What was the true purpose of the crucifixion according to God's eternal plan?
The true purpose of the crucifixion was to fulfill God's eternal purposes, not merely Israel's rejection of her King. By that crucifixion, the whole human race would have access to God's plan of salvation. Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures.
Les teaches that Paul was the first to whom God revealed that the work of the cross was not just Israel rejecting her King and putting Him to death, but the fulfilling of the eternal purposes of God. By that crucifixion the whole human race would now have access to God's plan of salvation, and it was culminated in His resurrection as He came forth in power. The gospel is that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures. Les emphasizes that this is the gospel, and you cannot shortcut it; you either reject it or accept and believe it, which is where faith comes in.