BIBLICAL THEOLOGY: SCRIPTURE INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE


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The Cross of Rome

5/15/2023

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Article #19 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

National governments using capital punishment when necessary is nothing out of the ordinary. There is a long history of people being nailed to wood in a variety of ways. However, the Cross of Rome was unique. Death by crucifixion was perfected by the Roman Empire. A medical analysis of the crucifixion will bring into view the physical components of this cruel form of execution. 
“Crucifixion in the historical context of Rome was a form of execution which involved the hanging of a person on a cross-like structure, which consisted of a patibulum (the short-section of the cross), and the stipes (the long section of the cross), until he died (Bergeron (2012)). This form of execution was utilized by Rome since the Punic Wars when Rome became the major user of this form of death penalty for over 5 centuries upon criminals, political insurgents, and Jews (Retief (2003)). The process began with the offering of an analgesic narcotic/sedative-like drink, usually a mixture of wine and myrrh, to the subject, whose hands were then fastened by the wrists with nails to the patibulum, and the feet nailed upon the stipes. Following this, the subject’s clothes would be divided among the soldiers. At the onset of the crucifixion most victims likely were starved and thirsty, and in severe pain from the bleeding and wounding of the scourging process (Retief (2003)).

The nails are believed to be large iron spikes about 13 to 18 cm, with a 1 cm square shaft (Edwards (1986)). Cadaveric studies, and other researchers suggest that the nails most likely went through the carpal bones of the wrist, as opposed to the metacarpal space, due to the lack of ligaments in the surrounding areas of the metacarpals.  A nail pierced through the metacarpals could pull easily through the soft tissue which would then be easily broken with the weight of the individual, unless he were held up with ropes — which is a possibility (Bordes (2020)). Cadaveric studies of nail spikes going through the carpal bones, metacarpal space, or the foot bones were not observed to break any bones, but nerve and ligament injury was common. This is consistent with the Biblical witness that all of Christ’s bones were “out of joint” (Ps. 22:14), that they pierced His “hands and his feet” (Ps. 22:16), and yet, that “a bone of him shall not be broken” (Jn. 19:36). The large nails driven into the hands and feet likely would have injured the median nerve, and the peroneal and plantar nerves respectively, resulting in further waves of severe pain (Bordes (2020)).
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Nails as opposed to ropes are thought to have been preferred by the Romans as primary means of suspending the subject (Edwards (1986)). The duration until death ranged from hours, and often days depending on various factors such as the vitality of the subject, the severity of scourging, blood loss volume, and the degree of wounding (Snedecor (1973), Habermas (2021)). If there was a need to hasten or ensure death, the legs were broken, or a spear was used to stab the heart through the upper abdomen/chest, typically through the interspace between the fifth and sixth rib which provides direct access to the pericardium and heart, with a sharp weapon (David (2018), Retief (2003), Habermas (2021), Nicolaides (2019)). There are various theories concerning how subjects ultimately die from the crucifixion — the most prominent being asphyxiation (suffocation), cardiac trauma, shock, coagulopathy, suspension trauma, syncope, and fatal stab wound.

It is well-known that hanging from the arms made exhalation strenuous, and additionally that the slumped position of the thorax made necessary the use of the legs for exhalation (Bishop, 2006). Among medical and other types of researchers, it is thought that there are twice as many views with asphyxiation as the primary component than all other potential causes combined (Habermas (2021)). The basis for this theory is not merely the position of the chest cavity and extension of the arms relative to the anatomy of the chest muscles, but also the extraordinary cell oxygen loss caused by the entire crucifixion process (Habermas (2021)). Being hung by the arms with arms outstretched at an angle upwards from the horizontal plane of the lungs and diaphragmic plate would hinder breathing, and cause the subject to use the legs for assistance (Retief (2003)). Muscles such as the serratus anterior muscles are positioned on the ribs and involved in breathing.  It is believed that restricted chest wall movement due to the expansion on the arms would make it necessary for the subject to pull up with his arms or push up with the feet. In this case, inhalation was made easier (passive), and expiration became increasingly difficult (active) as the pectoral muscles pulled the chest wall upward and outward, and all muscles were exhausted over time (Bergeron (2012), Bordes (2020)). Due to the difficulty of exhalation, the subjects may experience systemic respiratory acidosis with the inability of the lungs to clear carbon dioxide (Bordes (2020)). The experience of a slow prolonged death due to respiratory failure has been brought to the attention of the medical community afresh through the recent COVID-19 epidemic (Contou (2021)). To summarize, the majority view among historians and doctors is that death by crucifixion typically occurred through asphyxiation.” – Dr. Preethi Morris 
The Romans mastered the art of war. They were unrivaled on the battlefield. Some nations found success at war through strength and courage with an unrelenting will to survive in the chaos of battle. Some found success through a thoughtful and strategic plan of battle with an ordered and unified army of soldiers keeping rank. The knowledge that Rome acquired in war was then harnessed in the governing of subservient nations. The rule of law in the Empire was maintained through the spectacular punishment of dissidence and rebellion. This brings us to the Cross of Rome.
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The Cross of Rome was designed to make a statement. The people were lifted up on the Cross to be seen by men. The ghastly sight was supposed to traumatize the spectators. Therefore, in being crucified, the condemned criminals were tortured for as long as possible, in the most painful way possible, with the least amount of work required by the executioners. All they had to do was stretch and nail a man to the Cross, and then raise it up in a secure place that was already prepared in the ground. The Cross does the rest of the work. Upon being lifted up 8 to 15 feet from the earth in an elevated location, like the hill of Golgotha, the choice instrument of execution would then continuously torture its subjects for many hours until death. Every moment was filled with unimaginable pain. 
“And being found in fashion as a Man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross.”  - Php. 2:8
The Romans were experts at inflicting violence upon men. They knew how to kill men slowly or quickly. They possessed the skills to make it painful or relatively painless. The placement of the nails in between the carpal bones of the hands prevented a quick death by avoiding arteries while simultaneously promoting the maximum amount of pain by striking the median nerves. Similarly, the nails in the feet were driven through the plantar nerves. This pain contributed to the process of asphyxiation as the person was suspended on the Cross. By design, death by suffocation was inevitable.

