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#4.
The Death of Christ.---Apothnesko.
pp. 147 - 150
The following occurrences of the word apothneskõ seem to be the ones that refer
definitely to Christ's works, viewed doctrinally, in the Epistle to the Romans:--
5: 6.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time (literally, according to a
season), Christ died for (huper) the ungodly."
5: 8.
"While we were yet sinners, Christ died for (huper) us" (cf. verse 9, "much
more").
6: 9.
"Christ having been raised out from dead ones, dies no more, death no more
has dominion (kurieuei) over Him."
8: 34.
"Who is he that condemneth? Is it Christ Who died; and much more, is risen
again; Who also is at the right hand of God, Who also intercedes for (huper)
us"?
14: 9.
"For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might dominion
(kurieusei) over both dead and living."
14: 15.
"Destroy not him with thy food, for (huper) whom Christ died."
It will be observed that the three references out of the seven speak of Christ dying for
(huper) or on behalf of certain ones. He died on behalf of the ungodly, of sinners, and of
the weak brother. In 6: 9 we have the blessed fact that having died, He dies no more,
which verse 10 emphasizes by stating that He dies once for all, while 6: 9 brings in the
word "to have dominion." Death has no more dominion over Him, but (14: 9) the object
of His death and risen life was that He should have dominion over dead and living.
Chapter 5: continues on from verses 6-8 with the "much more" of resurrection. In
8: 34 it is the same; 14: 9, by placing "lived" after "died," evidently refers likewise
to resurrection. Resurrection is always the "much more."
We have but two passages to record in I Corinthians, viz.:--
8: 11. "And through thy knowledge the weak brother is perishing, on account of whom
Christ died."
15: 3. "Christ died for (huper) our sins according to the Scriptures."
II Corinthians has references only in the fifth chapter, viz., verses 14 and 15:--
"Having judged this, that One died for all, therefore all had died; and He died for all
that they who live should no longer live to themselves, but to Him who died for them
(huper) and has been raised."
We would draw attention to the Apostle's judgment. It is not that one died for all,
therefore all shall live, or be saved, but that all had died. The word we have rendered
"had died" is in the aorist, and "refers to the state Christ's death proved them to be in, in
a state of nature. To apply it as a consequence is, "I judge, an utter blunder" (see note
J.N.D. New Translation). The Apostle continues, after having spoken of the death state
of all as proved by the necessity of Christ's death for all, to go on to speak of those who