God the Son, Student Workbook, SW10

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G O D T H E S O N

our place, a victory over the devil and death itself, and a reconciliation between God and humankind. Various theories of the atonement of Jesus have been introduced and argued for throughout Christian history. These various theories focus on particular dimensions of salvation, and taken together they enable us to gain an even greater understanding and appreciation of the significance of Jesus’ death for us. Jesus’ death and its meaning has been viewed as 1) an example, 2) a demonstration of God’s love, 3) a demonstration of God’s justice, 4) a victory over the forces of evil and sin, and 5) a satisfaction of God’s honor. While none of these theories in and of themselves fully explains Jesus’ death, each contains truths which can enhance our understanding of its larger meaning and truth. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about the humiliation of Jesus and the culmination of that humility and lowliness through his death on the cross. As mentioned above, it is arguably one of the most important topics that we as Christian leaders can pursue. Understanding the meaning of the death of Jesus is the heart of our Christian confession and the pulse of our Christian service. Undoubtedly, certain questions have come to mind as you have discussed and studied these ideas. What particular issues have come to the light as you have studied the death of Christ so far? The questions below are given to provoke your own, more contextualized questions about Jesus’ death. * How should the self-emptying of Jesus Christ affect our attitudes about our own lives and ministries as we go forth to answer God’s call on our lives? * To what extent is Jesus’ lowliness and humility a model for us, and in what ways is his submission to the Father unique to him alone ? Explain your answer. * How do you currently apply the following instruction of Jesus to your own life and ministry? Luke 9.23-25 - And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and followme. [24] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. [25] For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”

Student Application and Implications

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