The Day Everything Changed - What happened on the cross? (Part 2)

The Day Everything Changed - What happened on the cross? (Part 2)

From Redeemer Central by Redeemer Central

March 22, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

David Armstrong explores the multifaceted meaning of the cross and its significance in Christian theology.

The meaning of the cross is bigger than any single theory. In the second part of this series, David Armstrong traces the road to Calvary — from Israel’s sacrificial system and the ritual of Yom Kippur to the Hebrew prophets wrestling with the tensions of justice and mercy. We also explore various rich understandings of Jesus’s death offered throughout church history — from Christus Victor to René Girard's remarkable scapegoat theory — before approaching a question many of us carry but rarely voice: what about the wrath of God? We conclude seeing that Good Friday and Easter Sunday are unified — not a failure followed by a rescue but one single, world-altering event. The cross was a victorious act of love descending into the deepest darkness, and the resurrection made that victory visible. Give & Support Redeemer Central is a diverse and vibrant church in the heart of Belfast, practicing the way of Jesus through simple, intentional, and inclusive community, and seeking the peace and common good of our city. ~ You can support our ongoing work by giving financially at redeemercentral.com/give. Your generosity is greatly appreciated ~

People in this episode

Guest: David Armstrong

Topics covered

  • meaning of the cross
  • sacrificial system
  • Yom Kippur
  • justice and mercy
  • Jesus's death
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Sunday

Keywords

  • cross
  • sacrifice
  • theology
  • resurrection
  • Good Friday
  • Easter
  • justice
  • mercy
  • scapegoat theory

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Redeemer Central

Books & works: Yom Kippur, Christus Victor

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