Study 6: Christ’s Death & Resurrection
These two historical events are at the centre of the Christian faith. They were foretold by Old Testament writers and by Christ Himself. This study asks why Christ had to die, what His death achieved, and why His resurrection matters so much.
We are not dealing here with a moving story or a religious symbol only. We are dealing with the saving work of the Lord Jesus Christ, accomplished in history, and with a living Saviour who truly rose from the dead.
Before you begin
It is important to look up the Bible references and think carefully about what they say, so that you can see for yourself the Bible’s teaching. This study takes us to the centre of the gospel.
If we misunderstand Christ’s death, we will misunderstand salvation. If we deny His resurrection, we lose the living hope of the Christian faith. So let us read carefully and think reverently.
This study at a glance
Christ died for a reason
His death was necessary because sin is serious, God is holy, and forgiveness requires a true sacrifice.
Christ’s death achieved salvation
The cross turned away wrath, bore sin, restored peace with God, and paid the ransom price.
Christ truly rose again
His bodily resurrection proves who He is, what He has accomplished, and gives believers living hope.
At the centre of the Christian faith
Christ’s death and resurrection are not side themes in Christianity. They are central. They were foretold in the Old Testament and plainly spoken of by the Lord Jesus Himself. Read Isaiah 53 and Mark 8:31-32.
What moved God the Father to send Christ?
God in love was pleased to send Him. Read John 3:16 and Colossians 1:19-20. The cross does not mean the Father is reluctant and the Son is kind. Father and Son are united in the work of salvation.
The love of God is not vague sentiment. It acts. It sends. It gives. It rescues.
Why was Christ’s death necessary?
God hates sin
Read Romans 1:18.
Sin leads to death
Read Romans 6:23.
Forgiveness requires sacrifice
The Bible’s sacrificial system, and Scripture directly, show that death is necessary for sin to be forgiven. Read Hebrews 9:22, and see also Leviticus 1 and 16.
What did Christ’s death on the cross achieve?
Propitiation
Christ’s sacrificial death turned God’s wrath away from those for whom He died. Read Romans 3:25, and see also 1 John 2:2 and 1 John 4:10.
Substitution
Jesus died in the place of sinners to bring them to God. Read Leviticus 1:4, Isaiah 53:6, John 1:29, 1 Peter 2:24, and Hebrews 9:28.
Reconciliation
The rebellious sinner is reconciled to God. Friendship is restored by the death of Christ. Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, Ephesians 2:16, and Romans 5:6-11.
Redemption
A ransom price is paid to set the captive free. Read Mark 10:45, Ephesians 1:7, Romans 3:24, Romans 8:1-3, Galatians 4:4-5, and Galatians 3:13.
Why was Christ’s death acceptable for sinners?
Because of who He is
- Christ is God the Son
- He is the sinless and perfect high priest
- He is the perfect mediator
Read Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 7:23-28, and 1 Timothy 2:5.
Because of what He did
- He kept the law, Galatians 4:4
- He paid for the sinner who broke the law, Galatians 3:13
- He merited eternal life for the sinner, Romans 10:4 and 2 Corinthians 5:21
What did He accomplish?
He accomplished the salvation of those for whom He died. He paid the ransom price, and they cannot be expected to pay again. His death is presented in Scripture in ways that show its effectiveness.
Christ’s death achieves its purpose. It is effective in saving sinners.
The specific groups Christ is said to die for
Scripture speaks of definite people for whom Christ died. Look up these passages carefully.
Texts to read
- Matthew 1:21
- Acts 20:28
- Ephesians 5:22-26
More texts to read
- John 10:11
- Revelation 5:9
Christ’s resurrection
Jesus died, His body was buried in the tomb, and the same body rose from the dead and walked out of the tomb. It was a physical body, continuous with the old, yet different.
Read Luke 24:1-8, Luke 24:36-48, and 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.
What sort of resurrection?
A real bodily resurrection, not a mere spiritual survival or inspiring memory.
Why does that matter?
Because the risen Christ is the same Jesus who died for sinners and now lives for ever.
The nature of the evidence
Notice the reasoning in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.
Scripture
The resurrection was according to the Scriptures.
Fact
Christ died, was buried, and rose again.
Witnesses
Many saw Him alive after His resurrection.
Personal experience
Paul himself speaks as one who encountered the risen Christ.
What is the significance of the resurrection?
It vindicates Christ
It declares that Christ is who He claimed to be and has achieved what He came to do. Read Romans 1:4, Romans 4:25, and Philippians 2:9.
It pictures the Christian’s union with Christ
The death and resurrection sequence symbolises what happens to the Christian in union with Christ. Read Romans 6:1-9, Romans 5:10, 1 Corinthians 6:14, 1 Corinthians 15:20-25, and Ephesians 1:18-20.
It fills believers with hope
Christians will one day have a resurrected body like Christ. Read Philippians 3:20-21 and 1 Peter 1:3.
You may be wondering
Why could God not simply forgive without the cross?
Because God is holy and just. Sin is real guilt before Him, and Scripture teaches that forgiveness required a true sacrifice.
What do words like propitiation and redemption actually mean?
Propitiation means wrath turned away by sacrifice. Redemption means a ransom price paid to set the captive free.
Was the resurrection bodily or only spiritual?
It was bodily. The same Jesus who was buried truly rose, though His risen body was glorious and different.
Why is a living Saviour so important?
Because salvation is not only about a past event. Christ now lives, reigns, intercedes, and will return.
Reflection and response
Take time over these questions and answer them carefully from Scripture.
- What happened on the cross and how have you benefited?
- What is the evidence for Christ’s literal bodily resurrection from the dead?
- Why is a living Saviour important to you?
A simple prayer before moving on
Keep going
Having considered Christ’s death and resurrection, the next study turns to the Holy Spirit, His person and His work.
