SALVATION - Through the cross

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 | I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

1. What is “most important” according to this passage?
2. Why is the cross a critical part of the gospel or good news of salvation? 
3. Why is the resurrection, or Jesus raising from the dead, also important?

Hebrews 9:22b | For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.

1. Could salvation be provided without death? Why or why not? 
2. How could Jesus’ death pay the price for our sin? Could someone today die to take away someone else’s sin? Why not?

Colossians 2:13-15 | You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

1. The penalty for your past, present, and future sin was nailed to the cross and paid  in full. What does this mean to you? 
2. Do you ever struggle with guilt because of past sin? In what ways?
3. Colossians says that Jesus’ payment for your sin disarmed the spiritual powers of the enemy. What does God’s victory over the enemy and Christ’s payment for  your sin mean when you’re attacked with feelings of guilt, shame, or regret?