“A Genuine Sacrifice”

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

      When Jesus was crucified on the cross, did He give His real flesh or His symbolic flesh for the life of the world?  Real or symbolic?  I have a college professor who seems to spiritualize most biblical events.  Thanks.

Sincerely,
Literally Confused

Dear Literally Confused,

Jesus’ death was a real, physical death.  He really breathed His last breath upon that cross (Jhn 19:30).  The Roman soldiers that oversaw the crucifixion checked to make sure He was dead and even stabbed Him with a spear to make sure (Jhn 19:31-34).

Paul dealt with the argument that Jesus’ death and resurrection were merely symbolic in 1 Cor 15.  Paul’s conclusion: if Jesus’ death and resurrection were not real events, we have no salvation, and christians are the most pitiable creatures on the planet (1 Cor 15:17-19).  Jesus died a literal, physical death that we might have life.  He sacrificed Himself for us.

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