ADVERTISEMENT

Christ did not come to die for our sins

And He cried with a loud voice saying: Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Painting of Christ crucifixion
ADVERTISEMENT

However, let he who will not let rationalism prevail over blind faith keep away from our course. Likewise, those cripple-minded souls who for long have refused to do their thinking themselves. The purpose of our voyage is not for the amassment of followership.

Therefore, let the brave few who are willing to uncover the hidden truth of Christ’s crucifixion gets on board.

According to the epistle of John 1:14, scripture proclaims that " the WORD became flesh and made his dwelling among men…" And if this is true, as we know it is, then with conviction we can affirm that Christ on earth was the living word. His words (Truth) are inseparable from him, and he was one with his words.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thus, "...the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life." John 6:63. Also,   "... I am the resurrection and the life." John 11:25. Here, with ease, the phrases in both quotes can be substituted for each other for the purpose of depicting their sameness. The words for I am, spirit- which is deathless for resurrection, and life for life.

Christ was not a man, neither was he an angel, he was the PERSONIFICATION of God’s word!

I begin here with this because, if much emphasis was placed on this truth, most errors and disputes that have hitherto prevailed wouldn't have found a germinating ground. This you must try not to forget, as we advance.

Again, we shall return to the bible; but this time, it is for the purpose of highlighting the 'second time,' a murder was attempted on Jesus Christ. As the ‘first time’ was when King Herod wanted him dead as a child. Matt 2:13

According to the account of Luke 4:17-30, Christ was given the scroll to read upon his visit to the synagogue in Nazareth. And after the read, he gave a truthful explanation to that which was written; as he is ever disposed to do. But everyone in the synagogue was filled with wrath as a result of the truth he spoke. " They rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way." (verses 29-30)

ADVERTISEMENT

Undoubtedly, it could be said that the three and half years of Christ truthful crusade was characterised by rebelliousness. And this fact is already known to all those who decided to take it upon themselves to personally study the teachings of Christ, instead of waiting for another to tell them what and when to read.

As a matter of fact, the truthful teachings of Jesus Christ was a direct opposite of what the synagogues and temples of that time have taught the people for long. (And this is also true with regards to the churches of today).

For instance, where unforgiveness has prevailed because of the teachings that an eye must go for an eye, the loving words of Christ would counsel the offended to "turn the other the other chick."  Matt 5:38-39

Also, where teachings have made them believed that anyone caught in the act of adultery should be condemned to death by stoning, Christ in return would calmly say: " let he who is without sin cast the first stone."  John 8:7

And, where the ignorant people were meant to believe that the sacrifice of a bull was necessary for the cleansing of one’s sin, The living word would say in compassion: "go and sin no more."  John 8:11

ADVERTISEMENT

In addition, the parable of the good Samaritan, which was one of Christ glorious works of poetry, revealed to the world how dark and hypocritical the high priests (bishops) and Pharisees (pastors) could be.

Consequently, people started sensing the freedom and beauty that cannot be separated from the truth of Christ’s message. And because beauty is a thing that naturally compels attraction, and freedom- an experience wanted by all, coupled with the viral reports of the miracles He performed, multitude found their way to Him.

And, when they did, they were marveled by the Light of His Truth.

In the teachings of Jesus Christ, the importance of love was totally expressed. The people were meant to understand that it is what you give unto the poor, that you render unto God. They were admonished to make pure their body, because in it lies the temple of God. Forgiveness will come to you, they were also told, only when you forgive another who trespasses against you. The people came to know that worry was of no use; because if the birds in the sky could be taken care of, then he who believes will not be allowed to beg for bread. Numerous were the luminous things they were made to understand as they constantly came to listening to the teachings of Christ. But above all else, they were told to prepare themselves for the Kingdom that is to come; and in other, for them to partake in the sacred festival of that hallowed Kingdom, they in return must become like little children.

Indeed, the teachings of Christ was unlike anything they have heard before.

ADVERTISEMENT

As a result of this, absence gradually took over the presence of people in the synagogues. A declination in offerings was constantly observed. And as the wonderful deeds of Christ became a testimony on the lips of thousands, it became perceptible to the high priests and Pharisees that they were beginning to lose their influence.

Thus, they resorted to relegate the personality of Christ. And in that attempt, they did not only ridicule Him as the son of an ordinary carpenter (Mark 6:3); they went on saying, "He is possessed by Beelzebub," and, "by the prince of the demons He drives out demons." Mark 3: 22

But, it is impossible for Darkness to triumph over Light; and that impossibility was exhibited in their failed plan.

Again, for the 'third time,' murder was attempted on Christ as a result of the truth which He spoke; John 8:59. But, He hid from those who wanted him dead. And for the 'fourth time,' they sought to take His life because they thought it blasphemous for an ordinary man to deem himself the Son of God. However, He escaped from their hands. John 10: 31-39

The final plot

ADVERTISEMENT

The miraculous news of Lazarus resurrection spread like wildfire. Subsequently, the popularity of Christ moved with the clouds. No distance was vast enough to keep the story at bay. And with ease, the high priest and Pharisees heard about it.

