God's Son "Forsaken," His Sacrifice "Finished!"
Christ’s Atoning Sacrifice — from His Own Perspective
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-- PREFACE --
Two of the most profound statements in all of Scripture were uttered from the lips of Jesus as He sacrificially shed His blood on the cross of Calvary. Both were expressed as loud cries coming from deep within the soul of the Savior, and both are among the shortest statements spoken by our Lord, as recorded in Scripture. One statement was comprised of only four words in the vernacular language that Jesus spoke in Palestine, and the other statement was fully expressed with just one Greek word — “Tetelesthai!”
Though brief, these two statements of Christ testify to the greatest fact in all of history, and the greatest truth ever revealed in holy writ. Indeed, they give testimony to the fact that Christ accomplished the primary objective for His having come into this sin-cursed world as the unique God-man. They give witness to the truth that the penalty of sin had been fully atoned for and “propitiated”: satisfying God’s holy wrath through the shed blood of Christ.
One of the statements was in the form of a question; the other, in the form of an exclamation — without any question about it! One was a cry of agony; the other, of victory! One was a deeply personal cry, addressed only to the Heavenly Father; the other was a public cry for any and all to hear and believe. One serves to confirm that Jesus did, indeed, experience the judgment of God for our sin; the other assures us that the Father accepted the atoning sacrifice of the divine Son.
The intent of this book is to explore the meanings of these two statements and the significance they hold in our spiritual regeneration and growth. Along the way, we will consider related church doctrines and historic perspectives to see if they are consistent with the teaching of God’s Word. It is my prayer that through the reading of these brief chapters, you will come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the significance of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and be spiritually enriched as a result.
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About the Book
Of the seven statements Christ uttered from the cross, two stand out as being extremely significant in confirming what was being accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The question, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” gives us a sense of what was in “the cup” of God’s wrathful judgment, which Jesus drank to its bitterest dregs on our behalf. The exclamation, “It is finished!” unquestionably assures us that the Savior’s atoning sacrifice accomplished what was necessary in satisfactorily paying the debt owed for our sin. Your gratitude and faith will be strengthened as you read this book.
This book is unique in the following ways:
1. This book focuses on only two of the seven statements Christ made while on the cross, and they are brought together in testimony to the most profound truths concerning God’s plan of salvation.
2. This book includes alternative viewpoints (including historical perspectives) and challenges unbiblical perspectives in regard to these statements of Christ and their significance, including some church dogmas.
3. This book demonstrates that salvation is graciously offered by God based on an individual’s repentant faith. Jesus Christ purchased our redemption. All that is left is for us to repent of sin and receive the Savior.
Would you like a “faith lift” today? Would you like your heart to grow in love and gratitude toward the Savior? If so, this book is for you.
About the Author
Dr. Kenneth P. Lenz has served for over twenty years in church ministries and as a chaplain. He has also served on the religion faculty and Bible/theology faculty of several colleges. Courses Ken has taught include Understandings of Religion, History of Christian Thought, and New Testament Epistles, among others. His earned PhD included an emphasis in Eastern Orthodox Church history and liturgy, and he excels in the area of hermeneutics (biblical interpretation). Ken and his devoted wife, Helen, have three grown children: Carrie, Evan, and Bryce.