As Easter approaches, our hearts turn towards the pivotal event in Christian faith - the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While many are familiar with the narrative of Good Friday, it's essential to delve deeper into what transpired on that fateful day at Skull Hill. The cross stands as the cornerstone of Christianity, embodying the convergence of grace and wrath, and its significance reverberates throughout history.

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n the weeks leading up to Palm Sunday, let us embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted perspectives of the cross. From the standpoint of God, Christ, Satan, the world, and the church, we aim to gain fresh insights into the profound implications of this sacrificial act.

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Today, we begin by contemplating what the cross meant to God Himself. Romans 3:24-26 encapsulates the essence of the Christian gospel, providing three distinct answers to this question.

I. The Turning Away of God’s Wrath:
The concept of propitiation, often overlooked, holds profound significance. It denotes the act of turning away wrath through the offering of a gift. While modern sensibilities may shy away from discussing God's wrath, it is an integral aspect of His character. Just as His love knows no bounds, so too does His righteous indignation towards sin.

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In pagan rituals, sacrifices are offered to appease deities, reflecting a crude understanding of propitiation. However, the cross presents a transcendent paradigm shift. Jesus, as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, bore the weight of humanity's sins, serving as the conduit for God's divine grace to intercept His wrath.

The imagery of the Day of Atonement elucidates this further. The blood of animals symbolically covered the sins of Israel, offering temporary reprieve. Yet, it was Jesus' eternal sacrifice that provided permanent redemption. As He hung on the cross, forsaken by God, He absorbed the full measure of divine wrath, paving the way for reconciliation between humanity and God.

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The cross, then, becomes the ultimate expression of God's love and justice intertwined. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the rift caused by sin is bridged, and humanity finds redemption.

As we reflect on the significance of Easter, may we grasp the profound truth that at the cross, grace and wrath converged, offering salvation to all who believe.

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