Before and After

He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. —Philippians 2:8

The crucifixion marked a before and after point in the history of the world. At the exact moment when every element of God’s plan was in place, Jesus uttered the words “It is finished.” When Jesus died on the cross, He became the once-and-for-all sacrifice that would cover our sins, giving us eternal life and permanent entrance to God’s throne of grace.

The apostles and those who were present may not have fully understood everything, but today we have the full revelation of God’s Word. Through it, we can see God’s faithfulness and love for His people and for all who would believe. His holiness was satisfied once and for all.

But most clearly of all we see an astonishing model of perfect obedience, an obedience that went to the point of death on a cross. While there’s no denying the pain Christ experienced, He always kept His eyes on the outcome, exercising an obedience that trusted the One who sent Him and who is worthy of His trust— and ours.

------------------

“Last Words: ‘It Is Finished’”(ReviveOurHearts.com/blog)

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible ®. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible ® and CSB ® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.