Can you imagine how it feels to suffocate to death on a Cross? You need to understand the design of the Cross as an execution device. The placement of the nails in between the carpal bones of the hands, located in the lower region of each hand, secured the nails in a strong position. This restricted the movement of the nails while the full weight of the body was borne hard against the metallic edge. The arms were horizontally stretched on the Cross in an attempt to create a maximum amount of tension in the arms and chest cavity making it very difficult to breathe. Literally, this tension prevented a full exhalation while the person was in a hanging position, and if a man can’t fully exhale then neither can he fully inhale. The carbon dioxide buildup in the lungs would then prevent the intake of oxygen in the body, and this would slowly suffocate the person in a manner that is comparable to the casualties of Covid-19.

Upon being crucified, the people don’t just hang there on the Cross and wait to die. Don’t let the cinematic reenactments fool you! This would only happen if the legs were broken to hasten the death of the crucified ones (Jn. 19:31-32). Why? Because this would force the people to submit to the suffocation process without a fight. Only then would you see the bodies go limp! Only then would you see the people become faint in expression and motionless in demeanor as they feel like they are being smothered to death. However, normally, when people are crucified, every moment was occupied in a painful struggle to survive. Furthermore, this personal struggle to survive was visible to the spectators.

The Cross was a unique form of torture that forced the crucified ones to inflict pain upon themselves. In order to fully exhale they would have to press against the nail in their feet so that a standing position could relieve the tension in the arms and chest cavity. To relieve the excruciating pain in their feet they would then return to a hanging position with groans and shrieks, only then to feel the pain in full force coming from the nails in their hands. In this manner the men were forced to fight for every breath! The Cross did not allow for even one second of relief. Literally, every breath was accompanied with a shock of radiating pain coming from the nailed extremities of the body.

An inability to fully breathe makes people panic. The desperation that comes over men who are suffering with air hunger is frightening to behold! This is why people don’t want to drown to death. Even though this would be a relatively painless way to die, most people are afraid of it because of the agony in the experience. Trying to breathe and being unable to, while struggling to stay above the surface of the water, can be a long-drawn-out battle of survival that ends in death because of exhaustion. How many hundreds of people over the centuries are drawn out into the ocean due to water currents? After some hours of struggling, unknowingly swimming against the current, it is then that reality begins to dawn upon them. The lonely feeling of desertion is horrifying. It's just them and the dark blue desert. Each one of them fought an epic battle to survive all alone in the deep.

Contrastingly, the crucifixions of Rome were public. The painful torture of the same was prolonged for as many hours as possible, and the more people who saw it the better. Rome was purposed to make a strong statement to society at the hill of Calvary. This is why the crime of the crucified ones was written on a sign and nailed above the heads of those who were deemed worthy of such punishment. Rome hoped to strike fear in the hearts of the people so that no such crimes would ever be committed again. 
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”  - Rom 13:3-4
The nations under Roman rule were often in agreement with the Cross of Rome. The Cross was often a cherished moment of justice for bereaved loved ones, jealous spouses, and vengeful victims when the crimes being committed were things like murder, rape, and robbery. It is important to understand this dynamic of the Cross of Rome. If the crimes were bad enough, the citizens of society would gather at the Cross to personally heap contempt and scorn upon the tortured subjects. The purpose of the Cross of Rome was to lift up the criminals before men – to be seen by men – as large crowds of people would come and project their anger and hatred upon the dying people. A cold feeling of utter desertion, abandonment, and forsakenness would come over the crucified ones. Literally, in this sense, to be crucified was to be forsaken by society! This brings us to the Jews. 
“And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.” – John 19:19-22

“And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.” – Matt. 27:36-44

“And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.” - Mark 15:26-32

“And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying, If thou be the King of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” – Luke 23:35-38

Most of the Jews that gathered at the hill of Golgotha were there to project anger and hatred upon Jesus of Nazareth. They were more persuaded than ever that Jesus was not the King of Israel. They were sure that the Cross of Rome disproved this claim. Literally, they believed that the Cross was a sign to all of Israel that Jesus was not the Christ! Mockingly, they even challenged Jesus to descend from the Cross to prove His identity as a sign to everyone. They promised that if only Jesus would perform this one sign, then everyone there would come to faith in Jesus as the Christ (“that we may see and believe” – Mk. 15:32; Matt. 27:42).

One thing in particular disturbed the Jews and turned many from Jesus of Nazareth. You can hear it in the public challenge, when the Jews said, “Ah, Thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself, and come down from the Cross.” (Mk. 15:29-30). Sadly, the Jews were grossly misinterpreting the gracious sign that Jehovah was giving to them. Consequentially, the sign that God was doing to inspire faith in the Jews was solidifying their unbelief. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was the foremost sign that God was giving to the Jews to draw them into faith, and if they correctly understood the statement in question then they would know this to be the case. 

“Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”  - John 2:18-19
Most people were insincere in their requests for a validation of the identity of Jesus Christ. Immediately, upon our Lord visiting the Temple for the first time in public ministry, and as a consequence of cleansing it, the Jews asked the notorious question: “What sign shewest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou doest these things?” (Jn. 2:18). Sadly, this would become a common question posed by scorners because they were habitually disregarding the abundance of signs that were continually manifest. This form of questioning is the unbeliever’s pretentious quest for faith (Jn. 2:18, 6:30; Jn. 7:3-5).

Meanwhile, during the same visit to Jerusalem, so many miracles were being done that many honest souls “saw the miracles” and believed in Jesus as the Christ (Jn. 2:23). However, the posing of this notorious question from scorners, and the answer given by Christ (“Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” – Jn. 2:19), marks the beginning of a growing plot of controversy. 

The Sign for Scornful Unbelievers

“What sign shewest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” – Jn. 2:18-19; This is where the controversy starts at the beginning of Christ’s ministry upon cleansing the Temple (Jn. 2:13-25).

“Master, we would see a sign from Thee. But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” – Matt. 12:38-40; One greater than the Temple further clarifies how the Temple of His body will be destroyed and raised from the dead after three days like the sign of Jonah (Matt. 12:1-8, 38-45; Lk. 11:29-32).

“The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired Him that He would shew them a sign from heaven. A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.” – Matt. 16:1, 4; The most infamous adversaries of Jesus were all given the same sign so that they might come to faith in the Son of God (Matt. 16:1-5; Mk. 8:11-15).

“And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the Temple of God, and to build it in three days.”  - Matt. 26:61; Marvelously, this was the foremost accusation that was stated by false witnesses in the Jewish court of judgment (Matt. 26:59-61).

“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the Cross.” – Matt. 27:40; This most notorious accusation then evolved yet again into another open challenge on mount Calvary. They proposed that Jesus would at last prove His Messianic identity by coming down from the Cross, because the Jews were now utterly persuaded that Jesus was not the Christ (Mk. 14:58, 15:29). 
The insincerity of the Jews was acting as a blinding force. This insincerity rejected the witness of an abundance of signs, unashamedly denying the authentication of manifold proofs, and then challenged the Messiah to perform yet another sign to validate Himself. In such circumstances, the dishonest inquirers were “tempting” the Lord (Matt. 16:1). On three separate occasions the Jews were asking Jesus for a “sign” with this purpose of heart (Jn. 2:18-19, Matt. 12:38-40, Matt. 16:1, 4). Let the reader understand that a public inquiry of this kind was a challenge.

Graciously, our Lord accepted the challenge. In other words, Jesus Christ did not refuse to perform any signs before the challengers. Pay careful attention to this marvelous moment in history as the rulers of the Jews publicly challenged the King of the Jews! The public challenge was made, and then the challenge was accepted by our Lord. He said that there would be “no sign” except one in particular, the same which He called “the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matt. 12:38-40, Matt. 16:1, 4), which is the very same sign being declared by the Messiah from the beginning, when He said, “Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (Jn. 2:19).

When would Christ perform this unique sign before the rulers of the Jews? The finger of God pointed to the hill of Calvary and the nearby sepulcher. This was a sign that would be performed in the future. As a matter of fact, the challengers had a part to play in the performance of the sign. Originally, Jesus said, “Destroy this Temple…” (Jn. 2:19), which means that the Jews were going to kill Jesus of Nazareth. Therefore, as the dying Lamb of God hung on the Cross for hours, the Man was absolutely assured that an unprecedented sign was about to be performed in a staggering display of glory that would be completely undeniable. Marvelously, many scornful unbelievers would then come to faith in Christ through this most controversial sign on mount Calvary. 

“Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I AM he, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” – John 8:28-29 
Apparently, the same people that killed the Son of God will then come to realize the identity of Jesus Christ at the crucifixion scene. Remarkably, Jesus said, “When ye have lifted up the Son of Man, then shall ye know that I AM he…” (Jn. 8:28-29). Compare this promise with the statement, “Destroy this Temple…” (Jn. 2:19). The same people that were doing the killing would then become believers! Are you surprised? The same people who were leveraging the Cross of Rome against Jesus of Nazareth, while boldly declaring Him to be forsaken of God as a false prophet, would then come to see the true meaning of the Cross. 
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” – Jn. 12:32
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“And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.” - Luke 23:48

A gracious light shined upon both Jews and Gentiles at mount Calvary. All men were being drawn! All the people, even those who lately blasphemed, were dramatically abased and visibly emotional when they beheld “the things which were done” at the death of the Crucified One (Lk. 23:48). What a marvelous testimony! The rulers of the Jews challenged Jesus of Nazareth, and in accepting the challenge, our Lord came through with the most compelling sign yet as a declaration of glory before doubtful and unbelieving sinners. Lo, and behold, many unbelievers then became believers!
Many people on the hill of Golgotha were feeling like Malchus felt in the Garden of Gethsemane (Jn. 18:10, 26, Matt. 26:51-54, Lk. 22:49-51), or, like Simon the Cyrene felt alongside his son Rufus and his Wife (Matt. 27:32, Mk. 15:21, Lk. 23:26, Rom. 16:13). People were responding by faith like Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus (Jn. 19:38; Jn. 3:1-21, 7:47-53, 19:39-42).

Even an ignorant and unbelieving Centurion of Rome was made to confess, “Truly this Man was the Son of God.” (Mk. 15:39, Lk. 23:47). How do you think he came to such a persuasion? Amazingly, many other thoroughly pagan Roman Soldiers under the Centurion’s command joined in this noble confession. These were the same soldiers that recently abused Christ in the Praetorium (Matt. 27:27-31, Mk. 15:16-20)! Can you believe it? Evidently, according to Matthew 27:54, they all came to the same shocking realization that Jesus was the Christ, and confessed, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matt. 27:45). In retrospect, how else did the narrators of the Gospels come to know about what happened in the Praetorium, if none of the Roman Soldiers ever came to confess their evil deeds as an act of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ?

