Paradoxes of the Cross

2 Paradox Defined 1: a tenet contrary to received opinion 1: a tenet contrary to received opinion 2 a: a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true 2 a: a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true b : a self-contradictory statement that at first seems true c : an argument that apparently derives self- contradictory conclusions by valid deduction from acceptable premises 3 : one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases 3 : one (as a person, situation, or action) having seemingly contradictory qualities or phases Merriam-Webster On-line Merriam-Webster On-line

3 SIN AND DEATH, 3:13 Defilement of sin (Deut 21:22-23) Curse, Rom 6:23 In our place, 2 Cor 5:21; Isa 53:6, 8 SIN AND DEATH, 3:13 Defilement of sin (Deut 21:22-23) Curse, Rom 6:23 In our place, 2 Cor 5:21; Isa 53:6, 8 FORGIVENESS AND LIFE, 3:14 Heirs of promise, Acts 2:38-40 In Christ through faith, Gal 3:26-29; Rom 1:16-17 FORGIVENESS AND LIFE, 3:14 Heirs of promise, Acts 2:38-40 In Christ through faith, Gal 3:26-29; Rom 1:16-17 Curse Blessing

4 HUMILIATION Isa 53:3-6, Became a man Disgrace, shame, torture and death on the cross HUMILIATION Isa 53:3-6, Became a man Disgrace, shame, torture and death on the cross EXALTATION Isa 53:10-12; Jno 17:5; Heb 2:5-9 Crowned with glory and honor after sorrow and suffering EXALTATION Isa 53:10-12; Jno 17:5; Heb 2:5-9 Crowned with glory and honor after sorrow and suffering Humiliation Exaltation

5 NO CRIME, Acts 8:33; Jno 18:29-38; 19:4, 6 Jesus was without crime He died for ours NO CRIME, Acts 8:33; Jno 18:29-38; 19:4, 6 Jesus was without crime He died for ours MERCY TOWARD ENEMIES Reconciled us to God, Rom 5:10-11; Col 1:19-23 MERCY TOWARD ENEMIES Reconciled us to God, Rom 5:10-11; Col 1:19-23 Injustice Mercy

6 HATED WITHOUT A CAUSE Despised and rejected message and works Envy, Matt 27:18 HATED WITHOUT A CAUSE Despised and rejected message and works Envy, Matt 27:18 LOVE OF GOD, Romans 5:6-8 Cross defines love, 1 John 3:16 Saves from wrath, Romans 5:9 LOVE OF GOD, Romans 5:6-8 Cross defines love, 1 John 3:16 Saves from wrath, Romans 5:9 Hate Love

7 PUNISHMENT OF SIN IGNORED BY MEN AT THE CROSS, Matt 27:24-25 JUSTIFICATION IS OBTAINED BECAUSE GOD DID NOT IGNORE US, Acts 2:23; Rom 3:24-26; 5:9 Sin Righteousness

8 HORRIFIC DEATH BY CRUCIFIXION, John 19:30-35 Such execution not allowed in our age HORRIFIC DEATH BY CRUCIFIXION, John 19:30-35 Such execution not allowed in our age GLORIOUS LIFE FROM THE DEATH OF SIN SECURED Roman 6:23 Man blessed by the horrible death He suffered GLORIOUS LIFE FROM THE DEATH OF SIN SECURED Roman 6:23 Man blessed by the horrible death He suffered Death Life

9 Many Denied Resurrection-Even Some of the Lord’s disciples - Jn. 20:19-31; Acts 23:8; 1 Cor. 15:12-13;Jn. 2:18-22 Atheist today Many scoff at the facts of the Cross Many Denied Resurrection-Even Some of the Lord’s disciples - Jn. 20:19-31; Acts 23:8; 1 Cor. 15:12-13;Jn. 2:18-22 Atheist today Many scoff at the facts of the Cross Given Assurance by the resurrection of Christ – Acts 17:30-32; 1 Jn. 1:1-7; Jn. 20:29-31; Acts 2:23-27 (Ps. 16:8-10) Christians have hope & see it as proof of Christ promises Remember his death, burial and resurrection every first day of the week Given Assurance by the resurrection of Christ – Acts 17:30-32; 1 Jn. 1:1-7; Jn. 20:29-31; Acts 2:23-27 (Ps. 16:8-10) Christians have hope & see it as proof of Christ promises Remember his death, burial and resurrection every first day of the week Doubt Faith

10 APPARENT DEFEAT IN DEATH Matt 26:56; 27:50 REAL VICTORY OVER SIN AND DEATH Heb 2: (Acts 2:24); 1 Cor 15:56-57; Rom 8:31-35 DEFEAT VICTORY

11 Every attempt to oppose and reject Jesus turned out to be the very thing God used to accomplish our redemption (Acts 2:23) Wisdom and love! The cross is our reason to be humble in faith and obey Jesus to be saved! Matthew 11:28 Wisdom and love! The cross is our reason to be humble in faith and obey Jesus to be saved! Matthew 11:28