Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 3: Doctrinal Paradoxes in Salvation
1. Introduction
God is described in Scripture as eternally blessed, full of joy, glory, and divine favour (1 Timothy 1:11; Romans 9:5). Yet the crucifixion presents a striking contrast: Christ, the Son of God, was cursed as He hung upon the cross (Galatians 3:13). This paradox stands at the heart of the Christian gospel. How can the Blessed One of God become the Cursed One for mankind? The answer lies in the mystery of substitution and redemptive suffering.
2. God Is Blessed
2.1 Scriptural Foundations
- 1 Timothy 1:11 – “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God…”
- Romans 9:5 – “…Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
- Psalm 115:15 – “Ye are blessed of the Lord which made heaven and earth.”
2.2 Theological Implications
- Blessedness in God speaks of His complete self-sufficiency, joy, and perfection,
- God is not subject to emotional fluctuation or external circumstance—His blessing is intrinsic,
- The Trinity shares in perfect communion and delight eternally.
3. Christ Was Cursed
3.1 Scriptural Witness
- Galatians 3:13 – “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.”
- Deuteronomy 21:23 – “…he that is hanged is accursed of God.”
- Isaiah 53:4–5 – “We did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.”
- Matthew 27:46 – “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
3.2 Meaning of “Cursed”
- Christ was not cursed due to personal sin, but as a representative and substitute,
- The curse of the law (divine judgment on sin) was placed on Him so it might be removed from us.
4. Theological Resolution: Substitutionary Curse for the Blessing of Many
4.1 Voluntary Exchange
- Christ willingly took on the curse to remove it from humanity (Isaiah 53:6),
- In doing so, He remained sinless, yet endured the consequences as though guilty.
4.2 Blessing Through Curse
- This paradox becomes the great exchange: the cursed death of Christ becomes the basis of our blessed life,
- 2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
5. Historical and Theological Perspectives
5.1 Early Church Fathers
- Athanasius: Christ became what we are to redeem what we were,
- Gregory Nazianzus: The exchange of states – blessed for cursed, immortal for mortal – is central to redemption.
5.2 Reformation Thought
- Martin Luther: Described the cross as the “happy exchange”—our sin for His righteousness,
- John Calvin: Emphasised the penal substitution of Christ as cursed in our place.
5.3 Modern Theology
- J.I. Packer: The curse bore witness to the holy seriousness of sin and the loving willingness of Christ,
- John Stott: “The essence of the curse is God-forsakenness. Christ endured it that we might never know it.”
6. Clarifying the Paradox
| Eternal Truth | Paradoxical Tension | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| God is eternally blessed | Yet Christ was cursed | Christ bore the curse for others, not for Himself |
| The Son is beloved of the Father | Yet was forsaken at the cross | The forsakenness was judicial, not relational loss |
| Blessing is life with God | Yet Christ died under wrath | So that others might live under grace |
7. Doctrinal and Devotional Implications
7.1 Assurance of Substitution
- The curse that rightly belonged to sinners has been fully exhausted in Christ,
- No additional punishment remains for those in Christ (Romans 8:1).
7.2 Glory of Divine Grace
- God’s blessedness was not diminished, but demonstrated in giving His Son,
- The gospel exalts both divine justice and divine mercy.
7.3 Call to Grateful Obedience
- Knowing what Christ endured should stir believers to live in humble reverence,
- The cross is not merely a gift, but a model of sacrificial love (Philippians 2:5–11).
8. Conclusion
The paradox that God is eternally blessed, yet Christ was cursed, lies at the very core of the gospel. The Son of God endured divine judgment not because of His own guilt, but to rescue those under the curse of sin. In this great exchange, blessing flows from the curse, and the cross becomes the throne of grace. The eternally blessed One was cursed that we, the cursed ones, might be eternally blessed.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Athanasius, On the Incarnation
- Calvin, J., Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Luther, M., Lectures on Galatians
- Stott, J., The Cross of Christ
- Packer, J.I., Knowing God
- Westminster Confession of Faith
Would you like to continue with Entry 37 – “The Invisible God Makes Himself Seen” next?