August 2023 - “THE VOLUNTARY NATURE OF THE LORD JESUS' SACRIFICE – THOUGHTS FROM PAUL’s EPISTLES”

In the article last month, we looked at the voluntary nature of the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and we considered three verses where the Lord Himself spoke of that sacrifice. This month, we will look at a few verses which mention the voluntary nature of the Lord’s sacrifice as addressed in the epistles of the Apostle Paul.

The importance of the voluntary nature of Christ’s sacrifice can be understood by the repeated use of the words “gave himself” in these epistles. In all of them he highlights an important aspect as the reason for the Lord giving Himself.

In the Epistle to the Galatians, Paul mentions this expression twice. In chapter 1 verse 4 he writes of “the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age”. Here he highlights the aspect of deliverance; he says that the selfless act of Christ on the cross serves as a means of delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and the corrupting influences of the world. Those who have been saved can rejoice in the fact that the power of sin has been broken and we have been delivered from it.

Furthermore, in the closing section of Galatians chapter 2 verse 20, Paul refers to "the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”. Here, he highlights the personal aspect of Jesus' self-giving, exemplifying His individual love and care for each believer. Christ's sacrifice on the cross is a demonstration of His immense love for His own.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul again uses the expression twice, both in chapter 5. At the beginning of the chapter, in verse 2, he writes, "Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God". Here Paul portrays the self-giving as an act of love and devotion to God, offering Himself as a sacrificial offering for the redemption of humanity.

Towards the end of chapter 5, in verses 25-27 Paul emphasizes that "Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for it; that He might sanctify it ... so that He might present the church to Himself a glorious church". This reveals Christ's desire to sanctify and purify the Church, making it holy and blameless, prepared to stand before Him in glory.

Throughout these epistles, Paul highlights the profound significance of Christ's giving of Himself on the cross. It demonstrates His unmatched love, devotion, and sacrifice for humanity's redemption, making Him the ultimate Saviour and Lord. As believers, we are called to reflect on the depth of His selflessness, and respond with gratitude and devotion, living in light of His love and grace.

- Noel Roberts