Understanding Christ's Suffering on the Cross: Why Did Jesus Feel Forsaken?

Introduction

Throughout history, Christians have debated the meaning of Jesus' crucifixion and the moment when he declared, 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?' This article explores the context and significance of this event, providing clarity for readers seeking a deeper understanding of the New Covenant and its implications.

Source: Bible and related scriptures.

The Context of Isaiah's Prophesies

According to Isaiah 53:6 and Isaiah 64:6-7, the significance of Christ's crucifixion lies in the fact that he bore the sins of the world. God, in His nature, deals with sin as described in Hebrews 12:29 and Psalm 111:3. These verses highlight that God is a consuming fire, emphasizing the gravity of sin and the righteousness of God.

The Crucifixion and Psalm 22

The crucifixion was a momentous event that symbolized the mission of Jesus Christ. Psalm 22 is a powerful key to understanding what Jesus was experiencing on the cross. Psalm 22 describes the suffering of a psalmist who feels forsaken, echoing the words of Jesus: 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' This psalm prophesied the pain and isolation that Christ would endure.

Christ and the Old Testament

Christ, as the fulfillment of the Old Testament, became sin on the cross. This was his mission to take on the sins of humanity and redeem them from the curse of the Old Testament. Jesus' crucifixion marked the transition from the Old Testament to the New Covenant, as described in Hebrews, where God's righteousness endures forever.

The Nature of God’s Love and Presence

Does it mean that Jesus was truly forsaken by God? The answer lies in understanding that God is a Spirit and cannot dwell in sin. In the crucifixion, Jesus took on the sins of the world, thus becoming a perfect sacrifice. God did not abandon Jesus, but his face was turned away to reveal the extent of the sin being punished.

Genesis 6 and the descent into the underworld (Hades) by Christ and his eventual ascent symbolized his victory over death and sin. Under the New Covenant, this separation is no longer necessary. Christ freed believers from the curse of the Old Testament. For those who reject Jesus, separation from God means living in darkness, as described in Colossians 1:13.

The Reality of Life after Death

Some misconceptions exist about what happens after death. While it is true that Jesus was forsaken, it is not that God abandoned him in the sense of turning away his love and presence. Christ's crucifixion was about bearing the sins of humanity, and his resurrection demonstrated that New Covenant martyrs are not forsaken.

Jesus did not think God had forsaken Him during his crucifixion; He was quoting a psalm. God's righteousness was on display, forgiving sinners. In the New Covenant, believers are promised eternal life and are not separated from God as those who reject Christ are.

In conclusion, understanding Christ's suffering on the cross involves recognizing the prophetic significance of Psalm 22, the transition from the Old Testament to the New Covenant, and the truth that Jesus faced, but did not forsake by God.