The question is sharp: is the crucifixion of Jesus the work of God or of the devil? The Bible answers clearly and profoundly. The crucifixion is God’s plan and work for salvation, accomplished through Jesus’ obedience and even overturning the devil’s schemes and human sin. The devil truly works to incite betrayal and hatred, but God remains sovereign and uses everything to fulfill the redemption plan.
Planned by God from the Beginning
The apostles taught that Jesus was handed over according to God’s purpose and plan, yet humans remain responsible for their actions, Acts 2:23. The early church’s prayer affirms that what Herod, Pilate, the nations, and the people of Israel did was determined by You from the beginning to happen, Acts 4:27-28. This means the cross was not a historical accident, but the center of God’s plan. The prophet foretold the suffering Servant of the LORD who would die for our sins, Isaiah 53, and Christ was known before the world was created for this task, 1 Peter 1:19-20.
Jesus’ Obedience, Not Blind Coercion
Jesus was not dragged without power. He said, “No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18). In other words, the Son willingly obeyed unto death out of love for the Father and us. In Gethsemane He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Matthew 26:39). This obedience makes the cross not a futile tragedy, but a liturgy of saving love.
Satan Involved, But Not the Ruler of the Outcome
The Bible does not hide the dark fact: Satan entered Judas (Luke 22:3), and Jesus called it the hour of the power of darkness (Luke 22:53). However, the power of darkness was limited and ultimately humiliated on the cross. Paul said, on the cross God disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). The author of Hebrews adds, through His death, Christ destroyed him who holds the power of death, that is, Satan (Hebrews 2:14). So Satan thought he had won, but the cross was his defeat.
Human Sin is Real, But Grace is Greater
The Scriptures refuse to blame the devil to cover human responsibility. Peter accused his listeners, “you crucified and killed Him” (Acts 2:23). Humans are guilty, yet God provides forgiveness through the blood of Christ. This is the beauty of the Gospel: the wicked are used by God for good. Like the principle spoken by Joseph, you intended evil against me, but God intended it for good (Genesis 50:20 as a general pattern of God’s work).
The Cross: Where Justice and Love Meet
How does God forgive without abolishing justice? Paul answers, God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement through His blood so that He might be just and also the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:25-26). He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). The cross is both the throne of justice and the embrace of love. There the curse of sin was borne, and we are set free, Galatians 3:13.
So, Whose Work Is It?
Primarily, the crucifixion is God’s work to save the world through the obedience of His Son. Instrumentally, Satan and sinful humans play a role in the evil that God turns around for good. Therefore, Satan is not the architect of salvation, he is merely the party defeated by God’s plan. Christ Himself spoke of the cross as His lifting up that will draw all people to Him and at the same time the ruler of this world will be cast out (John 12:31-33).
Practical Impact for Us
First, do not doubt God’s love and sovereignty. If God is able to use the cross for salvation, He is able to redeem the storms of our lives.
Second, resist temptation by looking to the cross. Christ’s victory over Satan gives the courage to say no to sin, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Third, be at peace and accept forgiveness. Whoever believes in Him will not perish (John 3:16). End a life of blaming and begin a life of gratitude.
Fourth, live in the pattern of the cross. A love that is willing to sacrifice becomes the lifestyle of a disciple, Philippians 2:5-8.
Fifth, proclaim the Gospel. If the cross is God’s certain plan, our preaching is not in vain. The Gospel is the power of God that saves (Romans 1:16).
Conclusion
Is the crucifixion the work of God or Satan? The Bible affirms: the crucifixion is God’s work that conquers Satan. Satan and humans commit evil, but God turns it into a door of salvation through the obedience of Christ who died and rose again, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. This is the reason we believe with confidence, fight against sin with hope, and love courageously. Under the cross, darkness does not have the final word. Christ is Lord.
