The Work of Christ – Life, Death, Resurrection

The Work of Christ – Life, Death, Resurrection & Reformed Theology Explained

Understanding why Christ's finished work is the foundation of our salvation

Introduction

At the heart of the Christian faith is not merely a set of rules or rituals, but the finished work of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection are the core of the gospel. As John MacArthur puts it: "The work of Christ is the centerpiece of redemption."

But what does this work include? Let's explore it with the help of Scripture and deep insights from Reformed theologians like R.C. Sproul, John Owen, Louis Berkhof, and B.B. Warfield.

1. Christ’s Substitutionary Death on the Cross

Key Verse: "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities..." — Isaiah 53:5

This Old Testament prophecy points to the doctrine of penal substitution, where Jesus bore the punishment we deserved.

John Owen explains it this way: "Christ did not merely die to make salvation possible; He died to actually accomplish redemption for His people." This means the cross was effective, not hypothetical. Christ satisfied God's justice.

R.C. Sproul wrote, "God poured out His wrath upon His own Son. That is what makes the cross so horrifying and glorious."

2. Christ’s Active and Passive Obedience

Key Verse: "For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous." — Romans 5:19

Christ didn’t just die for our sins — He lived perfectly for our righteousness. His active obedience refers to His lifelong submission to God’s law on our behalf.

Louis Berkhof notes, "The active obedience of Christ is imputed to us so that we may stand justified before God."

His passive obedience refers to His willing suffering and death — taking upon Himself the penalty of sin. Both are essential to our salvation.

3. Christ’s Resurrection and Justification

Key Verse: "He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification." — Romans 4:25

The resurrection of Christ wasn't just a miracle — it was God's declaration that the work was complete and accepted.

B.B. Warfield says, "The resurrection is the Father's 'Amen' to the Son's 'It is finished.'"

This means that our justification is secure because Jesus lives. Death could not hold Him, and it cannot hold those united with Him by faith.

4. Christ’s Ongoing Work: Intercession and Reign

Key Verse: "Christ Jesus... is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." — Romans 8:34

Jesus’ work didn’t end with the resurrection. He now intercedes

R.C. Sproul says, "We do not have a distant Savior. We have a living, reigning Lord who advocates for us constantly."

His intercession means that our salvation is eternally secure. His reign means all things are under His sovereign control.

5. Why This Matters Today

• Your salvation is based on Christ’s work — not your performance (Ephesians 2:8–9)
• Forgiveness is real and eternal (1 John 1:9)
• You can rest in the finished work of Christ (John 19:30)

Reformed theology reminds us that we contribute nothing to our salvation. It is sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus — by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Reflection and Call to Action

If you’ve been trying to earn your salvation, stop and look to Jesus. He has done the work. Trust in Him, rest in Him, and follow Him.

"It is finished." — John 19:30

Have you placed your faith in the finished work of Christ? If not, there is no better time than now.