FAQ’s Of The Christian Faith Намуна

Did Jesus really die on the cross? 

A few years ago at an evangelistic event during Easter, a student in a prominent engineering college stood up to ask: “Jesus announced that just like prophet Jonah was in the belly of the fish for 3 days and 3 nights, so also the Son of man will be in the heart of the earth, but you Christians celebrate Good Friday and claim that He rose up on the Sunday morning – it doesn’t quite measure up – there aren’t 3 days and 3 nights here.” Rather than giving him a theological response, I enquired: “do you think that when Jesus uttered those words, His emphasis was on the time factor? That at the exact second when the clock struck 72 hours, He meant that He would pop out of the grave?” He followed up with another question: “Was Jonah alive or dead in the fish’s belly?” His contention seemed to be that Jesus did not die on the cross. 

I followed up to find out his motivation to hold such a view. While one verse in the Qur’an holds that view, there were at least 3 more verses in his Scripture that could be interpreted to mean that Jesus died and rose again. Nonetheless, when someone argues against the death of Jesus Christ 2000 years ago, historical record is not in their favour.

But, God dying on a cross does seem offensive to some. It was a “stumbling block to the Jew, and foolishness to the Greeks, but we preach Christ crucified … the power of God and the wisdom of God”. (I Corinthians 1: 22-24). God, who is love and is all-powerful, found a way to redeem fallen humanity through the sacrificial death of the Holy Son of God. If God forgave us without taking into account our rebellion, it would become a blotch on His justice. Pastor Bob Botsford put it this way: “Christ paid a debt He didn’t owe, because we owe a debt we cannot pay.” 

Does this seem strange? Absolutely Yes! That is why the forgiven disciple breaks out in adoration singing about His amazing grace. In anticipation of the Saviour’s act, the Psalmist broke forth in praise: “Righteousness and peace will kiss each other”. Yes, indeed on a cross 2000 years ago. 

The Welsh hymn writer William Rees captured this in a popular hymn: 

“On the mount of crucifixion,

Fountains opened deep and wide;

Through the floodgates of God’s mercy

Flowed a vast and gracious tide.

Grace and love, like mighty rivers,

Poured incessant from above,

And heav’n’s peace and perfect justice

Kissed a guilty world in love.”

Jesus died so that you and I might live and live abundant lives forever. 

PRAYER

Lord, we receive your forgiveness in Jesus’ Name. Thank you for the new life in us through your presence in our hearts.