INQUIRER: Why was Jesus Christ killed? Why was He crucified? He did not commit any sin. Others say that He carried all the sins of the world. I don't believe in that answer. That answer is very unclear to me. Why was Jesus killed on the cross? Majority of other religions and pastors say that it is the doing of the world, that Christ bore all sins. I don't believe in that - I told them that it is very unclear. That is my question, thank you.
Bro. Eliseo F. Soriano (EFS): It's like this, brother, your question is very simple - "Why was Jesus killed?" That question is logical. The question is valid; it is not out of logic. Of course, the first thing that will come to your mind is: why must this innocent one be killed? In the common ways of men, a good man is well loved. A good man is not killed: He is believed by and loved by his fellowmen. That is the common logic of man. But then, why is this man, Christ who was manifested in the flesh, who did only good - He fed the poor, healed the sick, and taught unparalleled and holy doctrine for man's goodness. Why would they kill Him? So, the question is logical. Let us look at what the Bible says about righteousness. In Romans 5:7 -
Sis. Luz Cruz (LC): "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."
EFS: In the common ways of men, when you are a good person whom they believe to be good, others will sacrifice themselves for you. Now, the logical question is - "Why should this person who did no wrong, who is innocent, be killed?" When in fact, you must sacrifice your life for Him, you must offer your life for Him. Why was He the one to offer His life? That is the next logical question. The logical premise is that when there is a righteous man, someone is ready to die for him. Right?
Bro. Mel Magdaraog (MM): Right.
EFS: That is the reality. But why is a righteous man ordered to be killed and killed when he did not commit sin? Isn't that a logical question, Brother Mel?
MM: Yes. That is a valid question.
EFS: So, our brother's question is valid. It needs a valid answer. Do you know the reason why they killed Christ? I will show the point of views of the two groups.
MM: What are those, Brother Eli?
EFS: Will you not ask me what the two groups are?
MM:: Yes, about that. What are the two groups you mentioned?
EFS: When a righteous man is killed, there is a group who is pleased with it.
MM: There's a pleased group?
EFS: Yes. While the other group is displeased.
MM: Yes. They have different feelings.
EFS: Now, my answer to the brother will be the answers of the two groups - the group on Christ's side, and the group that is against Christ, those who do not want Christ, so the truth is complete. Right, Brother Mel?
MM: Yes, that is wonderful, Brother Eli.
EFS: What is the answer of those who are on Christ's side? Why was Christ killed? In John 3:19 -
LC: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
EFS: That is one answer. That is the answer of those on the side of Jesus. "...that light is come..." But first, who is the light which those people did not want because they were wicked? Who is that light? in John 8:12 -
LC: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:"
EFS: Christ is the Light. Saint John testified to that - in John 1:1-4 -
LC: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “The same was in the beginning with God.” "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." “In him was life; and the life was the light of men."
EFS: Who is the light, Sis. Luz?
LC: It is Christ.
EFS: What did they do to the light? And what is the reason why they did that to the light? In John 3:19 -
LC: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
EFS: That is why they did not want Christ, why they killed Christ - the deeds of those who killed Him were wicked. They were wicked people. Naturally, the wicked will get angry at the good. The good and the wicked cannot agree with each other.
LC: That is true.
EFS: Right?
LC: Yes.
EFS: That is the reaction. It is called - "chain reaction." “For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.” That is the rule of physics. “For every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction.” Spiritually speaking, if there is evil, there is good. They are both reality. Do you know what will happen to evil and to good? In I John 3:12 -
LC: "Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous."
EFS: Do you believe that there's a person who practices righteousness, but is despised? And will be killed for the good he has done? Do you believe that? I believe so. This happened to the first brothers. Because Abel's works were righteous, his evil brother did not want righteousness nor goodness. All he wanted was wickedness. Because his brother did good things, Cain killed Abel! They are not the same. They did not agree with each other. Good and bad cannot be together. They will not agree with each other. That is the spiritual reaction. If you let evil and good meet, they will not agree. In II Corinthians 6:14 -
LC: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
EFS: Is there a possibility for light and darkness to be together?
LC: There is no possibility. That is impossible.
EFS: If there is darkness, there is no light. If there is light, darkness vanishes. Right?
MM: Yes.
