The Day God Died

By Shane Kastler

Recently, a movie was released entitled, “God's Not Dead.”  The phrase comes as a refutation to a famous statement made by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche  who declared “God is dead.”  Nietzsche was referring to his belief that God's existence had been so clearly “disproven” that we could declare him to be dead.  Nietzsche was a fool. (see Psalm 14:1 ) Yet, with that said, there was a day on which God died.  And then he rose again.
    The Bible teaches us that God is “triune” in nature.  While there is one God; he exists in three eternal, constant forms: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The gospel teaches us that Jesus Christ (who is God the Son) became a person and lived on earth.  Being fully God and fully man, he lived a life of sinless perfection.  Then died a death of atoning sacrifice to pay for the sins of those who trust in him.  In a thought that could very well stagger our minds, there was a day in which God died.  A popular Christian song has this line:  “On the cross, as Jesus died; the wrath of God was satisfied.”  So in the death of God the Son; God the Father punished Jesus in the place of sinners who rightfully deserved it.  
    Of course in order for God to die, it has to be God's idea.  Jesus said, “No one takes my life, but I lay it down willingly.” (John 10:18)  Then after three days, Jesus took it up again.  He arose from the grave as proof of who he was; and as a proclamation that his death was satisfactory to the Father.  Death was defeated by the work of Christ.  God died, so that we might live.
    But this sacrificial death does not apply to everyone's account.  Have you turned from your sin in repentance and trusted in Christ as Lord?  Does your life give evidence of love and obedience unto Jesus?  Examine yourself and see if you are truly in the faith. (2 Cor. 13:5)  Ponder these spiritual realities that deal with sin and Christ's atoning work.  Understand and embrace the truth of God's death.  Not as the worldling Nietzche did.  But as God himself declares it.  Indeed God's not dead.  But thankfully there was a day in which he did die.  And then he rose again.