'Salvation Accomplished By the Son: The Work Of Christ'

     I've been reading a great new book by Robert A. Peterson, entitled 'Salvation Accomplished By The Son:  The Work Of Christ.'
     

     Here is an introduction and a few highlights of what I've read so far (it's a long book and I have a long way to go to finish).


     *A popular Christian symbol seen on cars and other places is the fish.
       'Fish,' when spelled in Greek letters (ichthys) was an ancronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."

     
      * Reasons to read this book:

       1. Christ's death is debated.

       2. Christ's resurrection is neglected.

       3. Christ's death and resurrection and death are part of His story.

       4. Christ's death and resurrection are interpreted by pictures.
           Christ is our Reconciler, Redeemer, Legal Substitute, Victor, Second Adam, and Sacrifice.


    
      *Christ's nine saving events:

      1. Incarnation       2. Sinless life      3. Death      4. Resurrection      5. Ascension

      6. Session       7. Pentecost     8. Intercession     9. Second Coming


     I. INCARNATION

       Hebrews 2:14-17 - "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."
       "For surely it is not angels that He helps, but He helps the offspring of Abraham.  Therefore He had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."

       * Peterson points out that Christ could represent mankind only if He became one with them.  In order for Christ to turn aside the wrath of God against guilty sinnners, He had to become one with them and die as a substitute for them.

       * If the Son had not become a human being, He could not have lived a sinless human life, died, and risen again to deliver his people.

      * He could not have ascended, sat down at God's right hand, poured out the Holy Spirit, interceded for His own, and come again.

      * To perform these saving works, He had to become one of us.

      * Bethlehem (The cradle) led to Calvary (The cross) where the purpose of Christ's coming was achieved. 
         " For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  Mark 10:45
        " The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost,"  1 Timothy 1:15.

         Then the resurrection.


         In the next blog, I'll look at the second of Christ's saving events - Christ's sinless life.