It Is a Good Friday

As I kid, I remember thinking there was nothing good about Good Friday. I wanted to fast forward to Easter—when Christ was alive again—and not focus on the pain he endured prior to his death on the cross. But I was literally surrounded by visual reminders. The Stations of the Cross ached across the walls they lined, guiding to the center of the church where Jesus hung, silent and lifeless.

Though these figures may have been disturbing for a kid, for adults they can compel us to reflect on Christ’s work on the cross. Jesus endured the full penalty of sin (death) on our behalf, and through this he provided humanity with a way out—a way for us to be reconciled to God. “It is finished,” Christ said, and with his death, the price for our sin was paid and our offenses were completely and utterly forgiven.

Good Friday is in fact the unfolding of the greatest love story ever told. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf all attest to his love for us. All that is necessary for us to be reconciled to God is to receive his gift of grace by faith.

Here are some thoughtful resources to help reason through the Resurrection and to guide one toward faith in Jesus:

• “If Christ has not been Raised”
• “Resurrection: What’s the Historical Evidence?” (episode from the Straight Thinking podcast)
• “What Makes the Christian God Unique?”
• “On Becoming a Christian”
• “How Can I Get to Heaven?”

Another great resource is Without a Doubt. In this book, philosopher/theologian Kenneth Richard Samples answers the 20 toughest questions that challenge the Christian faith.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

— Sandra