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As the Apostles' Creed puts it so succinctly, "Jesus Christ . . . was crucified." What does this mean to us yet today? Consider what John Calvin wrote about the cross of Jesus Christ.
The Cross of Jesus Christ

The form of Christ's death also embodies a singular mystery. The cross was accursed, not only in human opinion but by decree of God's law. Hence, when Christ is hanged upon the cross, he makes himself subject to the curse. It had to happen in this way in order that the whole curse--which on account of our sins awaited us, or rather lay upon us--might be lifted from us, while it was transferred to him. . . . The Son of God, utterly clean of all fault, nevertheless took upon himself the shame and reproach of our iniquities, and in return clothed us with his purity. . . . Christ was offered to the Father in death as an expiatory sacrifice that when he discharged all satisfaction through his sacrifice, we might cease to be afraid of God's wrath. . . . Yet we must not understand that he fell under a curse that overwhelmed him; rather--in taking the curse upon himself--he crushed, broke, and scattered its whole force. Hence faith apprehends an acquittal in the condemnation of Christ, a blessing in his curse.

Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book II, Chapter 16, paragraph 6, pp. 510-511.

For in the cross of Christ, as in a splendid theater, the incomparable goodness of God is set forth before the whole world. The glory of God shines, indeed, in all creatures on high and below, but never more brightly than in the cross, in which there was a wonderful change of things--the condemnation of all men was manifested, sin blotted out, salvation restored to men; in short, the whole world was renewed and all things restored to order.

Commentary on John 13:31
The Wonderful Exchange

Calvin echoes here Martin Luther's theology of the cross. That is, Luther had observed that theology previously had taught that good things on earth pointed to better things in heaven. He argued that theology should instead function by understanding God to use, and to reveal himself through, the sign of the opposite, so that the humility of the manger showed forth the majesty of God, and the weakness of the cross showed forth the power of God.

Calvin also testifies here to the "fortunate exchange" between Christ and humanity, whereby Christ takes on our sin and death and gives us forgiveness and eternal life.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Grace and Peace, Dr. James C. Goodloe IV

Dr. James C. Goodloe IV,
Executive Director
Foundation for Reformed Theology | (804) 678-8352
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