The Death of Christ, Good Friday

Christ was born to die. Without His blood there could be no forgiveness of sin (Heb. 9:22). Christ the perfect Son of God became the Lamb of God.

I. THE PROMISE OF HIS DEATH

He would come through “the seed of the woman.” He would destroy the works of sin and Satan (Gen. 3:15).

II. THE PROPHECY OF HIS DEATH

He would suffer and die for our sins. He would suffer physically as well as mentally (Isa. 53; Ps. 22).

III. THE PAIN OF HIS DEATH

No one could measure the pain He endured. No one could know what it meant for Him to be separated from: (1) His followers, (2) His family, (3) His friends, (4) His Father.

IV. THE PLACE OF HIS DEATH

Calvary means the place of the skull. They tried to make Jesus look as guilty as possible (see Luke 23:33).

V. THE PERSON IN HIS DEATH

If we accept Jesus as king we will not have to face Him as judge (Rev. 20:11–15).

VI. THE POWER IN HIS DEATH

The most important words in His death were, “It is finished.” He did not mean His life was finished. He meant that the plan of salvation was now completed (see John 19:30).

VII. THE PARDON IN HIS DEATH

His death provides forgiveness from all sin (1 John 1:9; 1:7). He forgave a thief on the cross (Luke 23:42, 43).

The death of Christ is in vain unless we accept His pardon. Note the words of John 3:16. We must believe with both our minds and our hearts (Rom. 10:9, 10). Man is born a sinner (Rom. 3:23). He should pay for his sin by being punished (Rom. 6:23). But Christ suffered for us and forgives all sin (Ps. 103:3).

Croft M. Pentz, Sermon Outlines for Special Days, Sermon Outline Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1979).