If He Hadn't Come (C.E. Service)

THE CRADLE

Promised birth (Isa. 7:14; 9:6).

His birth was promised 700 years in advance.

Pure birth (Matt. 1:18, 23).

Christ was born of a virgin.

This was a miracle birth; it was a supernatural birth.

Planned birth (Gen. 3:15).

Adam and Eve received the first promise of the coming Christ—the Messiah. T

he prophet Micah told the town where Christ would be born (Mic. 5:2).

THE CONSECRATION

To do God’s will (Matt. 26:39).

He never questioned God’s will for His life. He willingly accepted the burden placed on him.

To God’s Word (Isa. 53:10).

God’s Word prophesied of His suffering and death.

ToGod’s way (Isa. 53:5).

This was God’s plan: Christ would pay the full price of salvation.

THE CROSS

Promised death (Isa. 53).

His death was foretold more than 700 years in advance.

Purpose of death (Heb. 9:22).

Without His blood there would be no forgiveness of sin.

Power of death (Luke 23:44, 45).

Christ forgave a thief on the cross. Through His death He brought forgiveness to all men.

THE CROWN

Crown of Christ (Heb. 10:12).

Christ ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God. Christ finished the work God gave Him to do.

Crown for Christians (2 Tim. 4:8).

This crown is for faithfulness in the Christian life. Note the words of Revelation 2:10 and Matthew 24:13.