Scripture: Matthew 27:45-56

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is the death of Christ essential to our salvation? Why couldn’t God just forgive us apart from the cross?

2. How would you respond to the assertion that substitutionary atonement is tantamount to divine child abuse?

3. John Calvin in the Institutes states, “No one has made progress in the school of Christ who does not joyfully await the day of death and final resurrection.” Do you agree with this? If so, how might we better live like this?