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Volume CXXXIII, Number 18 |
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Christ's death most important triumph in human history
To the Editors:
As we approach both Good Friday and Easter, I believe it of critical importance to establish that Neal Urwitz's recent assertion that "the crucifixion is not, and should not be, the most important part of Christianity" is severely misguided and wholly inaccurate. Christians have always regarded Christ's death as the single most important triumph in human history.
Judaism and Christianity are both based in the promises God made to Abraham, David, and several others to deliver his people, and to bless all the peoples of Earth through an annointed one, a Messiah. Jews of Judea 2,000 ago believed that this Messiah would be a powerful prince who expelled the occupying Roman armies and established a perfect earthly kingdom.
Christians believe that the Jewish prophet Isaiah, among others, properly described the Messiah in saying:
"We esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace; and by his scourging we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to our own way, but the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53).
The Christian message is this: "God saves sinners." We have all (yes, that includes me) rebelled against our creator and done any number of evil things to our neighbors. This is the chief problem of man, and the reason for Christ's death. "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). "In Christ, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7).
For a more complete explanation of this issue, please consult The Passion of Jesus Christ: 50 Reasons why He Came to Die by John Piper.
Sincerely,
Colin LeCroy '04
For information on sending a letter to the editor, please click here.
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