If sinners are to be saved, Christ must die; for man’s life is forfeited on account of sin. Hence we find Him saying, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:14, 15.)
Man’s disobedience in Eden dishonored God, and brought the world under the power of Satan and the reign of sin. For four thousand years God tried fallen man in various ways, but only to fully prove how utterly fallen he is. “But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son.” (Gal. 4:4.)
“There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all.”
“Christ... through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God.” (Heb. 9:14.) On the cross of Calvary He suffered, died, and bled. There:
God was infinitely glorified,
Satan’s power was annulled,
Sin’s judgment was borne.
Every claim of God was once and forever perfectly met. And God raised Him from the dead to His own right hand in glory, where He is now seated, a testimony to the whole universe that,
the atoning work is done.
Christ, “by His own blood... entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Heb. 9:12.)
“My meat,” said He, “is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:34.) “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.” (John 17:4.)
“It is finished.” (John 19:30.)