EFS: Light and darkness cannot be together - unrighteousness and righteousness, holiness and wickedness, good and evil. So, we found an answer in the Bible. The reason why Christ was killed, those who killed Him were evil people. They didn't want good, Christ does good. Like Cain and Abel. According to John - "Cain slew his brother Abel because the works of his brother are righteous, and his works are evil." They will never agree with each other. For example, I do not like drinking. You are wicked, a drunkard. Can we agree with each other?
MM: No.
EFS: You're a gambler, an irresponsible father, while I take care of my family. I don't want to use in gambling what I earn. I want to buy food for my children and for the needs of my spouse and family. Right? Can we agree with each other? You want your earnings to be... You even went to Saudi Arabia to waste your earnings in womanizing and drinking. Can we get along? No. What will happen is, because you are wicked, you will kill me. That happened to Christ. Why was He killed? Because those who killed Him were wicked people. They did not want good works, so, they killed Him. That is the point of view of those of Christ, on the side of Christ. He was killed because those who killed Him were evil. That is the analysis of people on the side of Christ. How about those people not on the side of Christ? What was their analysis? Why did Christ have to be killed? There are two kinds of evil people. Do you know that?
LC: There are two? What are those? Why two?
EFS: The first kind of evil is he who is open to good.
LC: Yes.
EFS: But there is an evil person who is not open, he is really evil. Like the picture of Christ when He was crucified. On His right, there was an evil man. A thief and robber. On His left was also a thief and a robber. But there are two kinds of evil. An evil one who believed in Christ before he died. The other evil one, remained evil until he died. Now, do you know what I mean, Sister Luz?
LC: What is it?
EFS: An evil person who recognized his wickedness, then repented.
LC: Yes.
EFS: Then there is another evil person, who does not want to acknowledge righteousness.
LC: Yes.
EFS: Now, I will categorize my answer. We have seen an answer from those on the side of Christ, why Jesus was killed. Because those who killed Him did wicked things. They didn't want to stop from doing evil, they were angry at Jesus, so they killed Him. That is the secret there, right?
LC: Yes.
EFS: On the side of evil people, there were evil ones who were formerly evil, among those who killed Him. But later on, they recognized their wickedness. Let us read Acts 2:36-38 -
LC: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,"
EFS: You know, among some of those who had killed Christ, when Christ ascended to heaven, they saw the goodness of Christ which they had not seen at first. They spoke with the apostles. The apostles said - "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have..." See that?
LC: Yes.
EFS: "...whom ye have crucified," So, they were talking to the people who crucified Christ.
LC: Yes, that's how it is.
EFS: Right? When they realized that what they did was wrong, their hearts were pricked. When they heard this, their hearts were pricked. They said to Saint Peter and to the apostles - Saint Peter said - "Repent for what you've done and be baptized in the name of Christ for the remission of your sins." So, there were evil people who did not remain to be adversaries of Christ. They realized their wrong deeds, in the end, they repented.
LC: Yes, that's how it is.
EFS: Saint Paul was one of them.
LC: Was Saint Paul one of them?
EFS: Yes. He was one of the wicked men who were involved in the death of Christ, because he persecuted the Church of God. He even killed the followers of Christ. He was one of those evil people. But later on, his mind was enlightened. Do you know what he said why Christ died?
LC: What did he say, Brother Eli?
EFS: Let us read I Timothy 1:15-16 -
LC: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
EFS: Do you know Saint Paul's confession? In I Timothy 1:15 - "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation," So, even I must accept this. Let us read again what we should accept.
LC: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
EFS: Christ came to earth to save the sinners. Do you know who are the sinners that He will save?
LC: Who?
EFS: It includes those who killed Him.
LC: Yes.
EFS: Saint Peter told those who killed Christ - "...Repent, and be baptized every one of you." What then became the view of Paul after he understood the goodness of Christ? Do you know what was the view of Paul?
LC: What was it, Brother Eli?
EFS: Let us read Galatians 2:20 -
LC: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
EFS: Why was Christ killed? According to the view of Paul who understood, the reason why Christ was killed and they did kill Him, because He gave himself for the sinners like Paul. "He gave his life, He gave himself for me." Do you know why Paul said that?
LC: Why, Brother Eli?
EFS: If Christ would not have given His life, He would not be killed. He is mighty. You are holding the nail, if He blows at it, it will pierce your throat. Correct?
