The Resurrection and The Cross—A New Understanding of Jesus and Ourselves—Part 1

Join us Saturday as we commence a new four-part study of the resurrection of Jesus and its implications for a new understanding of his death on the cross, the meaning and value of his life on Earth, and what that means for each of us. We start with a fresh look at the meaning of the cross.  Was the death on the cross a required ransom, hearkening back to the olden practices of blood sacrifice?  An ultimate sacrifice?  What does such a dogma say imply about the nature of God?  Are such views of God consistent with Jesus' life portrayal of the love of "Our Father" for his children?  For us? Consider this quote from The Urantia Book: Mortal man was never the property of the archdeceivers. Jesus did not die to ransom man from the clutch of the apostate rulers and fallen princes of the spheres. The Father in heaven never conceived of such crass injustice as damning a mortal soul because of the evil-doing of his ancestors. Neither was the Master’s death on the cross a sacrifice which consisted in an effort to pay God a debt which the race of mankind had come to owe him. [188:4.3 (2016.8)] Why did Jesus die such an ignoble death and what new understanding might we take from his manner of dying? The great thing about the death of Jesus, as it is related to the enrichment of human experience and the enlargement of the way of salvation, is not the fact of his death but rather the superb manner and the matchless spirit in which he met death. [188:4.12 (2017.7)] We'll discuss how this changes our relationship with our Loving Father and what we might hope to enjoy as a progressive ascension in greater and greater knowledge, faith, and love for God. Come join us in this interesting exploration! http://tobtr.com/11267757