Deeper ReflectionJESUS’ LAST WORDS ON THE CROSS (AS RECORDED IN
the four Gospels) carry profound theological insights regarding the
salvation of sinners. First, the Forgiveness from God. “Father, forgive
them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34). Forgiveness is at
the heart of the Gospel message. Forgiveness from God, offered to all
humankind. Forgiveness – needed because we all are lost like sheep and
know not what we do. Forgiveness – made possible only through the
cross of Christ.Second,
the Finished Work of Christ. “It is finished” (Jn 19:30). Jesus’
work on earth is completed at the cross, His mission fully accomplished.
There is nothing more that needs to or can be added to it. Nothing the
Church does or neglects can ever enrich or impoverish the finished work
of Christ. “It is finished” is as much an accomplished historical reality as
well as an everlasting spiritual truth. Jesus died for sins and God’s wrath
is therefore turned away from everyone who trusts in Jesus for salvation.Third,
the One Forsaken for Sinners. “My God, my God, why have
You forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46; Mk 15:34). These most anguishing words
echo the Psalmist’s cries of complete abandonment and rejection.
24
About 2,000 years before Christ, on Mount Moriah, God provided
Abraham with a ram as a sacrifice in place of his son Isaac.
25 On the same
mountain, Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, was totally rejected
and slayed on behalf of sinners, so that people can be forgiven their sins
and find acceptance before the Holy God. For without the shedding of
blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.
26
24 Psalm 22:1.
25 Genesis 22:8, 13-14.
26 Hebrews 9:22b.
