Episode 96: The Significance of the Cross for Time and Eternity

 Today, we’re diving into one of the most profound events in human history—the death of Jesus Christ on the cross—and exploring what was truly accomplished in that singular, world-changing moment. Whether you are here out of faith, curiosity, or a desire to understand history, the story of the cross carries layers of meaning that resonate deeply with the human heart.When we consider the cross, it’s important to begin in the historical reality. Jesus of Nazareth lived in first-century Judea, a land under Roman occupation. The Romans were known for their efficiency, their strict enforcement of law, and their brutal methods of punishment. Crucifixion, in particular, was not just a means of execution—it was a public spectacle. Reserved for the lowest criminals, political rebels, and those who threatened Roman authority, it was designed to humiliate, punish, and serve as a warning.Yet, amid this harsh historical reality, the crucifixion of Jesus becomes something far greater. It becomes the central pivot of history, the moment in which divine love, human suffering, and eternal redemption intersect.The Gospels tell us that, even as Jesus hung on the cross, He spoke words that carry immense significance. Among these, the most profound is found in John 19:30: “It is finished.” These words, simple yet weighty, signal the completion of something far beyond what the eye can see. But what, exactly, was finished?To understand this fully, we must look both backward and forward—backward to the prophecies and sacrifices that foreshadowed this event, and forward to the eternal consequences of this act of love.Let’s start with prophecy.Centuries before Jesus’ birth, the Hebrew Scriptures spoke of a coming Messiah. Isaiah, in particular, described a suffering servant:"He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).This was not an abstract prediction. The prophets consistently spoke of a redeemer who would bear the weight of humanity’s sin, one who would bring restoration and peace through suffering. Every ritual, every law, every act of atonement in ancient Israel was pointing forward to this moment. The sacrifices of lambs and bulls in the Temple, the annual observances, the Day of Atonement—all foreshadowed the ultimate act of redemption that would be fulfilled in Jesus.The sacrificial system of the Old Testament had a purpose. Sin created a barrier between humanity and God. Blood—representing life—was shed to cover sin temporarily, but these offerings had to be repeated year after year. They were reminders of the separation between God and His people, and they anticipated a permanent solution. Jesus’ death on the cross was that solution. Satan was conquered and Christ gained the victory for all humanity.Hebrews 10:10 tells us:"And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."In Him, the repetitive old testament rituals and sacrifices reached their fulfillment. The shadows became reality; anti-type met type; the long-awaited Messiah accomplished what the Law and the Prophets had pointed toward for centuries. Jesus fulfilled the Torah, Jesus was the long awaited Jewish Messiah, who came to save all, bSend us your questions to be featured on the next podcast!Thank you for being part of the AskGod365 podcast community. We value you and appreciate greatly the time you are spending with us today. Please share your comments and questions at AskGod365.com Listen. Learn. Think. Grow. Together. AskGod365. Answers to life’s difficult questions.

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