DELIVERED, CRUCIFIED, RAISED, EXALTED

BY W. F. BELL

In Acts 2:22-36 the central message of Christ is clearly outlined for us by Simon Peter.  Four words are at the heart of this message: delivered, crucified, raised, exalted.  Nothing greater could ever be proclaimed!  The Lord of glory came to earth to do His Father's will (John 6:38), and after accomplishing it (John 17:4), "Jesus the Son of God" returned to heaven in triumph (Hebrews 1:3; 4:14).  He was not frustrated in the least in what He came to do.

Peter says, "Hear these words," so let us do so with joy.  "Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you."  A just and righteous approval of a wonderful life; a perfect life, for Jesus "knew no sin."  "Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God."  What?  Yes, though without sin, "delivered" by divine purpose and predestination.  Why?  "Ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain."  So, the cross was no accident; it was not just a human murder.  There was purpose and reason behind it.  Note carefully, Jehovah "delivered" His Son, but wicked men "crucified" Him.

But Peter goes on to say, "Whom God raised up."  Don't pass that so quickly.  Death upon the cross for Jesus was gory, and His burial was gloomy, but glory was to follow, for we read, "This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses."  "Raised up!"  What glorious words, filled with hope.  Christ was not left in "hades" (the grave), and His body saw no "corruption."  He arose!  He arose the Victor!  "It was not possible that He should be held" in Joseph's new tomb.  Note, "not possible."  David foretold of the Messiah's victory over death (Psalm 16:8-11).  David himself "saw corruption" (Acts 13:36), but not the Christ of God!

Now we enter the heavenly throne-room.  The Lord "ascended" to His Father's right hand, never to die again.  "Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted."  "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him" (Philippians 2:9).  Yes, "highly exalted."  He reigns triumphant over all, now!  "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21).  Note, not just "above," but "far above."

Peter concludes his message: "God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."  Here is where sinners must bow!  Though Christ was crucified, He is now forever exalted.  We do not "make" Him "Lord," but we do humbly acknowledge that He already is "crowned with glory and honor" (Hebrews 2:9).  Yes indeed, "crowned" already!  So, poor sinners come in contrition, and gladly worship the exalted Christ!  And with Charles Wesley, all of God's elect people gratefully sing,

Christ, the Lord, is risen today!...
Love's redeeming work is done!...
Lives again our glorious King!...
Hail the Lord of earth and heaven!...
Thee we greet, triumphant now!