Cecil A. Fayard
Elliott Baptist Church
May 30, 2004
Sacrifice for Freedom
John 15:12-13
INTRO: When I think about Memorial Day, I first of all think of those who gave their lives that we may have the freedom that we enjoy. Then I think of those in uniform this very day, serving in the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard. I think of those whom we know and love who are on foreign soil in harm's way this very day.
It is our duty to never forget what these brave men and women have done for us.
All across our nation, there are monuments on court squares listing the names of soldiers who died in combat. In Washington DC, the heroes of past wars are honored by the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam War Memorial Wall.
I am proud of those who wear the uniform of a US soldier; I am proud to be a veteran. I am thankful for the freedom we still enjoy because of the sacrifice of others.
As we rightfully honor our fallen soldiers today, we should never forget the greatest sacrifice of all. Jesus Christ the Son of God died for us. He died that we might be set free. The death of Christ is mentioned over one hundred and twenty times in the New Testament alone. I am so glad that the Bible says: "that Christ died for our sins according to the scripture; and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures" (I Cor 15:3-4).
Today, I want us to remember what Christ did for sinners such as I.
I. THE DEATH OF CHRIST WAS VICARIOUS
A. Christ died in the place of sinners. He was God's substitute for us.
1. Matthew 20:28 tells us that Christ came, "to give his life a ransom for many."
a) "Ransom" - Greek lutron meaning "ransom paid for slaves and captives."
b) Jesus came to liberate many from misery and the penalty of their sins.
2. Listen to the words of the third verse of He Set Me Free:
Goodby to sin and things that confound,
Naught of this world shall turn me around,
Daily I'm working, I'm praying too
And glory to God, I'm going thru.
Chorus: He set me free (yes) He set me free (and)
He broke the bonds of prison for me:
I'm glory bound my Jesus to see,
For Glory to God, He set me free.
B. On the cross, the Bible says Christ was made sin for us (II Cor 5:21).
II. THE DEATH OF CHRIST WAS NATURAL
A. The spirit and soul of Christ were separated from His body. That's what happens when someone dies.
B. The scriptures teach clearly that Christ died upon the cross of Calvary (Jn 19:31-38).
III. THE DEATH OF CHRIST WAS UNNATURAL
A. In Romans 6:23, the Bible says that, "the wages of sin is death..."
1. Christ did no sin- II Pet 2:22: "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth."
2. Christ had no sin- I Jn 3:5, "....He was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin."
3. Christ knew no sin- II Cor 5:21, "For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin."
B. On the cross, Jesus Christ was made to be sin for us. He never became a sinner, but He, "bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed" (I Pet 2:24).
1. Before Christ could die, He had to be made sin for us. He had to take our place. He died for our sins.
2. Because His death was unnatural, because He was not a sinner, the grave could not hold him (Acts 2:24).
IV. THE DEATH OF CHRIST WAS PRETERNATURAL
A. This means that the death of Christ was foreordained before creation.
1. The death of Christ was n afterthought with God.
2. Revelation 13:8 says that Christ is, "...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
B. The death of Jesus Christ was the forethought of God.
1. I Peter 1:18-21
2. Acts 2:22-24.
V. THE DEATH OF CHRIST WAS SUPERNATURAL
A. In John 10:17-18, we see how that the death of Jesus Christ our Lord was supernatural.
1. "No man taketh it from me"-- supernatural death.
2. "I lay it down of myself"-- supernatural death.
3. "I have power to take it up again" - supernatural resurrection.
B. Christ died on the cross. He was buried and then three days and three nights later, He took life up again when He arose from the dead.
CONCLUSION: It is only God, in the form of man (Jn 1:14), could die a:
1. Vicarious
2. Natural
3. Unnatural
4. Preternatural
5. Supernatural death.
And Friends, be assured of this, "neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
For additional copies of the sermon CD's, please contact the church office:
Elliott Baptist Church
566 Nat G. Troutt Road
Elliott, Mississippi 38901
Phone: 662-226-4425
Pastors Email: cecilafayard@msn.com