We all know the songs about Calvary. Many of us grew up singing about the place where Jesus was crucified. But, did you ever realize that the word "Calvary" is only used once in the Bible?
Luke 23:33- And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
Only in the book of Luke is the hill referred to as Calvary. In the other gospels it is Golgotha, the place of the skull. Have you ever wondered why that is?
Luke, the Physician, is the author of the book of Luke. He is writing the events of Christ's life long after Christ has died and rose again. And, he is writing his account to a Gentile man named Theophilus.
Luke 1:1-4- Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Luke presents Christ as the Son of Man. The genealogy given goes all the way back to Adam- the first man, and a Gentile.
Luke was the traveling companion of Paul. His ministry was mainly to the Gentiles. He is known as the author of Luke and Acts, both of which are addressed to the above mentioned Theophilus. So, it is understandable that he would use the Latin word for Golgotha- Calvary.
So, what is the signifigance of Calvary?
Calvary impacts history like no other event. It's grasp reaches from the temple in Jerusalem to the throne in Heaven to the souls on the earth. It shows the depths of God's love and the extent of His hatred of sin. It fulfills the law, satisfied justice demands, and is the personification of mercy. It's the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New. Calvary grants eternal life, ensures eternal death, and makes certain eternal judgment. It's act defeats sin's nature and frees the captive soul.
Only one other word that is so beautiful, so powerful, and so eternal- Jesus!
Calvary may be used only once in the Bible, but there is no doubt that it has been spoken countless times from the lips of millions throughout the New Testament era. And, I'm certain it will be spoken countless more times for all eternity!
