In Christ's life
of perfect obedience to God's will, His suffering, death, and resurrection,
God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who
by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation
may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect
atonement vindicates the righteousness of God's law and the graciousness
of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness.
The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming.
The resurrection of Christ proclaims God's triumph over the forces of evil,
and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over
sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every
knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (
John 3:16;
Isaiah 53;
1 Peter 2:21-22;
1 Corinthians 15:3-4,20-22;
2 Corinthians 5:14-15,19-21;
Romans 1:4;
Romans 3:25;
Romans 4:25;
Romans 8:3-4;
1 John 2:2;
1 John 4:10;
Colossians. 2:15;
Phillipians 2:6-11.
)