The Work of Christ

• 1.1 Atonement
  • Definition: The work Christ did in His life and death to earn our salvation.
  • Scriptural Basis: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10); “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13).
  • Theories of Atonement:
    • Substitutionary Atonement: Christ died in our place, bearing the punishment for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
    • Ransom Theory: Christ’s death was a ransom paid to free us from bondage to sin and Satan (Mark 10:45).
    • Christus Victor: Christ’s death and resurrection defeated the powers of sin and death (Colossians 2:15).
    • Moral Influence: Christ’s sacrifice demonstrates God’s love and inspires us to repent and follow Him (John 15:13).
• 1.2 Resurrection
  • Definition: Jesus’ bodily rising from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion.
  • Scriptural Basis: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6); “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
  • Significance:
    • Validates Jesus’ divinity and the truth of His teachings (Romans 1:4).
    • Ensures our justification (Romans 4:25).
    • Guarantees the future resurrection of believers (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).
• 1.3 Ascension and Exaltation
  • Definition: Christ’s ascension to heaven and His exaltation at the right hand of God the Father.
  • Scriptural Basis: “He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight” (Acts 1:9); “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9).
  • Significance:
    • Christ intercedes for believers as our High Priest (Hebrews 7:25).
    • He reigns as Lord over all creation (Ephesians 1:20-23).
    • Prepares a place for believers in the heavenly kingdom (John 14:2-3).