Jesus' Death as a Man in Reformed Christology
The death of Jesus Christ as a man is a foundational doctrine in Reformed Christology, emphasizing its necessity for human redemption and its voluntary, sacrificial nature [1]. This event is not merely a historical fact but a pivotal theological truth, without which Christian faith is considered vain [5].
Scripture consistently presents Christ's death as a divinely appointed and foreseen event. Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53:8 and Daniel 9:26, foretold His death [1]. Jesus Himself intimated His resurrection and the manner of His death (Matthew 20:19; John 12:32-33) [1, 5]. The New Testament further elaborates on its significance, with passages like 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 stating, "For since death is through man, also through a Man is a resurrection of the dead; For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" [2, 3, 4]. This highlights the parallel between Adam's role in bringing death and Christ's role in bringing life through His death and resurrection [6, 8].
Reformed theology, alongside other traditions, understands Jesus' death as a substitutionary atonement. John Gill, in his commentary on Romans 5:6, notes that "Christ died for the ungodly," emphasizing the singular importance of Christ's death as the great article of faith [9]. This death was not deserved by Christ, who was without sin, but was ignominious and accursed, demonstrating His humility (Isaiah 53:9; Galatians 3:13; Philippians 2:8) [1].
The voluntary nature of Christ's death is also a key aspect. Jesus stated, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" (John 10:18). This willingness underscores the sacrificial aspect of His death, which was acceptable to God (Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 5:2) [1]. The stark simplicity with which the Gospels recount Jesus' death, as noted in the Tyndale House commentary on Mark 15:37, belies its profound theological implications [7].
The resurrection of Christ is inextricably linked to His death. As Easton's Bible Dictionary states, the resurrection is "one of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel," and the entire New Testament revelation rests upon it as an historical fact [5]. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, argues that if Christ is not risen, then faith is futile [5]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown emphasize the permanent character acquired by Jesus as the risen Savior, and the believer's permanent interest in Him as such, noting that sharing in Christ's death is a prerequisite for sharing in His risen life [10].
The concept of Christ's death as a man also addresses the problem of sin and mortality introduced by Adam. Adam Clarke, commenting on 1 Corinthians 15:21, explains that "Mortality came by Adam, immortality by Christ; so sure as all have been subjected to natural death by Adam, so sure shall all be raised again by Christ Jesus" [6]. This perspective underscores the universality of both death through Adam and the potential for life through Christ [8]. The death of Christ, therefore, is not merely a historical event but the means by which humanity can be reconciled to God and experience resurrection [1, 6].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Death of Christ, The — Foretold -- Isa 53:8; Da 9:26; Zec 13:7. Appointed by God -- Isa 53:6,10; Ac 2:23. Necessary for the redemption of man -- Lu 24:46; Ac 17:3. Acceptable, as a sacrifice to God -- Mt 20:28; Eph 5:2; 1Th 5:10. Was voluntary -- Isa 53:12; Mt 26:53; Joh 10:17,18. Was undeserved -- Isa 53:9. Mode of Foretold by Christ. -- Mt 20:18,19; Joh 12:32,33. Prefigured. -- Nu 21:8; Joh 3:14. Ignominious. -- Heb 12:2. Accursed. -- Ga 3:13. Exhibited His humility. -- Php 2:8. A stumbling block to Jews. -- 1Co 1:23. Foolishness to Gentiles. -- 1Co 1:18,23. Demand”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 15:21 (LITV) — For since death is through man, also through a Man is a resurrection of the dead;”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Corinthians 15:22 — For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 15:22 (KJV) — For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Resurrection of Christ — One of the cardinal facts and doctrines of the gospel. If Christ be not risen, our faith is vain (1 Cor. 15:14). The whole of the New Testament revelation rests on this as an historical fact. On the day of Pentecost Peter argued the necessity of Christ's resurrection from the prediction in Ps. 16 (Acts 2:24-28). In his own discourses, also, our Lord clearly intimates his resurrection (Matt. 20:19; Mark 9:9; 14:28; Luke 18:33; John 2:19-22). The evangelists give circumstantial accounts of the facts connected with that event, and the apostles, ”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 15:21: For since by man came death - Mortality came by Adam, immortality by Christ; so sure as all have been subjected to natural death by Adam, so sure shall all be raised again by Christ Jesus. Mortality and immortality, on a general ground, are the subject of the apostle's reasoning here; and for the explanation of the transgression of Adam, and the redemption by Christ, see the notes on Rom 5:10, etc.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 15:37: 15:37 The death of Jesus, like the crucifixion, is told with stark simplicity.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 15:22: in Adam all--in union of nature with Adam, as representative head of mankind in their fall. in Christ . . . all--in union of nature with Christ, the representative head of mankind in their recovery. The life brought in by Christ is co-extensive with the death brought in by Adam.”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 5:6: For when we were yet without strength,.... The apostle having mentioned the love of God proceeds to give an instance, and which is a full proof and demonstration of it, which is, that in due time Christ died for the ungodly. That Christ died is certain; the death of Christ was foretold in prophecy, typified by the sacrifices of slain beasts, was spoken of by himself, both before and since his death; his enemies have never denied it; and this was the sum of the ministry of the apostles, and is the great article of faith: and that the death of Christ is a singular inst”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 2:8: Rather as Greek, "Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead." Remember Christ risen, so as to follow Him. As He was raised after death, so if thou wouldest share His risen "life," thou must now share His "death" (Ti2 2:11). The Greek perfect passive participle, implies a permanent character acquired by Jesus as the risen Saviour, and our permanent interest in Him as such. Christ's resurrection is put prominently forward as being the truth now assailed (Ti2 2:18), and the one best calculated to stimulate Timothy to steadfastness in sharing Paul's su”