Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Darkness to Light

Bryan Schneider · April 3, 2021

Romans 5

sharonrpc.org/sermons/darkness-to-light

Summary

This Easter sermon traces redemptive history from creation's light through humanity's fall into sin and death.
Israel's repeated rebellion and the failures of biblical heroes show that fallen people cannot rescue or reform themselves.
Jesus entered the darkness, resisted every temptation, and lived the obedient life humanity failed to live.
At the cross Christ bore the judgment sinners deserve while continuing to show mercy to those around him.
The empty tomb is a historical announcement that death did not win: the crucified Christ is alive and his saving work is vindicated.
Christ's resurrection gives believers justification, joy, bodily resurrection hope, and confidence in his return.

Where am I still assuming that moral effort can repair the darkness of a fallen heart?
How does Jesus' obedient life answer the repeated failures of Adam, Israel, and every other biblical figure?
What does Christ's mercy from the cross reveal about the character of the Savior?
Why would Christian faith be empty if Jesus had not bodily risen from the dead?
Do I confess Jesus as Lord and rest my hope in the God who raised him from the dead?
How should the promise of bodily resurrection change the way I face death and the future?

Redemptive history: The unfolding biblical account of creation, fall, promise, Christ's saving work, resurrection, and final restoration.
Substitution: Christ's bearing in the sinner's place the judgment that God's justice requires.
Resurrection: Jesus' bodily rising from the dead, defeating death and guaranteeing life and future resurrection for his people.
Reconciliation: The restoration of enemies to peace with God through the death of his Son.