QUESTION:
In the New Testament we read, "Christ died for our sins" (I Cor. 15:3). Can you explain this concept?
A1 There are many notions about the blood of the cross. And it's especially easy to get transfixed by the crucifixion, considering it was so horrid, gruesome, and public. But we must remember that Jesus' crucifixion is merely one chapter in the story. The very next verse proclaims, "He was buried, and ... rose again the third day."
The key element, therefore, is not Christ Jesus' death, but his triumph over death. The gospel message of overcoming sin is not seen in the dead Jesus taken from the cross, but in the undying Christ. It is the message of salvation lived, witnessed, and proclaimed to all humanity, who can in turn live Jesus' example themselves and work out their own freedom from sin. The resurrection, therefore, shows us that his victory over death is also our victory.
The crucifixion, which was meant to stop the mission of Christ Jesus, actually gave it a platform. The resurrection was the final proof of the validity of his ministry, his identity, and the message of the destruction of evil that he proclaimed and lived in front of the people. Paul said, "The rising of Christ from the dead is the very heart of our message," (I Cor. 15:12, Phillips). It launched a celebration of the message of salvation that still is the light of the world.
AUBURN, WASHINGTON, US
A2 The wonderful message that Christian Science teaches about sin is that humanity is not born into it, but is originally free from it. I would say that in this context, the Bible is using sin not so much to mean humanity's bad behavior, but rather the general concept of what sin represents: separation from God, separation from our original perfection. So then why would Jesus' death absolve this general belief of sinful nature? Because of what happened after the crucifixion. His resurrection from the grave showed that death, and therefore sin and evil, do not have the final word.
Jesus' sacrifice could really be called a promise—a promise to humanity that the hatred and sin of those who tried to put him to death never had the power to change his true perfection or the true perfection of any one of us. He sacrificed himself, not to take up our burden, but to show humanity that the Christly nature—which includes loving God and His children, as well as destroying evil—is everyone's true nature. In this way, Jesus showed us how to be saved from sin through the knowledge and understanding of his divine, saving purpose.
Just as we would not expect another to take the rap when we've committed a traffic violation, we should not think that Jesus took personal responsibility for another individual's mistakes and their absolution. In our own trials, even though they might not be what Jesus went through, we may experience our own sorrows. But it's possible, when we look to Jesus' example, to have our own resurrection of thought and to overcome any form of sin.
LONDON, ENGLAND
A3 Theologians have debated this issue for hundreds of years. But for me, finding an answer starts with focusing on Jesus' life. The Bible says he overcame sin before his crucifixion, while he was still on earth. And not only did he himself heal sin, but he taught others how to do this, as well.
Jesus' teachings indicate that sin can be overcome by the way one lives. His own words show that he didn't consider his death to be a sacrifice that would free individuals from taking responsibility for overcoming their own sin. He gave us a wonderful example when he refused to condemn an adulterous woman, but told her to "go, and sin no more" (John 8:11). He also said, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12). The world has need of these "greater works."
The Bible records that Jesus himself was tempted by sin, and his rebuke of the devil, as well as his strong statements of total allegiance to his Father in heaven, can be viewed as examples that anyone can follow when they feel tempted by sin.
Ultimately Jesus' mission was to show us that life is eternal, and he did this, not through his crucifixion, but in overcoming the crucifixion—his resurrection and ascension. So, in a wonderful way, his sacrifice for us was really the greatest gift of love, in showing us the final proof that life is eternal.
LONGWOOD, FLORIDA, US
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