CRUCIFIXION. WHOM TO BLAME?

THE FOLLOWING IS AN EDITED VERSION OF A NOTE POSTED ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE ON APRIL 11, 2009.

Today is Good Friday when tradition tells us about the arrest, trials, and eventual crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is soon approaching. The day Christians around the world celebrate as the day Jesus arose from the grave.

There are many arguments that surround the crucifixion of Jesus. Who is to be blamed for His death? Was it the Jews who tried him and found him guilty of heresy? Or the Romans for carrying out the execution? The correct answer is that it was US. ALL of mankind. Jesus forgave those at the cross for his crucifixion, and that is the only blanket forgiveness that can be found in the Bible. While we are all guilty, He pardoned us for his suffering and ultimate death. It is not for us to say who is at fault for killing Jesus. It is a moot point. Makes no difference because we must remember that without his death, there would be no resurrection, and therefore no promise that we look forward to.

Without that, there would be no purpose to our faith. It is that promise, and hope that kept me going when I was in the hospital this in November, 2008 and my infectious disease doctor came into my room and told me that there was a high possibility that I would not be going home from the hospital because the infection that I had could not be located. I had faced death and was scared for but a moment, and then had the reassurance come over me that all would be well. Although I have never claimed to be a perfect Christian (as I am far from perfect), I realized that all men must die. The only thing that changes is when and how. I then realized that I would be heading to my heavenly home if the Lord did indeed need me there more than He needed me here.

In a few days I celebrate my birthday. I have been blessed with much here, but await much more on the day I leave this world behind. That is a promise I can bank on.

Now, for my commentary...... As the story goes, in 1917 the Bolsheviks seized power by taking over key government buildings including the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg (Petrograd) Russia, and this plunged the nation into a civil war which lasted until 1922 when the nation became the Soviet Union under centralized Communist control. One of the key components of Communism is complete obedience and reverence to the State.

Unfortunately, many religions demand that you are accountable to a "higher power" so a key plank of Communism is Atheism which is the belief that there is no God. Thus the State replaces God and as a citizen, you service the State and the State provides for your well being and your needs. This is a great concept on paper, but this is alien to the human spirit.

The Bolshevik government sent out representatives who held town meetings all over the Soviet Union and in one particular meeting, the fired up Communist was blasting the Christian religion and gave a four hour dissertation on the faults and contradictions of Christianity and how Jesus Christ was a charlatan or con man. As he finished his speech, the auditorium was silent and convinced that he persuaded those present that Christianity was not real he became bold and challenged the audience he asked those gathered "If anyone can tell me something that may convince me that Christianity is true, let him come up here and speak now."

In the back of the auditorium, and old man stood up and hobbled down the aisle, and after a few minutes he finally arrived at the podium, and looked at those gathered in front of him in the silent crowd. He cleared his throat, and boldly said "Хрїстóсъ воскрéсе!" (Christ is Risen!) and the reply came from the every person in the auditorium "Воистину воскресе!" (Surely He has Risen!"). The Commies realized that they had much work to do for every "reasonable" objection was presented, but clearly they did not understand the concept of "faith."