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Paul says of Christ that he was crucified in weakness but lives by God's power (2 Corinthians 13:4). I have heard it stated that although Christ was crucified in weakness he died in power. This is not what the Scripture says and it is not true. Power relates to his resurrection, not to his death. Thus we have " the power of his resurrection" (Philippians 3:10). |
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Finally, it may be noted that:- |
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(1) In contrast to other men Christ had control over his spirit. He was not as those of whom the writer of Ecclesiastes said: "There is no man who hath control over the spirit to retain the spirit; and no one hath control over the day of death" (Ecclesiastes 8:8). Hence we have Christ delivering up his spirit and also saying "It is finished" (John 19:30). The evangelist also comments that "Jesus, knowing that all things were now finished" (John 19:28). Jesus was aware that his final moments had arrived and hence bowed his head and delivered up his spirit. |
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(2) What is said under (1) above relates to Christ's SPIRIT. As to his BODY that died as a result of man's actions in crucifying him. Christ did not exert power to in any way relieve himself of the natural consequences of what man had done, as the bystanders said: "He saved others, himself he cannot save." (Matthew 27:42). |
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One of the reasons that some hold that Christ's death is not to be attributed to man's action is that they have not accepted that Christ was delivered into the hands of sinners, as stated in Mark 14:41 "Behold, the Son of man is delivered up into the hands of sinners". Many passages speak of Christ's being delivered up, but I have never, that I can recollect, heard it spoken of either in the Gospel or in an address to believers. No doubt there may have been passing references to it, but I have not heard it taken up as a subject. It is an important point that from the time of his apprehension in the garden of Gethsemane till his body was given to Joseph of Arimathea Christ was, as to his body, in the hands of the wicked. Afterwards, his body was cared for by his disciples until his resurrection. It is, I believe, important that this matter should be clearly understood, otherwise the truth may become confused in our minds. |
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Written March 1995 & November 1996 |
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