Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

Paradoxes of the Cross

Intro.

1. Paradox: “Contrary to expectation.”

a. “an argument that apparently derives self-contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises.”

b. “one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases” (Merriam-Webster).

2. The cross of Christ is filled with paradoxes that reveal the redemptive work of God in Christ and confirm our faith, 2 Cor. 5:19.

I. CURSE AND BLESSING, Gal. 3:10-14.

A. The Curse of Sin and Death, Gal. 3:13 (Deut. 21:23).

1. Curse of sin is death, Rom. 6:23.

2. Jesus accepted death so we can live, 2 Cor. 5:21; Isa. 53:4-6, 8; 1 Pet. 2:24; Heb. 9:28; 10:10 (offering for sin).

B. The Blessing of Forgiveness and Life, Gal. 3:14.

1. Heirs of the promise (Gen. 22:18); Acts 2:38-40.

a. In Christ, Gal. 3:26-29.

b. Through faith, Rom. 1:16-17.

2. God removes the curse of sin through the cross; through it “the righteousness of God in Him” is accomplished (2 Cor. 5:21).

II. HUMILIATION AND EXALTATION.

A. Humiliation of Christ, Isa. 53:3-6, 10-12; Phil. 2:5-8.

-Became man, experience disgrace, shame, torture and death.

B. Exaltation, Isa. 53:12; John 17:5; Phil. 2:9-11.

-After the sorrow and suffering; crowned with glory and honor.

III. INJUSTICE AND MERCY.

A. No Crime in Him (Acts 8:33) John 18:29-38 (19:4, 6); Luke 23:22-25.

-Jesus died, not for his crimes, but for ours.

B. Mercy of Jesus Toward His Enemies, Luke 23:43.

-Jesus reconciled us (his enemies) to God, Rom. 5:10-12.

IV. HATE AND LOVE.

A. Hated Without a Cause, John 15:22-25.

1. Despised and rejected his message and his works.

2. Envy of the Jewish leaders, Matt. 27:19.

B. Love of God, Rom. 5:6-8.

1. The cross defines love for us, John 15:13; 1 John 3:16.

2. Saved from wrath of God through Him, Rom. 5:9.

V. SIN AND RIGHTEOUSNESS.

A. The Punishment of Sin (Jesus saves us from) Was Ignored by Those at the Cross, Matt. 27:24-25; cf. Luke 23:39-41.

B. Justification from Sins is Obtained Because God Did Not Ignore Us in Our Sins, Acts 2:23; Rom. 5:9.

VI. DEATH AND LIFE.

A. Horrific Death by Crucifixion, John 19:30-35.

B. Glorious Life from Death of Sin, Rom. 6:23.

VII. DEFEAT AND VICTORY.

A. Apparent Defeat in His Death, Matt. 26:56; 27:50.

B. Victory Over Sin and Death, Heb. 2:14-15 (Acts 2:24; Rom. 1:4) 1 Cor. 15:56-57; Rom. 8:31-35.

Conclusion

1. Every attempt to oppose and reject Jesus turned out to be the very thing God used to accomplish His purpose of our redemption from sin (Acts 2:23).

2. What marvelous wisdom, what enduring love, 1 Cor. 1:18, 24.

3. The cross is our incentive to humble ourselves in faith and obey Jesus Christ to be saved (Matt. 11:28).

By: Joe R. Price

Posted October 21, 2021