BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD WHO TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD!!

Jesus’ WORK as Messiah is what initiates our salvation. We are immediately, once and for all saved from the penalty of death through this work. Having our sins forgiven, we identify with the death of Jesus and are raised to newness of life. This awakens our once dead spirit and we become alive to God once again. Our spiritual death is reversed through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

It is grace that saves our spirits through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Grace saves our spirits, once and for all from the spirit of death and conveys to us eternal life. Grace also confers upon us the gift of righteousness.

When it comes to Jesus’ work as Messiah, ask yourself these questions.

1. What did he do?
2. Why did he do it?
3. How are we saved by what he did?
4. What is the outcome of faith in this work?

What did he do? What does his work as Messiah entail?

*this list is not exhaustive

• He was betrayed
• He was tortured and beaten
• He was whipped across his back
• He wore a crown of thorns
• He was nailed to a cross
• His side was pierced open
• He gave up his spirit and died and he was buried
• He was resurrected on the third day

Why did he do these things?

The works of Jesus, the Gospel, is to remove all the effects of sin and the fall of man so God’s desire to be ONE with us can be fulfilled. Everything Jesus did was to make it POSSIBLE for union and our spiritual union was meant to make us fruitful branches bringing glory to our Father (see John 15).

“…making known to us the mystery of his will…to unite all things in him, things in heaven and on earth.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)

“…I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:25-27)

Specifically, his work as Messiah unifies us and brings peace.

“13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:13-22)

How are we saved through this work?

The Scriptures ascribe unique saving grace to the various aspects of Jesus’ work. This was intended to give us confidence and faith to know that what he did was sufficient in removing the effects of sin. It wasn’t haphazard or happenstance…it was carefully thought out and planned.

He was tortured and beaten – This was for our griefs, sorrows, sins, transgressions and iniquity. (Isaiah 53:4-5)

He was whipped across his back – this saves us from disease, sickness. (Isaiah 53:5)

He wore a crown of thorns – the thorns were a sign of the curse, here he takes the curse on our minds. (Genesis 3:18)

He was nailed to a cross – Cursed is the one who is hung on a tree (Deut. 21:23)

His side was pierced and opened – This is so we can be born again through blood, water and spirit. (1 John 5:7-8)

He gave up his spirit and died and he was buried  – This death frees us from bondage to sinning again. It destroys our sinful nature. (Romans 6)

He was resurrected on the third day – This allows us to walk in newness of life, as new creatures. We can walk by the Spirit once again. (Romans 6 + Gal. 2:20)

What is the outcome of faith in these things?

We are born again, from Jesus’ side. Having our old man crucified and nailed to the cross, the penalty of sin and death paid for we are set free from eternal separation and reconciled to our Father. Our spirits are quickened and empowered by the Holy Spirit and we have access to the Father once again by the Spirit. We are no longer slaves or debtors to the flesh. We are no longer obligated or enslaved to sin. We are new creatures, born again into the New Covenant. We are liberated from a sin consciousness and we are free to behold the Lord and enjoy His presence.

Think about this -

1. Which areas in your life do you need Jesus’ work as Messiah? Write them down and write down the specific work that Jesus accomplished as Messiah to provide for your specific need.
2. How does the blood of Jesus differ from the body of Jesus in regard to our salvation? If communion is to receive both elements, what does each accomplish for us?
3. How has your view as Jesus’ work as Messiah been expanded through this lesson?