THE CRUCIFIXION

Crucifixion = method of execution under the Roman Empire.  Various types of crosses used, various means of attaching accused to the cross.  Many other means of execution used, but crucifixion was the worst of them all.  Prolonged suffering.  Was used as an example of what happens when laws weren't obeyed.
So, not a unique thing that Christ went through.  Thousands of people were executed this way.
Crucifixion was banned by Constantine in 300+ AD out of veneration of Christ - when he declared Christianity the state religion.

John 19:14-30

Various views of Christ's crucifixion:
1)  it didn't happen - this doesn't carry much weight today as it is historically proven to have happened
2)  they crucified a good man - not the Son of God, or deity in any form, but a good man
3)  they crucified a foolish man - he was deluded or deranged, or just trying to fool the people into believing he was the Son of God
4)  I don't know, don't care - the whole thing is irrelevant - most people never give it a thought.  Prevalent in the US today.

5) Christian view - John 1:1 - Word was God!  (crucifixion of God!!)

Christian Views:
#1.  He died for us - for our sin(s) - significant thing = death
       Bridge Illustration:  --> the Love of God
                                          the Justice of God -   just demands of a just God

#2.  His death was Pre-ordained (pre-determined, prophesied) - decided sometime in eternity past
                                    - necessary - Luke 24:25-27
                                    - voluntary - Jesus did not have to die for anybody

#3.  His death was a sacrifice - Heb. 9:26  - He sacrificed Himself for us
     (terms)   A)  Penal Substitution = take the place of
                   B)  Propitiation = to appease/satisfy - the wrath of God fell on Christ and God was satisfied.  Justice had been paid.  (contrast:  wrath averted vs. satisfied, absorbed.)
                  C)  Expiation = to extinguish, eliminate, remove guilt -
                        Example:  Old Testament 'scapegoat' - 1 Pet. 2:24

#4.  The Purpose, Intent of the Sacrifice:
                 A)  To Redeem - He died to buy us back out of slavery to sin - Mark 10:45, Col. 1:13
                 B)  To Reconcile - 2 Cor. 5:19

Question:  To what degree (extent, measure) was the intent/purpose of the cross accomplished?
(John 19:30 - "it is finished")
Views:
1)  Universalism - (Christian)  - Christ paid for all - all are safe and saved.  - Contrast Matt. 7:21 - not  is going to make it.  You must cross the bridge.  Pictures in Revelation

2)  Pre-determinism - (pre-destination, election, limited atonement) - you are pre-determined to be saved.  Nothing you can do to change that. 

3)  Works-salvation - He did His part, I must do mine. - ie:  can't be saved until I'm good enough.

4)  Traditional Evangelical view - Individual Choice (volition, decision) ie:  the work is done, the bridge is built, the way is open, BUT .  YOU must choose and cross the bridge (accept the sacrifice, make Him Lord)

The bridge will now save you, but provides the opportunity to be saved.

If this is true, then: need to: 
Make your choice
Declare your choice
Live your choice - (act and live as if you've crossed)

Make it Personal - He died for me!!!!