Did ever such a diverse congregation of scorners and blasphemers come to faith in Christ as on this momentous occasion at the hill of Calvary? The aforementioned Jews and Romans, alongside an unknown multitude, were so smitten with conviction that they likely fled from the scene in a hurry because a sense of uncontrollable remorse was coming over them (Lk. 23:48). 
Many of the Jews came to discover that Jesus is Jehovah, the I AM (Jn. 8:24, 25, 28), even though going into that day they didn’t even believe that Jesus was greater than Abraham (Jn. 8:53-59). Neither Pilate, nor any of his Officers and Soldiers, believed that Jesus was a King. Otherwise, the crucifixion would not have even transpired (1 Cor. 2:8). They all felt that the Cross of Rome was the end of the matter. In this way the unbelievers were all in agreement about the Cross of Rome.

Remember, the true identity of Jesus Christ was concealed from most of the people until the last few minutes of that dark day. Literally, as they saw what happened, as they observed the manner in which Jesus of Nazareth died, and the events that immediately followed, with all the things that were said and done on earth below and heaven above, in a combination of shocking signs and wonders, only then did the people come to believe that this was the Son of God! As a matter of fact, leading up to this climactic moment, the Jews leveraged the Cross of Rome against Jesus of Nazareth by boldly declaring that He was hereby forsaken of God. However, amazingly, the unseen reality of the situation was then realized by many scorners, when at once they beheld the Cross of Rome and understood it to be Jehovah’s Tree. 

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The Darkness: Its Origin, Power, Presence, & Meaning

5/2/2023

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Article #18 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

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Did a Solar Eclipse Occur at Calvary? 

“And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.” – Luke 23:44-45
Physically speaking, was this a solar eclipse? No. Naturally occurring solar eclipses are only possible during a new moon, and the beginning of the Passover Feast on the 14th of Nisan / Abib commenced during a full moon. Was it a darkness that could be physically seen? Yes. Biblically, a darkness settled upon “the whole land” of the city of Jerusalem, and likely that of the Kingdom of Judah; however, reportedly, it is possible that it reached even as far as the land of Egypt! 
“This darkness was a preternatural eclipse of the sun; for it was at the time when the moon was in the full, as appears from its being at the time of the passover; which was on the fourteenth day of the month Nisan, the Jews beginning their months from the new moon: and moreover, it was over all the land, or earth, as the word may be rendered; and the Ethiopic version renders it, "the whole world was dark"; at least it reached to the whole Roman empire, or the greatest part of it; though some think only the land of Judea, or Palestine, is intended: but it is evident, that it is taken notice of, and recorded by Heathen historians and chronologers, as by Phlegon, and others, referred to by Eusebius (d). The Roman archives are appealed unto for the truth of it by Tertullian (e); and it is asserted by Suidas, that Dionysius the Areopagite, then an Heathen, saw it in Egypt; and said, "either the divine being suffers, or suffers with him that suffers, or the frame of the world is dissolving.” – John Gill

“Dionysius, the Areopagite, was an Athenian by birth, and educated in all the useful and ornamental literature of Greece. He then travelled to Egypt to study astronomy, and made very particular observations on the great and supernatural eclipse, which happened at the time of our Saviour's crucifixion.” – John Foxe 

What shall we say then about the supernatural origin of this physical phenomena? Can we be certain that this darkness was astronomical? No. There is more than one way than for “the sun” to be “darkened” (Lk. 23:45). A thick blanket of dark clouds can shut out the light of the sun, thus making it dark in the daytime (Ezek. 30:3, 34:12; Joel 2:2, 10; Zeph. 1:15). Should we blindly trust the testimony of the astronomer named Dionysius? No (see Appendix #1). Can we be certain about why the darkness happened? Yes.

However, some try to explain why it happened by following the interpretation of the heathen astronomer from Egypt, who reportedly spoke of what he deemed to be an unexplainable disorder in heaven. In the worst case scenario, Dionysius was proposing the possibility that “the frame of the world is dissolving”, or that it was hereby permanently and irreparably being destroyed. In the best case scenario, Dionysius was proposing the possibility that heaven was temporarily in disorder because “the divine being suffers, or suffers with him that suffers”, implying that once the suffering comes to an end then the celestial and astronomical things will come back into order. Sadly, the famed puritan commentator, Matthew Henry, proceeded to argue that the sun withdrew in confusion and disorder because it was unable to look on the awful scene manifest at the Cross. 

