37-97). He was born into a priestly, Jewish family. He was a historian for the Roman empire. He wrote several famous works: Antiquities of the Jews and the Wars of the Jews. Here is a comment from him,

Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man. For he was a doer of surprising feats – a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct to this day. (Antiquities of the Jews 18.3.3)

Another significant comment comes from multiple authors who quote documents that were written by Pontius Pilate (1 BC – circa AD 37). Pontius Pilate was the fifth Roman procurator of Judea (AD 26 – 36 ) under Emperor Tiberius, who lived during the time of Jesus. He sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion. The quote below refers to the Acts of Pontius Pilate, a document he wrote which is now missing. Its existence is strongly supported by three ancient authors: Epiphanius (Heresies 50.1), Justin Martyr (First Apology) and Tertullian (Apology).

“At His coming the lame will leap as a deer, and the stammering tongue will clearly speak: the blind will see, and the lepers will be healed; and the dead will rise, and walk.” And that He did those things, you can learn from the Acts of Pontius Pilate. First Apology 48.

‘“They pierced my hands and my feet,” was used in reference to the nails of the cross which were driven into His hands and feet. “And. . . they cast lots for His clothes, and after they crucified Him distributed it among them.” And that these things did happen, you can ascertain from the Acts of Pontius Pilate. First Apology 35.

In fact, when the Roman Emperor, Tiberius Caesar (AD 14-37), heard the report from Pontius Pilate, historical records indicate that he asked the Roman senate to declare that Jesus was God, but the senate refused. The message is that Tiberius Caesar believed the report of Pontius Pilate about Jesus Christ.

Man’s Spiritual Problem

Why did Christ leave heaven and come to earth? He came because every person has a spiritual problem. Discover what this means as you answer the following questions.

1. Romans 3:10-12 reveals the very serious spiritual problem that we have. Name six truths about our spiritual problem.

2. Romans 3:23 summarizes our spiritual problem. What is it?

3. If we do not believe that we have sinned, what does God say about us (1 John 1:8)?

4. Romans 1:29-31 gives us a list of many sins, not every sin, that people commit. Write down five sins.

5. What is the truth about every person on this earth according to John 8:34?

6. Ephesians 2:1-2 reveals that every person is spiritually dead due to their sins. We are called disobedient sons of God. Therefore, what will happen to us since we are disobedient sons (Ephesians 5:6)?

7. According to Romans 6:23 what do we deserve because of our sins?

8. Titus 1:16 tells us two things that are true about unbelievers. First, they disobey God. What is the second thing? What are we told about their good deeds?

Work of Christ — Christ Died For Us

Most people who fail to understand that they are spiritually dead and consequently sin think they are a good person. They think that God will let them into heaven. They think they are going to a better place, but that is not true. One man many years ago said that he was going to live as he desired because he believed that he could convince God to let him into heaven. But he missed the fact that we make our decision about Jesus Christ in this life (Hebrews 9:27). In addition, we know that only God is good. What we think are good deeds will not please our holy God because He demands perfection (Matthew 5:48). Therefore, our good deeds cannot save us from God’s wrath and hell. Only the work of Christ can save us from hell. For more insight into the work of Christ, answer these questions.

1. Matthew 1:18-21 describes the birth of Christ and why our God came to earth and took on human flesh.

a. Verse 21 tells us why Jesus came to earth. What does it say?

b. What does verse 23 reveal about Jesus? Who was He?

2. Hebrews 2:14 describes Jesus Christ. We are told He took on flesh and blood for what purpose?

3. What is the message of 1 John 3:8?

4. In order to accomplish His purpose, Jesus had to die. Hebrews 9:22 speaks of blood.

a. What does the verse say is required to forgive our sins?

b. How were we redeemed from sin according to 1 Peter 1:18-19?

5. Therefore, what did Christ do for us (Romans 5:6-10)?

6. What happened to Christ according to Isaiah 53:4-5?

7. John 10:17-18 tells us that Christ chose to die and shed His blood for us. Write what He said that reveals that truth?

8. What three things does 1 Corinthians 15:2-4 tells us what Christ did for us?

Work of Christ — He Returned To Life

John 19:1-30 teaches us that Jesus shed His blood and died on the cross. Verse 30 says that He chose the moment He died. Then three days after Jesus had died a physical death, He returned from the grave to life and walked again on earth among many people.

1. John 19:31-20:18 and Acts 2:24 tells us what happened to Jesus after His death. What occurred?

2. According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, who saw Jesus after He returned to life?

3. Romans 4:25 states that Christ died so that our sins can be forgiven, and His resurrection proved that we can be declared to be righteous. But what does Romans 1:4 tell us that Jesus’ resurrection proved about Him?

Work of Christ — His Provision

As a result of Christ’s death and resurrection, every one who believes in Jesus receives many spiritual benefits.

1. What benefit for believers is described in these verses?

a. Acts 10:43 —

b. Acts 26:18 —

c. Colossians 1:14 —

2. Justification refers to a person being declared to be righteous. That is, God considers a believer to be righteous even though in their practice they are not.

a. Therefore, what gift are believers given according to Romans 3:24?

b. Why are believers declared to be righteous (Romans 5:1)?

3. Reconciled refers to two people being restored to a positive relationship. Therefore, what do these verses reveal?

a. 2 Corinthians 5:18 —

b. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 —

4. Jesus tells us that unbelievers are slaves to sin in John 8:34. Therefore, what happens when a person believes in Jesus Christ according to Romans 8:2?

5. What two promises has God given to us in John 3:16?

a. What will not happen to one who believes in Jesus?

b. What will happen to one who believes in Jesus?

We have discovered that by believing in Jesus, all of our sins are forgiven. We are reconciled with our God and freed from slavery to sin. In addition, we have escaped spiritual death, that is, eternal condemnation in hell. Believers are given eternal life as a gift. It does not require works, just believing in Jesus Christ and His work.

Choosing Between Hell and Heaven

Let’s review briefly what must a person do in order to have eternal life?

1. What must a person do in order to have his/her sins forgiven according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-6?

2. According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-2, is it possible to think you believe but not really believe? Is it possible for a person to think that he/she is a Christian and going to heaven but neither are true?

3. Saving faith in Jesus Christ includes repentance over one’s sins (Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25) and a desire that God will forgive and change their life (Romans 10:9-10). Repentance and submission to God will also accompany saving faith, that is, true faith. Do you truly believe in Christ? Describe your faith in Jesus.

Things To Ponder

1. How does God feel about you according to John 3:16?

2. What did Jesus do so that people can have their sins forgiven and go to heaven?

3. How would you answer someone who asks, “How can I have eternal life and go to heaven?”

3. If you are a Christian, how did you become one?

4. Are your sins forgiven? How do you know?