Where in the Bible Does it Say God Turned His Face Away?
One such reference can be found in the book of Matthew, chapter 27, verse 46. During Jesus’ crucifixion, he cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This cry signifies a moment when Jesus felt a separation from His heavenly Father as if God had turned His face away.
This moment is significant because it represents the culmination of Jesus’ earthly life and His ultimate act of sacrifice for humanity.
As the beloved Son of God, Jesus willingly took on human nature and bore the sins of the world upon Himself.
In that moment on the cross, He experienced the weight of all our sins and the separation it caused from His Father’s love.
The phrase “God turned His face away” metaphorically depicts the depth of Jesus’ suffering and the magnitude of His sacrifice.
It illustrates the consequences of sin and its impact on our relationship with God. The Bible portrays sin as a barrier that separates us from the presence of God, and Jesus, in His selfless act, took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved.
The concept of God turning His face away also highlights the righteous wrath of God towards sin. Throughout the Bible, we see God’s holiness and His abhorrence towards sin.
To reconcile humanity with Himself, God allowed His Son to bear the full weight of our sins on the cross. This act demonstrates the immense love of God and His desire to restore our broken relationship with Him.
Furthermore, this turning away of God’s face emphasizes the seriousness of sin and its consequences.
The Bible describes sin as leading to spiritual death and separation from God. In Psalm 22:15, it is written, “My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.”
This imagery conveys the despair and desolation that comes with being separated from God’s presence.
It is important to note that despite this temporary separation, it does not diminish God’s love for us. It is because of His love that He sent His Son to bear our sins and make a way for us to be reconciled with Him.
The turning away of God’s face was a necessary part of Christ’s sacrifice and redemption plan for humanity.
In conclusion, the phrase “God turned His face away” refers to the moment during Jesus’ crucifixion when He felt a separation from His heavenly Father.
It symbolizes the depth of Jesus’ suffering and his ultimate act of sacrifice for humanity.
This turning away emphasizes both the seriousness of sin and the immense love of God.
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we can find forgiveness and restoration in our relationship with God.