“The indignities done to our Lord Jesus, made the heavens astonished, and horribly afraid, and even put them into disorder and confusion; such wickedness as this the sun never saw before, and therefore withdrew, and would not see this.” – Matthew Henry 
Even though this interpretation may seem plausible, it is thoroughly unbiblical. “Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?” (Job 38:33). The disorder of the sun, moon, and stars is inconsistent with the sovereignty of our Creator (Ps. 147:4-5, 148:1-6). The confusion of the astronomical lights that rule the Day and Night calls into question the supreme rulership of God in Heaven (Gen. 1:14-19, Ps. 136:9). For, the confusion of the former would implicate the confusion of the latter. 
“Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by Day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by Night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of Hosts is His Name: If those ordinances depart from before Me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me for ever.” – Jer. 31:35-36
We can be absolutely certain that the darkness in question did not originate from astronomical disorder or confusion. Every detail of the crucifixion scene was sovereignly determined by God like every color and hue on the canvas in a work of art (Acts 2:23). All men are beckoned to look at the Cross because it is a masterpiece of our Creator! In reality, Dionysius was confused about what was happening. It would seem entirely plausible to nearsighted mortals that the death of the Son of God would occasion confusion and disorder in the heavens. Nevertheless, our Creator is perfectly capable of governing creation and maintaining its order, even while hanging on a Cross. It goes without saying that the other Persons of the Trinity were capable of the same. 
“Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express Image of His Person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” - Heb 1:3 
Things proceed from bad to worse when it comes to misinterpreting the Bible. One bad interpretation leads to another one that’s even worse. Leave it to a heathen astronomer to cast a shadow of confusion upon the crucifixion scene! Nevertheless, with things proceeding from bad to worse, some would go so far as to suggest that Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, was confused about what was happening at the Cross, and for this reason He exclaimed, “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46, Mk. 15:34)! One would think that spending so much time looking at the stars would have humiliated Dionysius before the LORD (Job 22:12, 35:5, Isa. 55:8-9). Coincidentally, at the time of visitation, the poor man was in Egypt (Ps. 8:3-4; Lk. 19:41-44). 
“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” - Psalm 8:3-4

“And when He was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” - Luke 19:41-44
Apparently, according to Psalm 8:3-4, Dionysius was missing the message of Heaven written in the stars! Sadly, the man was in Egypt at the time of visitation. However, according to Matthew 2:1-12, not so much could be said about the Magi from the East! They correctly read the message of God in the stars. Having discerned the time of visitation, they were directed by a star right to the child. Bringing gifts, they bowed down and worshipped the King in a marvelous fulfillment of Psalm 8:3-4 (Matt. 2:1-12). 

Physical Signs & Spiritual Realities

Momentous occasions of divine significance in human history are often marked with physical and visible signs. Mankind is hereby beckoned to take a closer look at these signs to discern the spiritual meaning behind them.

In living and in dying, the earth and skies bore witness to the coming and going of Emmanuel (Isa. 7:14). At birth, the darkness of that holy night was illuminated with the splendor of a heavenly light, even “the glory of the Lord”, as it was cast upon the shepherds of the field and shining round about them (Lk. 2:9). At once, there appeared “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God”, and they could be heard audibly exclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Lk. 2:13-14). This was a loud announcement of divine love, goodness, and blessing coming upon all mankind! Even the stars of space were conveying a message to men – one star in particular even stood over the child’s exact location (Matt. 2:1-12).

The child’s growth into adolescence and maturity was no less spectacular (Lk. 2:40-52). A great Light had dawned upon this world, and at the onset of the ministry of Jesus Christ at the age of thirty years old, the Light of the world rose to prominence with inescapable brightness (Matt. 4:16, Lk. 2:32; Jn. 1:4-9, 3:19-21; Isa. 42:6-7, 49:6). “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9). Nevertheless, at death, in the closing scenes of the theater of the Atonement, just the opposite was foretold to come. 

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life.” - John 8:12 (Jn. 12:35-36, 46)
The visit of this Dayspring would soon come to an end (Lk. 1:78-79). It was only a matter of time for Day to turn into Night. In no uncertain terms, our Lord said, “Yet a little while is the Light with you.” (Jn. 12:35), and by this He meant, “…the Night cometh” (Jn. 9:4). 
“I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is Day: the Night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” – John 9:4-5
Literally, as the time was rapidly approaching when the Son of God would no longer be “in the world” (Jn. 9:5), because in death He would soon depart from this world, Jesus also spoke of the coming of “the Prince of this world” and “the power of darkness” (Jn. 14:30, Lk. 22:53). It is not at all unusual for the darkness of Night to be seen approaching on the horizon of earth as Day turns into Night. However, if Christ is the Light of the world, then the displacement of the Sun from its lofty abode in the vault of heaven has grave implications for the inhabitants of earth (Num. 24:17, Mal. 4:2, Rev. 22:16). 
“Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the Prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.” - John 14:30

“Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to Him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against Me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” - Luke 22:52-53

As the Prince of this world, Satan had always played a decisive role in the great conflict between sinners and God (Gen. 3:1-7; Eph. 6:12). How much more on this woeful night of treachery and betrayal, when our Lord was arrested, tried, and condemned in the middle of the night (Jn. 8:44; Lk. 22:3, Jn. 13:2, 27-30)? Then things proceeded from bad to worse on the morrow! Crucifying the Lord of Glory was a crime so dark that it outweighed the combined guilt of every murder of righteous men and prophets since the world began (Lk. 11:49-51). 
“…It shall be required of this generation.” – Lk. 11:51

“Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” – Matt. 12:45

This generation was in trouble. They had spiritually degenerated into ferocious “bulls”, “lions”, & “dogs”, and they surrounded the Prince of the Prophets on the hill of Golgotha (Ps. 22:11-21; Matt. 7:6). In a hideous display of human depravity, the people were growling, barking, and roaring out their hatred for the Son of God. The presence of darkness was so thick that it could be said, without exaggeration, that “every foul spirit” of hell was present on that woeful hill (Rev. 18:3, Matt. 12:45)! Even so, physically speaking, an otherworldly darkness was cast upon the spectacle of ages. 
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.” – Matt. 27:45

