1 Peter 3:18 - For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Many are familiar with the story of the suffering of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is so well known that we see references to it in everything from movies and television to clothing lines and jewelry. It’s not uncommon to see people with a cross necklace or even a cross tattoo. The cross is a familiar image throughout much of the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that people understand its significance.

The cross reminds us that Jesus died for sinners, but how and why did he do that? These are questions many don’t seek to answer, and simply take the sufferings of Christ at face value. But, Peter answers those questions for us, and it makes any reference to the death of Christ that much more powerful.

First, we see that Christ suffered once for sins. Sins require punishment, just as any breaking of the law does. If you drive too fast, your punishment is a fine or the loss of your license. If you murder someone, the punishment is life in prison or perhaps even death. Punishment is required for wrongdoing or else there would be no law and order. In our case, Jesus suffered for our sins. He took our punishment upon himself, but when you think on this, don’t miss the importance of the word, “once”. What Jesus accomplished in his suffering, he did once for all. The punishment need never be experienced again. The payment has been made.

Second, we see that Jesus is our substitute. We cannot live up to the law of God, so we find ourselves in the category of “unrighteous”. We fail everyday at living up to the standard God has set. We constantly break God’s law, and this is why we deserve punishment. Jesus took that for us, but he didn’t deserve it. Jesus is perfectly righteous. This righteous man took your place, receiving the shame from men as well as the wrath of God.

Third, he did this for a reason and it wasn’t so that cross merchandise would gain popularity throughout the world. He did it so that we would be brought back to God. In our unrighteousness we cannot be near God. Something had to be done about our sin before we could be in his presence again. This is what Jesus accomplished. Through his death we gain access to the Father whom we have lost relationship with.

Finally, although Jesus’ body was killed and buried in a tomb, his spirit was alive. In your suffering, your body may fail, but you will live on in the spirit of Christ. This verse is a grand summary of the gospel message, from start to finish. Jesus suffered for you, he became your substitute in his suffering and death, he brings you back to God, and he makes your spirit alive so that no matter what happens to you on earth, you will live on with him forever. Apply this glorious gospel to your life today, to your fears, anxieties and stresses. Find strength and hope in what Jesus has really done for you, and hold fast to the undeserved love you have received.