Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ Honor

Missionary Activities - Bible Studies

Requirements

1. Know how 1 Peter 2:22-23 describes the perfect life that Christ lived.

   Answer: 1 Peter 2:22-23 declares: 'He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but entrusted himself to him who judges justly'. Christ lived without sin, without deceit, and responded to evil with patience and trust in God. — The text highlights three characteristics: absence of sin (sinlessness), purity in words (no deceit), and patience in the face of suffering. Christ is the perfect model of active holiness. Adventism considers His life an example to be followed (1 Pet 2:21). Ellen White, in The Desire of Ages, expands on the theme. Christ trusted the Father even on the cross, without retaliating.

2. Recognize who was the only human being who never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15)

   Answer: Hebrews 4:15 declares that Jesus Christ is the only human being who never sinned: 'He was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin'. His sinlessness qualifies Him as a merciful High Priest and as the perfect sacrifice for humanity, being the only one able to mediate between God and men. — A key text for soteriology: Christ experienced real temptation, but did not sin. Romans 3:23 confirms that all others have sinned. 2 Corinthians 5:21: 'He who knew no sin'. Adventism understands this sinlessness as necessary to the plan of salvation: only a lamb without blemish can atone for sin. Ellen White expands on the christological theme in detail in The Desire of Ages.

3. Know what Christ won through His death. (Romans 5:10; Revelation 5:9)

   Answer: Romans 5:10 teaches that we are reconciled with God through the death of Christ. Revelation 5:9 declares that Christ, with His blood, purchased for God people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. He won: reconciliation, redemption, forgiveness, justification, a new relationship with God, and the opening of salvation to all the peoples of the Earth. — Reconciliation (Rom 5:10): enmity turned into friendship. Redemption (Rev 5:9): humans purchased by the blood. Forgiveness (Eph 1:7): the debt of sin paid off. Justification (Rom 5:9): a declaration of righteousness. Universality: 'every tribe, tongue, people, and nation' includes everyone. Adventism: the cross is the center of salvation. Ellen White details it in Steps to Christ: 'Look and live'. The Lamb worthy to receive power and honor eternally.

4. Explain why Jesus needed to die even though He had committed no sin. (1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:8)

   Answer: 1 Tim 1:15: 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'. Rom 5:8: 'Christ died for us while we were still sinners'. Jesus died as a substitute for sinful humanity. Being without sin, He could offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice, satisfying divine justice and opening the way of salvation to the repentant through unconditional love. — The principle of penal substitution: Christ pays the penalty for sinners. Without sin of His own, He could die for others. Romans 6:23: 'The wages of sin is death'. Divine justice required condemnation; love provided a substitute. 2 Cor 5:21 expands: 'He who knew no sin, He made Him to be sin for us'. Adventism follows Christian orthodoxy regarding Christ's vicarious sacrifice on the cross out of love.

5. Define the importance of Jesus' resurrection for our salvation. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23)

   Answer: 1 Cor 15:20-23 declares Christ 'the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep'. His resurrection guarantees ours: as in Adam all die, in Christ all will be made alive. Without resurrection, faith would be in vain (1 Cor 15:14-17). The living Christ confirms the Father's acceptance of the sacrifice and the victory over sin, being the pledge of eternal life. — The resurrection is proof of Christ's divinity and mission (Rom 1:4). A guarantee of the Father's acceptance of the sacrifice. An anticipation of the resurrection of the righteous at the Second Coming (1 Thess 4:16). Adventism emphasizes: Christ is the firstfruits; those who die in Christ will rise. Victory over sin (Rom 4:25) and over death (1 Cor 15:54-57). Without it, faith is useless; with it, real eternal hope.

6. Memorize and recite Isaiah 53:4-5.

   Answer: Isaiah 53:4-5: 'Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows... he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed'. A prophecy of the suffering servant fulfilled in Christ, the substitutionary sacrifice. — A chapter written 700 years before Christ. A detailed messianic prophecy of substitutionary suffering. Christ carries our physical (Matt 8:17), spiritual, and moral sorrows. Acts 8:32-35 confirms the fulfillment in Christ. 1 Peter 2:24 quotes: 'by his wounds you have been healed'. Adventism: a key text for understanding the Savior's vicarious suffering on the cross. Ellen White details it in The Desire of Ages.

7. Share with a friend what the purpose was of Jesus' coming, death, and resurrection. (Luke 19:10; John 3:16-17; Hebrews 7:25; Acts 4:12)

   Answer: Lk 19:10: 'The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost'. Jn 3:16-17: God sent the Son to save the world, not to condemn it. Heb 7:25: He saves completely those who come to God through Him. Acts 4:12: 'in no other is there salvation'. Purpose: to save sinners, offer eternal life, and the only way of redemption through the name of Jesus. — The verses summarize Christ's mission: to save the lost (Lk), to express universal divine love (Jn), to intercede permanently (Heb), to offer exclusive salvation (Acts). Adventism: Christ is the only way. Sharing with a friend: explain that Jesus came out of love; died for our sins; rose for our hope; intercedes in heaven now. Invite a personal decision to accept Christ as Savior.