12.5.3 Good Friday

On Good Friday, we commemorate the crucifixion and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Since His sacrifice, suffering, and death are of central importance to the history of salvation, several languages also refer to this day as "Holy Friday". Through His sacrificial death, the Son of God broke Satan's power and overcame death (Hebrews 2: 14). Being without sin, He took mankind's sin upon Himself and, through His blood, obtained the merit by which all sin and guilt can be paid. There is no clearer proof of God's love for mankind than Jesus' sacrifice (1 John 4: 9-10). The events of Good Friday marked a turning point in God's plan of salvation: the old covenant was concluded and the new covenant began. When the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was torn in two at Christ's death, it became clear that God had now granted mankind salvation and fellowship with Himself.