What Did Jesus Actually Accomplish on the Cross?
Rev. Aniekan "Mbomboyo" Okokon ·
He forgave us all our trespasses, by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. — Colossians 2:13–14
"Jesus died for you" is true and, said alone, too small. The New Testament describes the cross with a set of exact words, each naming something He achieved. Knowing them is not academic; it is knowing what you have.
Propitiation
God's righteous anger at sin was real, and it was satisfied - not by us, but by God Himself in the person of His Son. "God put forward [Christ] as a propitiation by his blood" (Romans 3:25). The wrath you feared has been spent on Another.
Redemption
A slave bought out of the market. "You were bought with a price." The price was His blood; the purchase was you. You belong to Him now, which is the safest place a person can belong.
Reconciliation
Enemies made friends. "While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son" (Romans 5:10). The quarrel is over, and God ended it.
Justification
The verdict of the last day, announced now: righteous. Not pardoned and on probation - declared right, with Christ's own righteousness credited to your account.
Victory
The record of debt was nailed to the cross, and the rulers and authorities were disarmed and put to open shame. What looked like defeat was a triumph, and the powers know it.
Adoption, cleansing, access
- Adoption: the redeemed are made sons.
- Cleansing: the conscience is washed, not just the record.
- Access: the way into the holiest is open, and you may come with confidence.
Add it up and the cross is not one thing but a whole salvation, purchased at once, given whole. What did Jesus accomplish? Everything a sinner needed to become a son, at rest.