5/22/14- The Sufficient Sacrifice of Christ

But yet we avow that he remained the only, well beloved, and blessed Son of his Father even in the midst of his anguish and torment which he suffered in body and soul to make full atonement for the sins of his people. From this we confess and avow that there remains no other sacrifice for sin; if any affirm so, we do not hesitate to say that they are blasphemers against Christ's death and the everlasting atonement thereby purchased for us. (Scots 7b)

23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:23,24)

Thoughts: The uniqueness of Christ leads to the uniqueness of His ability to sacrifice for us.  Jesus is the one and only Son and as such has the one and only tie to the Father so that His love overcomes our sin.  Knox is careful to guard against the idea that another saint can sacrifice or pay for our sins.  He is careful to evade the idea that Good Works (or indulgences) can some how pay for our sins.  To bring another payment to the Father would imply that His Son's death is somehow not precious enough.  His sacrifice is sufficient and therefore precious and sweet to us. 

Prayer:  Lord, your sacrifice is special to the Father, but it is also special to me.  Keep me from trying to add to it and thereby taking away from it.  

(Ghent altarpiece- in the movie "The Monuments Men" this piece was said to be the centerpiece of catholic culture.)