“And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” - Mark 15:33

“And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.” - Luke 23:44

The good Shepherd saw what was coming a long way off. The wolves could not sneak up on the Son of God. Dark plans and evil powers by sinning men and angels could not lure, trick, catch, or surprise Jesus Christ. Whatever happened was foreseen, expected, and entirely understood by the Lord. Indeed, it is outrageous to suppose that the Lord of Glory succumbed to confusion at the Cross! It is blasphemy. 
“I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” - John 10:11-18
Instead of running away, Christ selflessly acted to protect and secure the sheep from danger. Courageously, upon being completely enclosed in darkness, the noble Shepherd gave up His life to the wolves (Jn. 10:11-18). The epic battle between Mankind and the Serpent must come to an end somehow, even if the Son of Man would be badly hurt in the process (Gen. 3:15). 
“And the LORD God said unto the Serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel.” – Gen. 3:14-15 (Isa. 7:14, 9:6-7; Matt. 1:1-2:23; Lk. 1:1-2:38) 
The conflict between Satan and the Son of God was real. Nevertheless, this dark Day cannot be called the Day of the Devil. No! “This is the Day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24). It is the Day of the LORD! Even so, on this dark Day, let us hear the Spirit of Prophecy declare, “God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.” (Ps. 118:21-27). The Devil wasn’t victorious in the battle (Heb. 2:9-10, 14-15). In suffering an earthly defeat of physical death at the Cross, Jesus Christ got the victory! The bruising of the Son of God makes everything better for sinners. How do you defeat a snake? Crush its head under your heel. No marvel if the heel is bruised in the process. 
“Comparatively speaking, to put His foot on the Old Serpent was an easy task for Christ and did but cost Him a bruised heel. But this Gethsemane agony wounded His very soul even unto death. What is it then, do you think, that so peculiarly marks Gethsemane and the griefs thereof? We believe that, then, the Father put Him to grief for us. It was then that our Lord had to take a certain cup from the Father’s hand. Not from the Jews, not from the traitor, Judas. Not from the sleeping disciples, nor from the devil came the trial, then – it was a cup filled by One whom He knew to be His Father, but Who, nevertheless, He understood to have appointed Him a very bitter potion, a cup not to be drunk by His body and to spend its gall upon His flesh, but a cup which specially amazed His soul and troubled His inmost heart.” – C.H. Spurgeon, The Agony in Gethsemane
From Gethsemane to Calvary, the archnemesis of mankind was haunting every scene. The belligerence and blasphemy of an angry Devil was manifest all throughout – especially, in the final 3 hours of darkness at the Cross as the climax of it all! Nevertheless, Satan was peripheral in the Passion of Christ. The Devil’s fury was of little concern to the Eternal Spirit of the Son of God. Someone else deserves credit for the darkness. 
“I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.” – Isa. 45:7

“By His Spirit He hath garnished the Heavens; His hand hath formed the crooked Serpent.” - Job 26:13

“He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is Night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.” - Psalm 104:19-22

“Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?” - Amos 3:6

“The LORD hath made all things for Himself: yea, even the wicked for the Day of evil.” - Prov 16:4

“Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them.” - Psalm 35:5-6

The darkness is never void of dangerous creatures (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6). There are devils lurking in the presence of darkness using it as a covert. Nevertheless, no matter how furious the swarm of hellish creatures are, they are unwillingly subordinate to the command of Divine Majesty (Isa. 7:18, 46:11; “…it was commanded” – Rev. 9:1-4; Jas. 2:19). Therefore, the presence and power of darkness came to be known as a notorious divine punishment in Biblical History (Jer. 13:16, 23:12, Lam. 3:2). Egypt had her day of physical darkness, and one of angelic destruction (Ex. 10:21-23; Ex. 12:23). Babylon will have her day of physical darkness, and one of angelic destruction (Rev. 16:10-11; Rev. 9:1-12, 16:13-14, 18:2). Literally, the darkness in both cases are expressions of divine wrath.

Contrastingly, physical sunlight is an expression of divine love (Matt. 5:44-45). However, according to the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:44-45, the curse of darkness upon sinners rarely comes in the form of physical darkness. Evidently, the blessing of physical light is almost universally shown to sinners all throughout time, except in unique circumstances of divine judgment: something like the judgment of God upon Egypt through Babylon (Ezek. 32:7-8). 

“And when I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. All the bright lights of heaven will I make dark over thee, and set darkness upon thy land, saith the Lord GOD.” – Ezek. 32:7-8 (see Ezek. 30:18-19)
In prophetic terminology, this is what happens when the armies of Babylon physically invade and conquer Egypt. The physical components of this are obvious. In the death and destruction of war, there is fire; and as a result of the burning fire, there is smoke. Sometimes even whole cities are burned! Then a smokey canopy of dark clouds forms in the sky to blot out the light of the sun, moon, and stars. This is a Day of Darkness: literally, a darkness in the daytime! The very same prophetic description was used by God to describe the coming judgment of God upon Israel and Judah through Assyria and Babylon. 
“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the Day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; A Day of Darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:” - Joel 2:1-2, 10 (see Joel 2:1-11)

“And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.” – Isa. 5:30 (see Isa. 5:26-30)

“That Day is a Day of Wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a Day of Darkness and gloominess, a Day of Clouds and thick darkness,” – Zep. 1:15

Obviously, the Day of Darkness was the doom of the people. Its presence alone should have been feared! For, there are always evil powers hiding in its curtains! Therefore, the prophets were moved by God to declare these hidden things to the people: in looking into the darkness, they saw an Army of Devils in its covert (Joel 2:1-11, Isa. 5:26-30, Rev. 9:1-19; Hab. 3:16; Joel 1:4, 2:25)! These angelic beings are also known as “the Rulers of the darkness of this world” (Eph. 6:12). Of course, Lucifer was there too, as the celestial King of Babylon, and he was visibly commanding the Host of Hell (Isa. 14:4, 12)! However, the LORD spoke of this very same King, calling him, “My Servant” (Jer. 25:9, 27:6, 43:10), showing everyone who was really in control. Can you believe it? 
“Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs.” – Hab. 1:5-6
Divine sovereignty wields both men and angels to accomplish justice all throughout biblical Church History. In other words, where Satan was present and at work, divine wrath was at work. This is God’s jealousy actively controlling Babylon’s fury (Ezek. 23:23-25), even as the Sword of the LORD was being wielded in the battle (Ezek. 21:3-7, 30:24-25, Jer. 21:4-10, 48:10). Can you believe it (Hab. 1:5-6)? Maybe not. Perhaps you too have been confounded by the darkness.

