31. What's So Good About Good Friday (2010)

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Apr 14, 2025

Dallas Willard, a late Christian philosopher renowned for his insights on spiritual formation, dives deep into the significance of Good Friday. He unpacks the paradox of suffering and goodness, shedding light on Christ's profound sacrifice. Willard articulates the relevance of atonement in contemporary spirituality, touching on historical theories that illustrate its impact. He also emphasizes the transformative power of the cross, inviting listeners to find deeper meaning in their faith and the promise of resurrection life.

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INSIGHT

Questioning Good Friday

Dallas Willard initially questioned why Good Friday is called "good" given the awful events.
He knew scripture deemed Jesus' crucifixion necessary but struggled to understand its goodness.

INSIGHT

Beyond the Crucifixion

Jesus' suffering extended beyond the crucifixion, including degradation and humiliation.
Even the servants, typically the lowest in the social order, slapped Jesus, highlighting his utter debasement.

INSIGHT

Fact vs. Theory of Atonement

Willard distinguishes between the fact of atonement and theories explaining it.
He found some theories, portraying God as vengeful, troubling and disconnected from present life.

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What’s Good About Good Friday?

A Sunday sermon given at The Church of the Apostles in Fairfax, Virginia.
February 21, 2010

For Futher Study:

1. Visit DWillard.org and read the “The Craftiness of Christ” to learn more about what was really happening on the way to the cross. There are two versions on our site, and we’re linking to “the Director’s Cut” because it includes more detail about what was happening in the spiritual battle between Jesus and Satan.

2. Dallas always encouraged everyone NOT to get wrapped up in atonement theories, but if you’re interested in more of Dallas’s thoughts about the primary strengths and weaknesses of the three most prominent atonement theories, see Getting the Elephant out of the Sanctuary on Conversatio.org. Many thanks to Gary Moon for convincing Dallas to sit down and talk with him about this!

Visit https://DWillard.org for a wide variety of resources and opportunities that can serve as a means to help you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Dallas Willard Ministries exists to proclaim, teach and manifest the love, truth and transforming power of Christ and the Kingdom of God. We invite you to partner with us by praying for our ministry team, praying for the students in the School of Kingdom Living, sharing your talents as a volunteer, or contributing financial gifts. Visit https://dwillard.org/donate if you’d like to help us increase the availability of Dallas’s teaching to help people become more like Jesus.

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The contents of this recording are © Willard Family Trust. Used by permission. For permission to reproduce any of this content, please contact Dallas Willard Publicatio...