Unable to deny the fact that things were beginning to get out of hand, in secrecy, they decided that enough was enough! John 11:45-43

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we doing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

Their conclusion was stated in verse fifty-three of that same chapter; 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

Somehow, they found a connection with Judas Iscariot and with thirty pieces of silver, a deal was struck.

ADVERTISEMENT

Although Christ had the choice of running again like He had done in previous times, He decided not to run again this time. But then standing up for His words would mean death for Him. This He knew, and yet He accepted; because if death on the cross was the only possible way to make mankind believe truly in everything that He has so far taught, then the sacrifice would have to become a necessary act.

When during the farewell meal, Christ was quoted to have said that " take, eat all of it, this is my body which is given for you..."  What He simply meant was that His words which were one with His body should be absorbed completely. And,  "this cup is the new testament, in it poured my blood which is shed for many... "  Here again, Christ stressed on His teachings as the new testament;  and with the shedding of His blood, a convincing seal was placed on His words.

Therefore, the remission of sins, which is also the freedom from sins, is for only those who in believing- lives in accordance with the words of Christ. John 8:31-34

After the kiss of betrayal, Christ was subjected to some unpleasant procedures before meeting with Pilate. It was here that Christ clearly stated the reason for His coming. "...For this reason, was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice. " John 18:37

It was this statement this statement of Christ that prompt Pilate to ask Him- what is truth? John 18:38

ADVERTISEMENT

Unfortunately, the answer Christ gave was omitted from the bible. It was the response of Christ that broke Pilate and calmly forced him out to say to the mob that he finds no fault with the accused. (He who wishes to know the answer Christ gave to Pilate, should go read the Gospel of Nicodemus, which is also known as the Act of Pilate)

The innocence of Christ was intuitively perceived by Pilate. His wife even sent him a warning by saying, "Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him." (Matt 27:19). Good Pilate tried to save the life of our Lord, but the mob would want it otherwise. And seeing that there was nothing else he could do to save the situation, he washed clean his hands in saying, "I am innocent of this man’s blood," he said. "You shall bear the responsibility." And, the people answered, "His blood be on us and on our children!"

Thus, Golgotha became a destination.

On the cross, Christ uttered one of the greatest prayers of intercession ever spoken. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Now, the question is, if truly Christ came to die for our sins, why then was He begging the Father to forgive the act of those who propagated the crime of His crucifixion? Or is the prayer also part of the prophecy?

ADVERTISEMENT

Also, why has the name of Judas been stigmatized for life? He whose bravery, brought about the redemption of the world. Don't you think he should be ranked the greatest of disciples?

And, if the blood of Christ was the only possible means to our salvation, how then was  this possible: "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool."  Isaiah 1:18

It is said that the tearing of the altar's curtain at the death of Christ simply means that there is no longer separation between man and the Creator. But that is a lie!

The temple's altar was shattered! And the holy of holies was disgracefully made bare for all eyes to see. Divinity had detached Itself from mankind.

Consequently, there was total darkness. (Mark 15:33) And the significance of this is simple: The Light that was sent to lead men out of the darkness was rejected by them. In murdering the Son of God, they declared to prefer the darkness.

ADVERTISEMENT

The mysterious happenings clearly showed that  the forces of Nature were furious with man. Earthquakes ensued, graves were shattered, and the terror that prevailed was beyond all that they've have seen before. Was it not written, that in fear, they fled for their lives?

The centurion who was a man of law and of duty was compelled to stay back. And seeing with his eyes what obviously was too mysterious to comprehend, he fell to his knees and cry; " truly, he was a son of God."

Was it not Paul that wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:8 that if they had understood, they wouldn't have crucified Christ? Why then would he again write that the death of Christ was for the cleansing of sins?

Know this, my friend, if the system can remove from the bible the answer Christ gave to Pilate's question, then, they can also infuse a falsehood in other to make great their cult.

However, you should be reminded that Christ was neither the first nor last to be killed for the sake of truth. Isaiah was sawn. Jeremiah was stoned. Socrates was poisoned. Stephen was also stoned. Peter was crucified upside down. Thomas was stabbed. Andrew was scourged and then tied to a cross. Philip was crucified. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, so also was Malcolm x. Gandhi was shot. And Bob Marley was mysteriously killed. Peter Tosh was shot. And same with Tupac Shakur.

ADVERTISEMENT

In conclusion, I would leave with those who are likely to pick up verses from St Paul’s letters to argue that the death of Christ was for the cleansing of mankind’s sin. Do you remember the parable of the wicked tenant?

Matthew 21:33-40

33 "Hear another parable. There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season of fruit drew near, He sent his servants to the tenants, to get His fruit; 35 and the tenants took His servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. 36 Again He sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. 37 Afterward He sent His son to them, saying, 'They will respect My son.' 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill Him and have His inheritance.' 39 And they took Him and cast Him out of the vineyard, and killed Him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will He do to those tenants?"

The owner of the world is coming. Rev 22:12

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT