Jesus said, “It is finished.” with that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. —
John 19:30
The Friday before Easter Sunday is called Good Friday. It is the day that calls for reflection and commemoration of Jesus’ willing sacrifice and suffering on the cross to bear the full impact of God’s wrath and remove the guilt of our sins from us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Day of Remembrance
On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered, was crucified on a Roman cross and died as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10). Easter Sunday, immediately following, is the celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead. This validated Jesus’ victory – His power over sin and death. It also pointed ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to Him by faith (Romans 6:5).
Good News | Bad News
Though the Friday of Jesus’ death was a dark and terrible day, we refer to it as Good Friday, because His death on that day paid our debt in full and allows us to enjoy freedom, forgiveness and peace with God. Jesus’ crucifixion allowed God to be just in dealing with the penalty of our sins and, by His grace, providing pardon for our salvation (Romans 3:21-26).
Good Friday is good because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the fullness and the joy of Easter. The goodness of Good Friday has meaning for us if we first recognize the bad news of our own sinfulness and condemnation. Jesus died in our place for the penalty of our sin, so that we might enjoy an eternal relationship with Him that is real and personal. Suddenly, that makes the Friday Jesus was crucified, a good one.”
Power of Paradox
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). Amazingly, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s good and loving plan to redeem the world from bondage.
From This Day Forward
So, ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus like a combined episode – the decisive turning point for all creation. The Apostle 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).
“For the joy set before him” Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation and hope for the future. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Good Friday is followed by Resurrection Sunday and is the triumphant announcement of Christ’s conquest over sin’s consequence—death—and the testimony of the gospel that gives life to all who believe in His name (Romans 10:9-10).
Good Friday was good. But Good Friday becomes better when weighed personally.
If you’d like to know the pardon, peace and purpose paid for on Good Friday, please let us know!
Is Good Friday really good?
Jesus said, “It is finished.” with that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. —
John 19:30
The Friday before Easter Sunday is called Good Friday. It is the day that calls for reflection and commemoration of Jesus’ willing sacrifice and suffering on the cross to bear the full impact of God’s wrath and remove the guilt of our sins from us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Day of Remembrance
On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered, was crucified on a Roman cross and died as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10). Easter Sunday, immediately following, is the celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead. This validated Jesus’ victory – His power over sin and death. It also pointed ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to Him by faith (Romans 6:5).
Good News | Bad News
Though the Friday of Jesus’ death was a dark and terrible day, we refer to it as Good Friday, because His death on that day paid our debt in full and allows us to enjoy freedom, forgiveness and peace with God. Jesus’ crucifixion allowed God to be just in dealing with the penalty of our sins and, by His grace, providing pardon for our salvation (Romans 3:21-26).
Good Friday is good because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the fullness and the joy of Easter. The goodness of Good Friday has meaning for us if we first recognize the bad news of our own sinfulness and condemnation. Jesus died in our place for the penalty of our sin, so that we might enjoy an eternal relationship with Him that is real and personal. Suddenly, that makes the Friday Jesus was crucified, a good one.”
Power of Paradox
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). Amazingly, the day that seemed to be the greatest triumph of evil was actually the deathblow in God’s good and loving plan to redeem the world from bondage.
From This Day Forward
So, ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus like a combined episode – the decisive turning point for all creation. The Apostle 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).
“For the joy set before him” Jesus endured the cross on Good Friday, knowing it led to his resurrection, our salvation and hope for the future. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
Good Friday is followed by Resurrection Sunday and is the triumphant announcement of Christ’s conquest over sin’s consequence—death—and the testimony of the gospel that gives life to all who believe in His name (Romans 10:9-10).
Good Friday was good. But Good Friday becomes better when weighed personally.
If you’d like to know the pardon, peace and purpose paid for on Good Friday, please let us know!