Bro. Rolan Ocampo (RO): Correct. That is very true.
EFS: If He blows at you, you will be thrown 40 kilometers away.
LC: That is true.
EFS: Can Christ have those who killed him struck by lightning?
MM, RO, LC: Yes, He can.
EFS: You know, Christ is powerful, He is the Son of God. He was a co-creator of the heavens and earth. So, those who would kill Him will not be able to do that if He would not allow it. So, the analysis of Paul, the reason why Christ died was because He gave Himself for Him to redeem the sinners. That is the analysis of a former sinner who understood the reason why Christ died. Do you now understand?
LC: Amen. Yes.
MM: It is clear.
RO: It is wonderful.
EFS: Now, here is another one - there is a kind of sinner who does not really want to understand. There are sinners who really do not want to acknowledge truth and righteousness. Do you know what was their reason why they killed Christ?
LC: What was it?
EFS: Let us read Matthew 21:33-39 -
MM: "Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:” “And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.” “And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.” “Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.” “But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.” “But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.” “And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him."
EFS: First, he sent his servants to the vineyard, but they killed the servants. He sent servants once more, he sent more than the first, but they were killed also. Then, the owner said - "Maybe if I will send my son, they will accept him, believe in him, they will obey him." The more they killed him because they said he was the heir. You know, there was an event to prove that that son refers to Christ. Let us read Matthew 2:1-13 -
MM: "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,” “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” “And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.” “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,” “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.” “And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” “Anjjjd when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
EFS: Did you see that, Brother Mel?
MM: Yes.
EFS: One reason why Christ was killed, why they wanted to kill Him, do you know why?
MM: What is the reason?
EFS: The greed for power. Herod did not want to be replaced from the throne. He was frightened when the wise men told him - "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? We have come to worship Him." Herod replied - "Go and search diligently for the young child; when you find him, I will worship him also." But his intention was not really to worship Him. His intention was to kill Christ. One logical reason why Christ was killed, those who were in power did not want to be replaced, they were at risk of being replaced by Christ. They thought that they will be replaced and sent away. That is the reason why they conspired with the Jews for the death of Christ. Did you understand that?
MM: Yes. That is clear, Brother Eli.
EFS: So, another logical reason why Christ was killed - some wanted to stay in position, in power that was not for them, so, they kill anyone who would be their rival for power. Do you know now why Christ was killed?
MM: Yes.
EFS: These are the three groups - Those who were on the side of Jesus knew why Jesus was killed. For them, Jesus was killed because those who did that were evil. They did not want good, so they killed Jesus. While some who were with the sinners who realized the goodness of Jesus in the end, though they were involved in His killing, they repented and were baptized. Paul was one of them. And Paul said, Jesus died because He gave His life for the redemption of sinners like them. That is the reason of sinners who understood the goodness of Christ. Isn't that correct?
MM: It is.
EFS: Another reason why He was killed - some were worried that Christ would be their rival in power, so, they had to destroy Him, and so they killed Christ. You know... But the sum total of these three groups - I have shown them to you completely - according to the sum total that is of God - in II Corinthians 5:21-
MM: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
EFS: He, who knew no sin, was allowed by God to be treated like a sinner and be killed, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. It means - We are not able to save ourselves. We cannot pay for our sins, but Christ paid that for us. That is the sum total. All in all - according to man's different points of view why Christ was killed, and why others wanted to kill Christ - one thing is in my mind that is in the Bible, that all these things happened because God loves us. John 3:16 -
MM: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,"
EFS: Did you understand the meaning of the phrase - "he gave his only begotten Son"? Does it mean God gave Him willingly? Yes. The Father gave His Son willingly. To prove that He loves us, He gave His son. Impliedly, when He gave Him, it means that the Son was in the disposition of man. So, they did to Him whatever they wanted - He was spat on, hit, crucified, scorned, maligned, defamed, and in the end, He was killed. You know, all these things happened so that Christ can teach goodness, He was manifested in the flesh, God gave Him to us, He set an example, He taught goodness, forgave sins... Didn't He? He healed the sick, helped those who were in distress. Those are examples for us to see the right manner of living in the world. He became merciful. He did not render evil for evil. Those are the reasons why He came to this earth. In the end, He was killed by evil people. All these things teach lessons for us to live rightfully and be worthy before God. So, the total is, God gave His Son to the world - "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." That is the complete point of view in the Bible.
INQUIRER: Thank you very much.
Bro. Eliseo F. Soriano (EFS): It's like this, brother, your question is very simple - "Why was Jesus killed?" That question is logical. The question is valid; it is not out of logic. Of course, the first thing that will come to your mind is: why must this innocent one be killed? In the common ways of men, a good man is well loved. A good man is not killed: He is believed by and loved by his fellowmen. That is the common logic of man. But then, why is this man, Christ who was manifested in the flesh, who did only good - He fed the poor, healed the sick, and taught unparalleled and holy doctrine for man's goodness. Why would they kill Him? So, the question is logical. Let us look at what the Bible says about righteousness. In Romans 5:7 -
Sis. Luz Cruz (LC): "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die."
EFS: In the common ways of men, when you are a good person whom they believe to be good, others will sacrifice themselves for you. Now, the logical question is - "Why should this person who did no wrong, who is innocent, be killed?" When in fact, you must sacrifice your life for Him, you must offer your life for Him. Why was He the one to offer His life? That is the next logical question. The logical premise is that when there is a righteous man, someone is ready to die for him. Right?
Bro. Mel Magdaraog (MM): Right.
EFS: That is the reality. But why is a righteous man ordered to be killed and killed when he did not commit sin? Isn't that a logical question, Brother Mel?
MM: Yes. That is a valid question.
EFS: So, our brother's question is valid. It needs a valid answer. Do you know the reason why they killed Christ? I will show the point of views of the two groups.
MM: What are those, Brother Eli?
EFS: Will you not ask me what the two groups are?
MM:: Yes, about that. What are the two groups you mentioned?
EFS: When a righteous man is killed, there is a group who is pleased with it.
MM: There's a pleased group?
EFS: Yes. While the other group is displeased.
MM: Yes. They have different feelings.
EFS: Now, my answer to the brother will be the answers of the two groups - the group on Christ's side, and the group that is against Christ, those who do not want Christ, so the truth is complete. Right, Brother Mel?
MM: Yes, that is wonderful, Brother Eli.
EFS: What is the answer of those who are on Christ's side? Why was Christ killed? In John 3:19 -
LC: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
EFS: That is one answer. That is the answer of those on the side of Jesus. "...that light is come..." But first, who is the light which those people did not want because they were wicked? Who is that light? in John 8:12 -
LC: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world:"
EFS: Christ is the Light. Saint John testified to that - in John 1:1-4 -
LC: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” “The same was in the beginning with God.” "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." “In him was life; and the life was the light of men."
EFS: Who is the light, Sis. Luz?
LC: It is Christ.
EFS: What did they do to the light? And what is the reason why they did that to the light? In John 3:19 -
LC: "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
EFS: That is why they did not want Christ, why they killed Christ - the deeds of those who killed Him were wicked. They were wicked people. Naturally, the wicked will get angry at the good. The good and the wicked cannot agree with each other.
LC: That is true.
EFS: Right?
LC: Yes.
EFS: That is the reaction. It is called - "chain reaction." “For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction.” That is the rule of physics. “For every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction.” Spiritually speaking, if there is evil, there is good. They are both reality. Do you know what will happen to evil and to good? In I John 3:12 -
LC: "Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous."
EFS: Do you believe that there's a person who practices righteousness, but is despised? And will be killed for the good he has done? Do you believe that? I believe so. This happened to the first brothers. Because Abel's works were righteous, his evil brother did not want righteousness nor goodness. All he wanted was wickedness. Because his brother did good things, Cain killed Abel! They are not the same. They did not agree with each other. Good and bad cannot be together. They will not agree with each other. That is the spiritual reaction. If you let evil and good meet, they will not agree. In II Corinthians 6:14 -
LC: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
EFS: Is there a possibility for light and darkness to be together?
LC: There is no possibility. That is impossible.
EFS: If there is darkness, there is no light. If there is light, darkness vanishes. Right?
MM: Yes.
EFS: Light and darkness cannot be together - unrighteousness and righteousness, holiness and wickedness, good and evil. So, we found an answer in the Bible. The reason why Christ was killed, those who killed Him were evil people. They didn't want good, Christ does good. Like Cain and Abel. According to John - "Cain slew his brother Abel because the works of his brother are righteous, and his works are evil." They will never agree with each other. For example, I do not like drinking. You are wicked, a drunkard. Can we agree with each other?
