Romans 3:23-26/ What's So Good About "Good Friday?"

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26

It's Thursday of passion week. This is the eve of what we now call "Good Friday."

Over 2,000 years ago on this night, the thought of Friday's events caused Jesus to agonize, sweating blood as He prayed to God the Father, "take this cup from me" (Luke 22).

Friday's events troubled our savior's soul as He wrestled with what He would face:

"Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? But for this purpose I have come to this hour" (John 12:27).

"Good Friday" was appointed by God the Father as the day He'd "crush" His Beloved Son and "put Him to grief," according to Isaiah 53:10.

None of this sounds good. So, what's so good about "Good Friday?"

1) "Good Friday" is Good Because We See God's Righteousness.

The first thing Jesus' death did was clear God's name. God proved to be a just God who punishes sin. The text says, "this (Jesus' sacrificial death) was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins."

For centuries God had not required fair payment for the sins of His people, that's what Paul means by, "in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins." People defamed God and His glory by their sin, which is the greatest possible offense in the universe. And for those grave offenses God had required only animal sacrifice—sacrifices that could never take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). The punishment did not fit the crime for God's people over the course of thousands of years.

It'd be like someone committing murder and being sentenced to community service. It's unjust, and it would call into the question the integrity of the judge. So, after years of forbearance regarding sin that could have raised questions about the character of God, He put forward His own Son to clear His name. As it turns out, He is a Holy God. He does love justice. And just because He was merciful toward His people, it doesn't mean He tolerates sin.

Jesus' death puts to rest any questions surrounding God's character, showing for eternity that God is righteous. And that's why "Good Friday" is so good. The Living God is holy and just. He went through painstaking efforts to show us that in the crucifixion of His Only Begotten Son. So, we can be certain that the God we serve is holy. This is good.

2) "Good Friday" is Good Because We Gain God's Righteousness.

When God put Jesus forward as a "propitiation," meaning He wiped away sin and satisfied God's wrath, He showed His righteousness and proved to be just.

But in doing that, He was also the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus, according to verse 26. Here's how:

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

The transaction at the cross went two ways: He took our sins and we gain His righteousness. God is the "justifier" of those who put their faith in Jesus because they "become the righteousness of God." All of our sins are laid on Jesus, and all of His righteousness is laid on us. And with that, the wrath of God was laid on Jesus, and the favor of God was laid on us. The cross was God's offer of this great exchange, which can only be received through faith in Jesus.

"Good Friday" is good because we gain the righteousness of God. In the very act of showing His righteousness at the crucifixion, God offered us His righteousness.

The crucifixion on "Good Friday" is the opportunity to go from death to life. From eternal punishment to eternal joy. From imprisonment to freedom. From hopelessness to hope. From sojourner to royalty. From orphan to adopted. From starving to satisfied. Rags to riches. And rebellion to redeemed. But it must be received through faith in Jesus.

This makes "Good Friday" quite possibly the greatest understatement in the history of understatements. In fairness though, there are really no human words to adequately describe what transpired on that cross over 2,000 years ago. Who would do such a thing for his enemies? Fortunately for us we have eternity to explore the "riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."

If you want to dig deeper into this, need help, need prayer, or have questions—please reach out to us here: Roots Help & Prayer Form

In Christ,

Pastor Kevin

Corinn ElliffApril 1, 2021