What does Calvary mean?

The Meaning of C-A-L-V-A-R-Y

Luke 23.32-35

What does Calvary really mean to us?  Unfortunately, many fail to grasp the absolute depth of God’s love for mankind which is seen most clearly on a cross at Calvary.  This morning we will consider just a brief lesson on the significance of Calvary.

(C) Christ

§  Calvary is all about Christ.  It is the climax of the greatest story ever told on this earth.

§  Without Calvary, Jesus is just an ordinary man that passes through the annals of history.  Because of Calvary, the story of Jesus lives on as the center point of world history.

(A) Absurd

• Jesus is described in the scriptures as a sinless and spotless lamb (1 Peter 1.18-19).
• It is absurd that He was wounded for the sins of others (Isaiah 53.5-6).
• It is absurd that He was led to his demise without opening His mouth (Isaiah 53.7).

(L) Life

• It is about a life that was given (John 10.11).
• It is about the life was gained by others (John 10.27-28).

(V) Victory

• The death of Christ on the cross would have looked like the end.
• “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable” (1 Cor. 15.19).  But it did not end at Calvary (1 Cor. 15.20).
• The idea of firstfruits is the promise of more to come.

A) Absolute

• “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26.28).
• “Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5.9).
• See Ephesians 2.13; Colossians 1.20; Hebrews 9.13-14

(R) Redemption

• Various Greek words translated in a form of redeem carry the idea of releasing or freeing; buying back or purchasing; metaphorically - to save.
• Titus 2.14 – Jesus gave Himself that He might redeem His own special people.
• Ephesians 1.7 – In Christ we can have redemption through His blood.
• Acts 20.28 – Jesus purchased the church with His blood.

(Y) You

• The story of Jesus and Calvary is truly amazing.  But it would not have happened if it wasn’t for God’s love for YOU.
• Knowing this, what does Calvary mean to you?
• What will you do with it?

--Rob Berghost
Gospel Preacher, Elkhart, IN