The Rescuer in the Storm�
In a fishing town, a storm strikes, leaving fishermen stranded. Waves rise dangerously, threatening their safety. The lighthouse keeper sees their distress signals and rushes to help. Despite the risks, he confronts the waves, knowing their survival depends on him. He rescues them and brings them home. Similarly, humanity is trapped in a storm of sin, unable to save itself. But God, seeing our dangerous, desperate situation, came to us. Jesus became man, entered our storm, and made a way for us to be rescued.
In this series, Exploring the Atonement: Why God Became Man, we’ll dive into Christ’s mission—how His life, death, and resurrection secured our salvation and brought the possibility to one with God.
Exploring the Atonement: Why God Became Man?
Introduction
I John 4:9-10
I John 4:9-10
God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him. Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
The Message Translation
This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. This is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with God.
Mike’s Note Slide
John’s Subject: God’s Love for Humanity
John’s Topic: Jesus Atoning Sacrifice
Atoning Sacrifice: a sacrifice offered (in this case Jesus, the son of God) to make amends for wrongdoing (biblically sin) , more specifically to restore a broken relationship (in this case between God and humanity)
Story: Praying to Change Places
Exodus 32:32, Now if you would only forgive their sin. But if not, please erase me from the book you have written.”
Romans 9:3, For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the benefit of my brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood.
My Son
What Does it Mean to Explore the Atonement?
Explore:
In this sense, is to explore a concept or subject. It refers to investigating, examining, or studying the subject or concept in detail to gain a better, deeper understanding or knowledge.
Atonement:
in a biblical sense, the doctrine/teaching of the Atonement the process of God restoring his relationship with sinful humanity.
At-one-ment with God.
Why Are We Exploring the Atonement?
How Can Jesus Demonstrate Divine Justice & Mercy?
What is Divine Justice?
Core Concept: Divine justice is the idea that a divine being ensures that actions have consequences.
Moral Authority: It implies a moral authority that judges and punishes wrongdoing, or rewards righteousness, often seen as a reflection of God's holiness and justice.
Biblical Foundation: The concept of divine justice is deeply rooted in scripture, where God is portrayed as a just judge who administers justice impartially.
Old Testament: In the Old Testament, divine justice is often associated with God's covenant relationship with Israel and the Law given to Moses, reflecting God's standards of justice and righteousness.
New Testament:In the New Testament, divine justice is fulfilled and revealed through Jesus Christ, with his sacrificial death seen as an ultimate demonstration of God's justice and mercy.
What is Divine Mercy
Divine Mercy—God's compassionate and forgiving nature towards humanity, demonstrating His love and readiness to pardon sins, even when unearned, and highlighting his kindness toward sinners.
The Judge and the Fine�
In a small town, a respected judge faced a young man charged with a serious offense. The evidence was clear—he was guilty. The law demanded a hefty fine, far beyond the young man's means. The judge saw not just a criminal but a hopeful son. Justice had to be served, so he pronounced, "Guilty. The full fine must be paid." The young man despaired, unable to pay. Unexpectedly, the judge stood, removed his robe, and paid the fine himself. He told the young man, "Justice is satisfied, but mercy has spoken. You are free."
How Can Jesus be this Unique Being
By His Two Distinct Natures: Son of Man and Son of God.
Which is displayed and celebrated at both Christmas and Easter
Incranation—God with us
The Christmas Story is Significant Part of the Biblical Narrative
Prophetic Language– Immanuel-–God with us
Doctrinal Term—Incarnation
Celebrated at Christmas—The Birth of Jesus
The Easter Story is Significant Part of the Biblical Narrative
The Prophetic Language—Suffering Servant of God
The Doctrine Language—Atonement of Jesus
The Passion of Christ—Cruxification, Death, burial, and Resurrection.
This Series is Going to Deepen Our Understanding that:
Invitation & Challenge
Invite you to consider how much God truly loves you. Such assessment is only possible when you have a healthy understanding of the cost of human sin.
I want to challenge you to spend your personal growth time this week looking for verses that express God’s love for humanity?
Questions to Answer for Bible Study Discussion
What Verses Expresses God’s Love for Humanity in the Old Testament?
What Verse Expresses God’s Love for Humanity in the New Testament?
Which Verse captures your heart, and why?