MM: No.
EFS: You're a gambler, an irresponsible father, while I take care of my family. I don't want to use in gambling what I earn. I want to buy food for my children and for the needs of my spouse and family. Right? Can we agree with each other? You want your earnings to be... You even went to Saudi Arabia to waste your earnings in womanizing and drinking. Can we get along? No. What will happen is, because you are wicked, you will kill me. That happened to Christ. Why was He killed? Because those who killed Him were wicked people. They did not want good works, so, they killed Him. That is the point of view of those of Christ, on the side of Christ. He was killed because those who killed Him were evil. That is the analysis of people on the side of Christ. How about those people not on the side of Christ? What was their analysis? Why did Christ have to be killed? There are two kinds of evil people. Do you know that?
LC: There are two? What are those? Why two?
EFS: The first kind of evil is he who is open to good.
LC: Yes.
EFS: But there is an evil person who is not open, he is really evil. Like the picture of Christ when He was crucified. On His right, there was an evil man. A thief and robber. On His left was also a thief and a robber. But there are two kinds of evil. An evil one who believed in Christ before he died. The other evil one, remained evil until he died. Now, do you know what I mean, Sister Luz?
LC: What is it?
EFS: An evil person who recognized his wickedness, then repented.
LC: Yes.
EFS: Then there is another evil person, who does not want to acknowledge righteousness.
LC: Yes.
EFS: Now, I will categorize my answer. We have seen an answer from those on the side of Christ, why Jesus was killed. Because those who killed Him did wicked things. They didn't want to stop from doing evil, they were angry at Jesus, so they killed Him. That is the secret there, right?
LC: Yes.
EFS: On the side of evil people, there were evil ones who were formerly evil, among those who killed Him. But later on, they recognized their wickedness. Let us read Acts 2:36-38 -
LC: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,"
EFS: You know, among some of those who had killed Christ, when Christ ascended to heaven, they saw the goodness of Christ which they had not seen at first. They spoke with the apostles. The apostles said - "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have..." See that?
LC: Yes.
EFS: "...whom ye have crucified," So, they were talking to the people who crucified Christ.
LC: Yes, that's how it is.
EFS: Right? When they realized that what they did was wrong, their hearts were pricked. When they heard this, their hearts were pricked. They said to Saint Peter and to the apostles - Saint Peter said - "Repent for what you've done and be baptized in the name of Christ for the remission of your sins." So, there were evil people who did not remain to be adversaries of Christ. They realized their wrong deeds, in the end, they repented.
LC: Yes, that's how it is.
EFS: Saint Paul was one of them.
LC: Was Saint Paul one of them?
EFS: Yes. He was one of the wicked men who were involved in the death of Christ, because he persecuted the Church of God. He even killed the followers of Christ. He was one of those evil people. But later on, his mind was enlightened. Do you know what he said why Christ died?
LC: What did he say, Brother Eli?
EFS: Let us read I Timothy 1:15-16 -
LC: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
EFS: Do you know Saint Paul's confession? In I Timothy 1:15 - "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation," So, even I must accept this. Let us read again what we should accept.
LC: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
EFS: Christ came to earth to save the sinners. Do you know who are the sinners that He will save?
LC: Who?
EFS: It includes those who killed Him.
LC: Yes.
EFS: Saint Peter told those who killed Christ - "...Repent, and be baptized every one of you." What then became the view of Paul after he understood the goodness of Christ? Do you know what was the view of Paul?
LC: What was it, Brother Eli?
EFS: Let us read Galatians 2:20 -
LC: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
EFS: Why was Christ killed? According to the view of Paul who understood, the reason why Christ was killed and they did kill Him, because He gave himself for the sinners like Paul. "He gave his life, He gave himself for me." Do you know why Paul said that?
LC: Why, Brother Eli?
EFS: If Christ would not have given His life, He would not be killed. He is mighty. You are holding the nail, if He blows at it, it will pierce your throat. Correct?
Bro. Rolan Ocampo (RO): Correct. That is very true.
EFS: If He blows at you, you will be thrown 40 kilometers away.
LC: That is true.