First, a deluding power of spiritual darkness maneuvered the condemned peoples into a conflict with divine wrath through Babylon (Amos 5:18-20, 8:9, Micah 3:6-7, Isa. 59:9-10), and then a physical darkness was manifest in the onslaught of destruction through war. 

God's Judgment of the Jews through Babylon: It is a "DAY OF DARKNESS" (Joel 2:2)! It is when the earth and heavens tremble and turn dark before, amidst, and about the celestial and terrestrial armies of Babylon the Great (Joel 2:10). For, the rise of Babylon by war and conquest will result in blood, fire, and pillars of smoke as a third of mankind dies in the onslaught (Joel 2:30-31). In reflection upon these wonders, Zephaniah says, "That Day is... a Day of wasteness and desolation, a DAY OF DARKNESS and gloominess, a DAY OF CLOUDS and THICK DARKNESS" (Zeph. 1:15)! Even so, the loud shouts of angelic voices bear witness to the woefulness of this dreadful Day (Rev. 8:13)! God, the Creator, would have men gaze upward and behold the astonishment of the heavens - that men would depart from earthly passions and become horribly afraid (Jer. 2:12-13)! Look, and see: the whelming clouds of smoke! In horror, behold: the ghostly creatures proceeding from the thick darkness! Wonder, and regard: a haunted earth with an open Hell! [Jer. 4:19-29; Joel 2:2, 10, 30-31; Zeph. 1:14-18; Isa. 13:1-11, 59:9-10; Rev. 8:12, 9:1-19]
This is a horrifying darkness. Nevertheless, this darkness is a shade of gray compared to the pitch-black scenery of hellfire! Remember, hell is a place in the afterlife that is repeatedly called “outer darkness” in the New Testament (Matt. 8:12, 22:13, 25:30). This means that the clouds of darkness in time are thin and bright compared to the “outer darkness” of eternal damnation! However, not so much could be said about the darkness on the hill of Golgotha from noon to 3 p.m. on the 15th of Nisan. Yet another form of darkness was present there that was even worse than the others. Do you agree?

There are in fact three forms of darkness to be reckoned up here. Each one deserves our sober consideration, as there are distinct powers at work in all three forms of darkness: (#1) in time, (#2) in eternity, and (#3) at the Cross. 

  1. ​In the first form of darkness that is manifest in time, the Devil is on-the-loose and dealing out demonic fury in a killing rampage that is mitigated and temporary.​
  2. In the second form of darkness that is manifest in eternity, instead of tormenting others, the Devil is imprisoned and suffering unimaginable torment under the divine fury of Almighty God in a place that was created for his everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:41, 2 Pet. 2:4; Lk. 8:31; Rev. 20:1-3, 7).
  3. In the third form of darkness, at the Cross, the Son of God was suffering a thousand hells all at once! The impossible was then feasible through the sinless and spotless Lamb of God, who came into the world to absorb the full volume of God’s eternal wrath due to sinners in just a few short hours. 
The divine wrath that powers hell was spawned, amassed, and concentrated on one Man. The torment the Son of God suffered under the sword of divine justice is literally unimaginable and incomprehensible. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure: Satan is peripheral to the Passion of Jesus Christ (Matt. 26:31, Zech. 13:7, Isa. 53:5, 10)! Not even the Devil is a capable vehicle to deliver the divine wrath of a thousand hells upon the Son of God! Why? Hell punishes Satan. The fallen Cherub is tormented there alongside everyone else. This is why demons don’t want to go there (Lk. 8:31).

Mark the beginning and end of this darkness at the Cross of Christ! As the Son of God began to suffer a maximum degree of divine wrath for condemned sinners in being nailed to the Cross at 12 noon, it was then that a thunderous darkness formed overhead; and, as soon as the suffering of our Lord ended in death at 3 p.m., and hereby the atonement for sin was “finished” (Jn. 19:30), it was then that the thick darkness immediately dissipated into a clear Day of sunshine once again.

This remarkable sign (among others) was so compelling that upon seeing it many eyewitnesses came to believe that Jesus was the Son of God (Matt. 27:51-56, Mk. 15:37-41, Lk. 23:44-49, Jn. 19:31-37). Even so, God would have men estimate this Day to be the darkest of all time! Heaven would direct sinners to esteem these three hours to be the darkest and blackest of human history! For, if this dark Day is regarded in due honor by sinners, worshipfully, then every other dark Day on earth will be illuminated with light. 

