“I’m so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it.”
I’m convinced that in these short words, Dr. Machen was able to express the essence of the biblical Gospel. Let me explain:
Theologians talk of a double function of Christ as our Savior in
saving us – His passive and active obedience. The passive obedience
refers to His laying His life down for us His sheep. He died an atoning
death paying the full penalty for sins. Yet, what is often missed is the
function of His 33 years of life on earth perfectly fulfilling all the
demands of the law. This righteousness, one that has fulfilled the
entire law of God is what is credited to our account as believers in
Christ. Christ is our righteousness!
The Lord Jesus Christ not only died an atoning death for our sins,
but before He ever went to the cross, He lived a sinless life that
perfectly fulfilled the righteous standards of the law. If all that was
necessary for our justification was the death of Jesus on the cross, He
could have come down to earth on a parachute on Good Friday, died on the
cross for us, and three days later, risen again. But we all know that
this is not what happened. Why? Because that would never have been
enough. Keep Reading >>>
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