The Appointed Sacrifice and the Shaking of Heaven and Earth
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, KJV)
Introduction
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in all of human history. Every doctrine of salvation, redemption, grace, and judgment flows from the cross. It was not merely a cruel Roman execution, nor was it the result of political failure or religious jealousy alone. The crucifixion was foreordained by God before the foundation of the world and carried out in exact fulfillment of Scripture.
What occurred during the crucifixion, and in the moments immediately following Christ’s death, reveals the seriousness of sin, the holiness of God, and the completeness of Christ’s finished work. Heaven responded. Earth reacted. The spiritual order was forever changed.
The Divine Appointment of the Cross
The crucifixion did not begin at Calvary. It was declared centuries earlier through the prophets.
- Psalm 22 describes crucifixion in detail long before it was practiced: pierced hands and feet, mocking crowds, divided garments.
- Isaiah 53 presents the Messiah as a suffering substitute, bearing sin not His own.
- Daniel 9:26 foretells that Messiah would be “cut off, but not for himself.”
Jesus Himself repeatedly told His disciples that He must suffer, be rejected, and be killed (Matthew 16:21). The cross was not a surprise to Christ; it was His mission.
The Physical and Judicial Reality of Crucifixion
Crucifixion was designed to bring maximum suffering and shame. Before being nailed to the cross, Jesus was scourged. Roman scourging tore flesh, caused severe blood loss, and left many victims near death before crucifixion even began.
Jesus was then:
- Stripped of His clothing
- Nailed through His hands and feet
- Lifted up publicly for mockery and scorn
This fulfilled the curse of Deuteronomy 21:23: “He that is hanged is accursed of God.” Christ willingly took that curse upon Himself (Galatians 3:13).
Christ’s Words from the Cross: Doctrine Revealed in Suffering
The statements Jesus made while on the cross are not random expressions of pain. Each one reveals deep theological truth.
- “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34)
This shows that forgiveness flows from the cross, not from repentance alone. Mercy was offered even before understanding was present. - “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)
Salvation is by faith, not works, rituals, or time. One moment of true belief was enough. - “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
This was the moment Christ bore sin fully. The Father did not abandon the Son in hatred, but judgment fell as Jesus became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). - “I thirst” (John 19:28)
This fulfilled Scripture and shows Christ’s true humanity. The Creator of water experienced thirst for sinners. - “It is finished” (John 19:30)
This is a declaration of completion. The debt of sin was fully paid. No further sacrifice is needed. - “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46)
Christ’s life was not taken; it was surrendered.
Supernatural Signs During the Crucifixion
God visibly responded to the death of His Son.
Darkness Over the Land
For three hours, darkness covered the land (Matthew 27:45). This was not an eclipse. It was divine judgment, echoing the darkness of Egypt during the Passover. The true Passover Lamb was being slain.
The Veil of the Temple Torn
The veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Only the high priest could pass it, and only once a year with blood. When Christ died, the veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), showing God Himself removed the barrier.
This declared:
- The old sacrificial system was ended
- Direct access to God was now open through Christ
- No priesthood could replace the work of the cross
Earthquake and Rock Splitting
The earth shook, and rocks split open. Creation reacted to the death of its Creator. Judgment had fallen, and redemption had begun.
Events Immediately After Christ’s Death
The effects of the crucifixion were immediate and powerful.
Opened Graves
Many Old Testament saints were raised after Christ’s resurrection and appeared to others (Matthew 27:52–53). This was a preview of resurrection power and proof that death had been defeated.
The Confession of the Centurion
A Roman officer, trained in death, declared, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54). The cross revealed truth even to hardened unbelievers.
The Piercing of Christ’s Side
Blood and water flowed from Jesus’ side (John 19:34), confirming death and symbolizing cleansing and new life. Not a bone was broken, fulfilling Passover prophecy (Exodus 12:46).
The Doctrinal Meaning of the Crucifixion
The crucifixion accomplished several eternal truths:
- Atonement: Sin was paid for in full (Hebrews 9:26).
- Substitution: Christ died in the sinner’s place (1 Peter 2:24).
- Propitiation: God’s righteous wrath was satisfied (Romans 3:25).
- Redemption: Believers were purchased out of bondage (Ephesians 1:7).
- Reconciliation: Peace with God was made possible (Romans 5:1).
Nothing can be added to the cross. To add works is to deny its sufficiency.
Conclusion
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was not only the death of a Savior, but the turning point of eternity. Heaven’s justice was satisfied. Satan’s power was broken. The way to God was opened.
The cross stands as a warning to the sinner, a foundation for the believer, and a declaration to the world that salvation is found in Christ alone. As we await His return, the message of the cross must remain central, preached clearly, and believed fully.