Alpha Course, Week 3

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Alpha Course, Week 3

Why Did Jesus Die?

Key Verses: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Introduction:

• The cross lies at the heart of the Christian faith. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

1. The Problem (All have sinned, Romans 3:23)

• Results of Sin
• Pollution of Sin (Mark 7:20-23)
• Power of Sin (John 8:34)
• Penalty for Sin (Romans 6:23)
• Partition of Sin (Isaiah 59:2)

2. The Solution — Jesus sacrifice on the cross

• “The self-substitution of God” (1 Peter 2:24)
• The Agony of the Cross (Isaiah 53:6)

3. The Result (Romans 3:21-26)

• Four images
• The Temple — “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood” (Romans 3:25, Hebrews 10:14, 1 John 1:7)
• The Market Place — “The redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24, John 8:36).
• The Law Court — “Justified freely by his grace” (Romans 3:24)
• The Home Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Conclusions:

• We receive righteousness from God (Romans 3:22, Isaiah 53:6)
• Jesus Christ died for you and me (Galatians 2:20)

Questions to Consider:

1. What do you think of when you see the symbol of the cross?

2. Nicky said that he used to believe Jesus sacrifice didn’t make sense to him. What do you think of when you think of Jesus death on the cross.

3. John Stott called the crucifixion the “self-substitution of God.” 1 Peter 2:24 describes that sacrifice. What do you think of Jesus substituting himself for you?

4. What do you think of the four images mentioned as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice?

5. Nicky concludes that the Bible tells us our righteousness comes from God. What does that mean to you?