EFS: Can Christ have those who killed him struck by lightning?
MM, RO, LC: Yes, He can.
EFS: You know, Christ is powerful, He is the Son of God. He was a co-creator of the heavens and earth. So, those who would kill Him will not be able to do that if He would not allow it. So, the analysis of Paul, the reason why Christ died was because He gave Himself for Him to redeem the sinners. That is the analysis of a former sinner who understood the reason why Christ died. Do you now understand?
LC: Amen. Yes.
MM: It is clear.
RO: It is wonderful.
EFS: Now, here is another one - there is a kind of sinner who does not really want to understand. There are sinners who really do not want to acknowledge truth and righteousness. Do you know what was their reason why they killed Christ?
LC: What was it?
EFS: Let us read Matthew 21:33-39 -
MM: "Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:” “And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.” “And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.” “Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.” “But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.” “But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.” “And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him."
EFS: First, he sent his servants to the vineyard, but they killed the servants. He sent servants once more, he sent more than the first, but they were killed also. Then, the owner said - "Maybe if I will send my son, they will accept him, believe in him, they will obey him." The more they killed him because they said he was the heir. You know, there was an event to prove that that son refers to Christ. Let us read Matthew 2:1-13 -
MM: "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,” “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” “And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.” “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,” “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” “Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.” “And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.” “When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.” “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” “Anjjjd when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.” “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."
EFS: Did you see that, Brother Mel?
MM: Yes.
EFS: One reason why Christ was killed, why they wanted to kill Him, do you know why?
MM: What is the reason?
EFS: The greed for power. Herod did not want to be replaced from the throne. He was frightened when the wise men told him - "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? We have come to worship Him." Herod replied - "Go and search diligently for the young child; when you find him, I will worship him also." But his intention was not really to worship Him. His intention was to kill Christ. One logical reason why Christ was killed, those who were in power did not want to be replaced, they were at risk of being replaced by Christ. They thought that they will be replaced and sent away. That is the reason why they conspired with the Jews for the death of Christ. Did you understand that?
MM: Yes. That is clear, Brother Eli.
EFS: So, another logical reason why Christ was killed - some wanted to stay in position, in power that was not for them, so, they kill anyone who would be their rival for power. Do you know now why Christ was killed?
MM: Yes.
EFS: These are the three groups - Those who were on the side of Jesus knew why Jesus was killed. For them, Jesus was killed because those who did that were evil. They did not want good, so they killed Jesus. While some who were with the sinners who realized the goodness of Jesus in the end, though they were involved in His killing, they repented and were baptized. Paul was one of them. And Paul said, Jesus died because He gave His life for the redemption of sinners like them. That is the reason of sinners who understood the goodness of Christ. Isn't that correct?
MM: It is.
EFS: Another reason why He was killed - some were worried that Christ would be their rival in power, so, they had to destroy Him, and so they killed Christ. You know... But the sum total of these three groups - I have shown them to you completely - according to the sum total that is of God - in II Corinthians 5:21-
MM: "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
EFS: He, who knew no sin, was allowed by God to be treated like a sinner and be killed, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. It means - We are not able to save ourselves. We cannot pay for our sins, but Christ paid that for us. That is the sum total. All in all - according to man's different points of view why Christ was killed, and why others wanted to kill Christ - one thing is in my mind that is in the Bible, that all these things happened because God loves us. John 3:16 -
MM: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,"
EFS: Did you understand the meaning of the phrase - "he gave his only begotten Son"? Does it mean God gave Him willingly? Yes. The Father gave His Son willingly. To prove that He loves us, He gave His son. Impliedly, when He gave Him, it means that the Son was in the disposition of man. So, they did to Him whatever they wanted - He was spat on, hit, crucified, scorned, maligned, defamed, and in the end, He was killed. You know, all these things happened so that Christ can teach goodness, He was manifested in the flesh, God gave Him to us, He set an example, He taught goodness, forgave sins... Didn't He? He healed the sick, helped those who were in distress. Those are examples for us to see the right manner of living in the world. He became merciful. He did not render evil for evil. Those are the reasons why He came to this earth. In the end, He was killed by evil people. All these things teach lessons for us to live rightfully and be worthy before God. So, the total is, God gave His Son to the world - "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." That is the complete point of view in the Bible.
INQUIRER: Thank you very much.