For Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it to be “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, all in accordance with what God had promised all along in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). In order for the good news of the gospel to have meaning for us, we first have to understand the bad news of our condition as sinful people under condemnation. The good news of deliverance only makes sense once we see how we are enslaved. Another way of saying this is that it is important to understand and distinguish between law and gospel in Scripture. We need the law first to show us how hopeless our condition is; then the gospel of Jesus’ grace comes and brings us relief and salvation.
In the same way, Good Friday is “good” because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the joy of Easter. The wrath of God against sin had to be poured out on Jesus, the perfect sacrificial substitute, in order for forgiveness and salvation to be poured out to the nations. Without that awful day of suffering, sorrow, and shed blood at the cross, God could not be both “just and the justifier” of those who trust in Jesus (Romans 3:26). Paradoxically, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s gloriously good plan to redeem the world from bondage.
1 Peter 2:24 - “and He Himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; “for by His wounds you were healed.” ~ Praise The Lord!
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And now until next time dear friends have a Blessed Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
Hi Toni, I enjoyed your post today. I plan to go to our Good Friday service tomorrow. We will go to our church on Saturday for the kids activities. We will also celebrate my grandson's birthday on Easter Sunday. If I don't make it back I wish you a Happy Easter! Hugs and blessings!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a blessed Eastertide.
ReplyDeleteDiana
Loved this, Toni, and the explanation of why there's a Good Friday. As Christians this should be our most sacred of holidays because our Jesus died the cruelest of deaths for our sins and now He is alive! Hallelujah! Have a blessed Resurrection Day, my Friend! 💜
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. I hope you and all your family have a blessed Easter holiday.
ReplyDeleteHappy Good Friday, Toni!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful explanation of "Good Friday". Thank you for taking the time to share all of this. So many today may not really understand it all as many of our important holy days don't get the attention that they should any more.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Easter weekend my friend.