Calvary: A Game Changer
Matthew 27:35-54
After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, many things about the world changed—Security measures changed… the way we travel changed… Politics changed. You could say 9/11 was a real “game changer.”
The phrase “game changer” means: “A newly introduced event or factor that radically changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way.”
In that respect CALVARY WAS A REAL “GAME CHANGER.” No other single event has so drastically changed world than what happened at Mount Calvary 2,000 years ago. The crucifixion of Christ is the FOCAL POINT of all history. The world has never been the same since.
In 1987 I had the privilege to stand at the foot of Mt. Calvary in Jerusalem. As I stood there I got a “thrill from the hill” realizing it was there Jesus took care of my sins ONCE and for all!
Notice 3 things that Calvary changed…
I. The ATONEMENT (Lev. 4:20; 17:11).
A. Meaning of “atonement”
- To cover–The blood of animals covered sin, but could not TAKE AWAY sins (Heb. 10:4, 10-14). Jesus’ blood not only covers our sins, but also REMOVES them (Heb. 9:22-26).“at-one-ment,”i.e., the state of being “atonewith” (reconciled). Through Christ’s death on Calvary I can be “at one” with God.
- I am no longer at enmity with God. We are now reconciled.
- I am no longer alienated from God. I am now a fellow-citizen of the household of God / joint-heir with Christ!
- I am no longer afar off. I’ve been made nigh by the atoning blood of Christ.
- You are not “at one” with God until you’ve received the atonement!
B. “Atonement” is mentioned 81 times in the O.T. and only one time in the N.T. (Rom. 5:11). Why? Because atonement was an ongoing event in the O.T. But in the N.T. Christ was offered up ONCE FOR ALL—He made the final atonement. He is the atonement, therefore no more blood has to be shed. No more bulls; turtle-doves; goats, lambs!
II. The AUTHORITY
(Rev. 1:18 – I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.).
Keys denote authority. A key to a door gives you authority to enter it.
JESUS HOLDS THE KEYS
WHERE DID HE GET THOSE KEYS? AT CALVARY (Heb. 2:14-15)!
A. Before Calvary, Satan had authority over this world (Luke 4 :5-6). Where did Satan get authority?
1. Before Adam sinned God gave him authority, or dominion over the world (Gen. 1:27-29).
2. When Adam sinned, he surrendered his authority to Satan. Adam gave up his authority for a bite of fruit. He sold out cheap!
B. Jesus stripped Satan of his authority at Calvary (Col. 2:14-15). Jesus set us free from the dominion of sin (Romans 6:14— For sin shall not have dominion over you…)
Satan has power, but he has no authority over a Christian. The only access Satan has to your life is the access you allow him to have by yielding to his temptations (Eph. 4:27).
Partial Sermon: CLICK HERE For full sermon PDF
