Mike Krzyzewski, or Coach K, was a head coach for men’s college basketball for 47 years. In five years at Army and 42 years at Duke, he won more games than any other head coach in history with 1,202, and won five national titles. Coach K was also famous for his analogy of a team as a fist. Each finger represents a member of the team, and in order to be successful, each member must work together like a fist. If even one member is out of place, a team can not deliver an effective punch.
Living in a broken world can be very difficult, but we have hope because Christ has delivered an effective punch in His victory over sin. We know that we can walk through suffering because Jesus has already blazed a path for us that leads to vindication. He has already won the victory, so we can face anything when we put our hope and confidence in Him. Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us this opportunity, and 1 Peter 3:18-22 shows us five things He accomplished in His victory on the cross.
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, 19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, 20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him. – 1 Peter 3:18-22
- Work of reconciliation
Every one of us has sinned, which separates us from the righteous God who created us. We deserve judgement for this sin, but Jesus suffered in our place when He died on the cross. By paying the price for our sin, Jesus has bridged the gap between God and man. We are reconciled to God when we repent of sin and place our faith in Jesus alone.
- Work of proclamation
The work of Jesus impacts everyone. It is a message of judgement for those who do not put their faith in Him, but a message of hope for those who do. It is imperative for Christians to share the good news of Christ so that more people may be reconciled to God.
- Work of salvation
We are saved from our sin because of the blood of Jesus. Baptism is a picture of salvation, representing how our flesh is put to death with Christ and we are resurrected with Him by the power of His Spirit. Baptism is also a pledge of commitment to Christ as our Savior and Lord.
- Work of ascension
After Jesus was resurrected, He ascended into heaven. This confirms that His resurrection was not momentary and He will never die again. This ascension also brought the promises of the Holy Spirit and of Jesus’ return. We have the Spirit to guide us through life as we confidently look forward to Christ’s triumphant return.
- Work of exaltation
Since Jesus ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father with honor, power, and authority. The victory we have received began with Jesus humbling Himself, but ends with Him being exalted to His rightful position. Now all things are under the authority of Jesus. The same power that raised and exalted Christ is the power that saves and sustains us as we follow God faithfully.
Jesus has brought victory over sin, death, and evil. There are different parts of this work that come together to accomplish the same goal. Just as five fingers must work together to deliver a punch, these five aspects of Christ’s work on earth effectively bring eternal victory to all who trust in Him.