We Believe / The Accomplished Work of Christ

January 7, 2024

Various Scriptures

Study Questions

EFCA Statement of Faith #5: We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed his blood on the cross as the perfect, all sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only grounds for salvation.

1. How do you see–through the accomplished work of Christ–one glorious act demonstrating the wrath, justice, sovereignty, truth, love, mercy, and power of God all at once?

2. What is the significance of Jesus being our representative and substitute? Why did we need a representative? What is substitutionary atonement? Why did we need a substitute? (See Romans 5:12; Hebrews 7:23-28.)

3. Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. Identify which phrase describes the work of propitiation, and which phrase describes the work of expiation. What does this mean to you?

4. Why is the shedding of blood important for atonement to be made? Could Jesus have made atonement without bloodshed? (See Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:18-22; Colossians 1:19-20.)

5. Some today would claim that the Father ordaining Jesus Christ to be the atoning sacrifice for sin was ‘cosmic child abuse’. How would you answer that person? (See John 10:10-18; Hebrews 7:26-28.)

6. Read 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 and John 11:23-26. The statement of faith we studied this week affirms that we believe in Christ’s “atoning death and victorious resurrection”. Why are both the death and resurrection of Christ necessary for your salvation?