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Being Stripped Naked

5/2/2023

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Article #17 on the Passion of Jesus Christ 

Publicly stripping people naked, even for the purpose of torture and execution, is an open display of contempt being projected upon those who are condemned to die. The personal sense of loss can become overwhelming when the very last thing in your possession is taken from you, even your very own clothes. Upon being stripped of dignity and respect, the person is made to feel unwanted, unloved, and without value to society. Historically speaking, it was ordinary for people to be stripped for crucifixions in Rome. The Roman soldiers who were present would then divide the clothing as a payment for the job. 
“And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.” – Matt. 27:35

“And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.” - Mark 15:24

“And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.” – Luke 23:34b

“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.” - John 19:23-24

The Evangelists are unanimous in their testimony with remarkable detail. In preparation for the crucifixion, Jesus Christ was stripped of “His garments”. These included “His coat” and undergarment; the former having no seam and the latter having seams. The garment with seams was divided among four soldiers and then they casted lots for the seamless one so that it would remain intact.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John gave the details on how the differing garments were divided among the soldiers so that the reader might be certain that Jesus was completely unclothed and stripped for the crucifixion. As a matter of fact, this despicable act of shame was foretold a thousand years before Christ was even born (Heb. 12:2). 

“I may tell all My bones: they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.”  - Psalm 22:17-18
Even from eternity it was all ordained so to be. Matthew and John emphasized that this explicit act was a fulfillment of Scripture (Matt. 27:35, Jn. 19:24). Hereby, the Evangelists brought into view the whole scene of Psalm 22 as a divine interpretation to what was transpiring. That interpretation makes it abundantly clear that what was happening to the Messiah was substitutionary.
“‘They look and stare upon Me.’ Unholy eyes gazed insultingly upon the Saviour's nakedness, and shocked the sacred delicacy of his holy soul. The sight of the agonizing body ought to have ensured sympathy from the throng, but it only increased their savage mirth, as they gloated their cruel eyes upon his miseries. Let us blush for human nature and mourn in sympathy with our Redeemer's shame. The first Adam made us all naked, and therefore the second Adam became naked that he might clothe our naked souls.” – C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David
The eternal One was unclothed and killed so that mortal men might be clothed with immortality; as it is written, “If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.” (2 Cor. 5:3-4). In dying the Prince of Life merits the resurrection of spiritually dead sinners (Acts 3:15). Why? Because the debasement of a heavenly Man merits the exaltation of earthly men (Lk. 14:11, 18:14). The shame of a sinless Man merits honor for sinners (Heb. 12:2). The nakedness of the Son of God merits a covering for shameful sinners – even white robes of righteousness for the adorning and beautification of condemned criminals.

This open display of contempt for the Son of God merits an open display of love towards the sons of men. The disrespect shown to so great a King merits the allowance of divine respect toward lawless criminals – so that those who would otherwise be justly unwanted in Heaven are then endowed with a divine righteousness that lifts sinners up from the dunghill and seats them at the table of the Kingdom of God forevermore (Ps. 138:6; Lev. 26:9, 2 Kings 13:23). 
“Having eyes, see ye not? And having ears, hear ye not?” – Mk. 8:18a
Noble sinners may be adorned with the most extravagant attire on earth, but in Heaven’s eyes they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and “naked” (Rev. 3:17). The Cross changes everything. Do you see things as God sees them? Think about it (Isa. 3:16-26; Matt. 13:14-15). A divine voice of pity freely offers wretched men “white raiment” – a heavenly attire that is gifted to sinners as an endowment of divine righteousness. Why? Speaking for Himself, Jesus Christ said, “that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear” (Rev. 3:18, 16:15). Compassionately, the Savior of the world desires to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. Accordingly, everyone in Heaven is clothed with the “white robes” of Christ’s righteousness (Rev. 6:11, 7:9, 13, 14, 19:14). Nevertheless, sinners need to feel the shame of their own nakedness (Gen. 3:7, Ex. 32:25, 2 Chron. 28:19, Ezek. 16:22)! Only then will they see value in the ghastly sight of the Cross (Isa. 61:1-3). 
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    The Passion of Christ

    Article #1: ​The Passion of Jesus Christ According to Charles Spurgeon 

    Article #2: ​The Unshakable Rock of Our Salvation: Even the Most Uncommon & Deadly Circumstances Couldn't Trouble the Son of God

    Article #3: Historical Accounts of Martyrdom Compared to the Passion of Jesus Christ

    Article #4: The Passion Began in the Garden of Gethsemane 

    Article #5: Hematidrosis: "Exceeding Sorrowful Even Unto Death" - Matt. 26:38 

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    Article #6: Gethsemane to Calvary: The Passion of Jesus Christ from Beginning to End

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    Article #7: The Arrest: Conspiracy, Secrecy, & Betrayal 

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    Article #8: The Condemnation of the Jewish Court of Judgment 
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    Article #9: The 1st Appearance Before Pilate & Herod 

    Article #10: The 2nd Appearance Before Pilate 

    Article #11: The Scouring 

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    Article #12: The Crown of Thorns 

    Article #13: The 3rd Appearance Before Pilate: The Condemnation of Rome 

    Article #14: Carrying the Cross to the Hill of Calvary 

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    Article #15: The Crucifixion: The Spectacle of Ages 

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    Article #16: The Cup of Wine & Myrrh

    Article #17: Being Stripped Naked 

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    Article #18: The Darkness: Its Origin, Power, Presence, & Meaning 

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    Article #19: The Cross of Rome 

    Article #20: Beholding the Cross of Rome & Seeing Jehovah's Tree

    Article #21: The Doctrine of the Tree 

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    Article #22: Abraham & Isaac on Mount Calvary in the Land of Moriah 

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    Article #23: The Lamb of God as a Burnt Offering

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    Article #24: God will Provide Himself a Mediator as a Sacrifice for El-esh-oklah 

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    Article #25: The Most Famous Manifestation of Divine Wrath in the Law Being Satisfied at the Tree

    Seeing Christ in a Theater of Typology 

    Article #1: The Mediator of the Old Testament 

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    Article #2: The High Priest of the Old Testament 

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    Article #3: The Gospel of Habakkuk 

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