| In Christ's life of perfect obedience to God's will, His
suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human
sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole
creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect
atonement vindicates the righteousness of God's law and the graciousness of His character;
for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is
substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ
proclaims God's triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement
assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ,
before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. |
John 3:16.
