Reflections on Christ's Suffering

Last night we had our Good Friday service - the passion with which people were singing was an awesome sight to behold. Pastor Steve shared from Hebrews and explained why and how Jesus' blood secured our eternal REDEMPTION. As I was reading this morning I came across this quote from J.C. Ryle (Commentary on Matthew):

...We must not be content with a vague general belief that Christ's sufferings on the cross were vicarious. We are intended to see this truth in every part of his passion. We may follow him all through, from the bar of Pilate to the minute of his death, and see him at every step as our mighty substitute, our representative, our head, our surety, our proxy - the divine friend who undertook to stand in our place and, by the priceless merit of his sufferings, to purchase our REDEMPTION. Was he flogged? It was done so that "by his wounds we are healed" (Isa. 53:5). Was he condemned, though innocent? It was done so that we might be acquitted, though guilty. Did he wear a crown of thorns? It was done so that we might wear the crown of glory. Was he stripped of his clothes? It was done so that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness. Was he mocked and reviled? It was done so that we might be honored and blessed...

"The Power of the Cross" by Gettys

One of the songs we are using at our Good Friday service is "The Power of the Cross," composed by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend (they also co-wrote "In Christ Alone"). Check out this live performance: