Summary of "Crucifixion" Episode – Renewing Your Mind by Ligonier Ministries

Release Date: April 18, 2025

Host: R.C. Sproul

Introduction

In the "Crucifixion" episode of Renewing Your Mind, R.C. Sproul delves deep into the theological significance of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. This episode serves as the culmination of a series aimed at helping Christians gain a profound understanding of God's nature and the transformative power of His Word. Sproul meticulously unpacks the crucifixion, emphasizing its central role in the Christian faith and its intricate connection to both the Old and New Testaments.

Theological Importance of the Crucifixion

Sproul begins by referencing the Apostle Paul's declaration in Philippians 1:21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." He clarifies that while Paul was using hyperbolic language, his emphasis was on the crucifixion as the pinnacle of Christ's mission:

R.C. Sproul [01:41]: "In the crucifixion we reach the zenith of the work of Christ, the acme, the high point of the mission he was sent to accomplish."

Sproul stresses that the crucifixion was not merely a historical event but the most significant act in God's redemptive plan, fulfilling prophecies and establishing the foundation for Christian salvation.

Old Testament Foundations: The Day of Atonement

To comprehend the depth of the crucifixion, Sproul examines the Old Testament's Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), highlighting its rituals and their symbolic meanings:

R.C. Sproul [03:20]: "Blood is sprinkled on the throne of God, indicating a sacrifice of blood in order to satisfy the demands of God's justice."

He explains how the High Priest's actions on Yom Kippur, such as sprinkling the blood of sacrifices on the mercy seat—the lid of God's throne—symbolized God's provision for the removal of sin through bloodshed. This ritual underscored the necessity of a blood sacrifice to appease God's righteous wrath against sin.

Propitiation and Redemption in Christ

Sproul delves into the concept of propitiation, a key theological term in understanding the crucifixion:

R.C. Sproul [05:15]: "An act of propitiation is an act of satisfaction. This concept is somewhat foreign to us because we've been told so often that God is a God of love... But God is holy. We forget that God is just."

He emphasizes that Christ's death wasn't merely an act of divine forgiveness but a necessary satisfaction of God's justice. By shedding His blood, Jesus acted as a propitiation, satisfying the penalty for sin and restoring the relationship between God and humanity.

Sproul also explores redemption, likening it to an economic transaction where Jesus "purchases" believers from the bondage of sin:

R.C. Sproul [10:45]: "Redemption is an act of purchasing. Jesus in the cross is purchasing something. He's purchasing someone by redeeming them or paying the price of redemption."

This purchase aligns with Old Testament practices where a kinsman redeemer would buy back a family member from servitude, symbolizing Jesus as the ultimate Redeemer who liberates believers from sin.

Paul’s Teachings on the Curse and the Law

Drawing from the Book of Galatians, Sproul elucidates Paul's argument regarding the law and the curse of sin:

R.C. Sproul [15:30]: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us."

Paul explains that adherence to the Mosaic Law brought about a curse for those who failed to keep it perfectly. However, through Christ's crucifixion, believers are redeemed from this curse. Jesus took upon Himself the curse meant for humanity, fulfilling the law's demands and enabling believers to receive the promised blessings through faith.

Sproul connects this to the broader narrative of Genesis, where sin brought a pervasive curse upon creation, a curse that Jesus effectively removes through His sacrificial death:

R.C. Sproul [18:50]: "Jesus not only takes the curse upon him, but he becomes the curse."

The Significance and Completion of the Crucifixion

Sproul underscores that the crucifixion was a temporary yet pivotal moment in God's redemptive history. While it involved immense suffering and the bearing of God's curse, it was incomplete until the resurrection:

R.C. Sproul [23:55]: "Once Jesus had all of our sins imputed to Him... He turned His back on Him that He might be cursed, that we may not be cursed, and instead we may be blessed."

He explains that Jesus endured the full weight of God's wrath for a finite period, sufficient to redeem humanity. However, the story of redemption doesn't conclude with the crucifixion alone; it progresses through the resurrection, where the full victory over sin and death is realized.

Sproul highlights Jesus' final words on the cross, "It's finished," signifying the completion of His redemptive work:

R.C. Sproul [22:30]: "I wonder if Jesus even felt those things... Only one received the fullness of the curse of God in the middle of his crucifixion."

This declaration marks the fulfillment of prophecy and the assurance that believers are secure in their salvation.

Conclusion

R.C. Sproul's exploration of the crucifixion in this episode provides a comprehensive theological framework for understanding its significance. By intertwining Old Testament rituals with New Testament fulfillment, Sproul elucidates how Jesus' sacrificial death satisfies divine justice, redeems humanity, and paves the way for restoration. This deep dive not only reinforces the foundational truths of the Christian faith but also equips believers to appreciate and articulate the profound mystery of the crucifixion.

Notable Quotes:

• R.C. Sproul [01:41]: "In the crucifixion we reach the zenith of the work of Christ, the acme, the high point of the mission he was sent to accomplish."

• R.C. Sproul [05:15]: "An act of propitiation is an act of satisfaction. This concept is somewhat foreign to us because we've been told so often that God is a God of love... But God is holy. We forget that God is just."

• R.C. Sproul [10:45]: "Redemption is an act of purchasing. Jesus in the cross is purchasing something. He's purchasing someone by redeeming them or paying the price of redemption."

• R.C. Sproul [15:30]: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us."

• R.C. Sproul [18:50]: "Jesus not only takes the curse upon him, but he becomes the curse."

• R.C. Sproul [22:30]: "I wonder if Jesus even felt those things... Only one received the fullness of the curse of God in the middle of his crucifixion."

• R.C. Sproul [23:55]: "Once Jesus had all of our sins imputed to Him... He turned His back on Him that He might be cursed, that we may not be cursed, and instead we may be blessed."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of R.C. Sproul's discussion on the crucifixion, providing listeners and readers alike with a thorough understanding of its theological depth and enduring significance.