The conference speaker must begin with a testimony of a sinful life and/or a perverse style of living and how the blood of Christ brought salvation to that person.

From Condemnation to Salvation

Hebrews 9:22 “Under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”

The Roman Empire and the Cross The Cross was so shameful that only traitors and foreigners could receive that punishment.

The Roman Empire and the Cross The Cross was so painful that a specific word exists for that kind of torment “excruciating” (Latin: from the cross) is pain that is “beyond all bearing.”

The Roman Empire and the Cross The Old Testament made it clear that anyone who died on a tree was cursed (Galatians 3:13).

Characteristics of the Cross Those condemned to death on the cross were flogged and whipped. Many didn’t get to the cross because of the lashings. Shock and dehydration would begin to be experienced because of the loss of blood and water.

Characteristics of the Cross Those condemned to the cross would asphyxiate: their air passages blocked by the position of their bodies. Those on the cross had to press themselves on the nails to take in air, in the process hurting themselves.

Death on the Cross Death on the Cross was a long and terrible torment. Sometimes that agony could last for whole days. Asphyxiation, tetanus and fever would take over the body of the crucified.

Death on the Cross Many times death would be accelerated by breaking the legs of the crucified. In this way the bodies could only hang there, they would die asphyxiated in a few minutes.

Jesus’ Death Jesus’ withstood 39 lashings but these lashes had 9 tips of metal and/or bone which means that the Lamb of God received 357 wounds from lashings. His head was crushed by dozens of sharp thorns that provoked painful hemorrhages in his head.

Jesus’ Death Jesus finally died from his heart bursting inside him. As proof water and blood gushed out of his side. The burden on his heart was enormous.

Romans 5:6-10 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6-10 Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.

The meaning of the Cross The Cross reveals God’s forgiveness, we deserved the death that Jesus died. But our punishment was placed upon Him. The Cross reveals God’s love: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15:13).”

The meaning of the Cross The cross reveals God’s patience: Through sin we have hated God and hated ourselves and yet God calls us friends and Jesus dies out of love for us.

Colossians 2:13-14 And when you were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive together with him, when he forgave us all our trespasses, erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.

The forgiveness and love of God Today God calls us to come and to give ourselves completely to him, as Jesus gave himself completely for us.

The forgiveness and love of God Today God does not hate us. God does not reject us. No sin is too great that can stop you from receiving his forgiveness and salvation. Come to the Lord Jesus and receive his forgiveness and love.

Prayer Lift up your hands and tell Jesus that you give your life over to him as he gave himself over for you. Ask Jesus to accept you. Confess Jesus as the only Savior of your life.

From Condemnation to Salvation