Issue 754 – The Cross – May 24, 2022

Christians often speak of “the cross.” It features prominently in our songs and artwork, and a cross hangs in or on most Christian church buildings. 

Differing streams of Christendom have different cross styles, emphasizing differing things. Some crosses are empty; some have Christ crucified on them. Some have extra arms, and there is even one even a circle motif. The shape and emphasis vary, but the importance of the event does not.

I think this is a timely point to state that we are not worshipping the cross when we speak of the cross. We do not even know the style of cross or post that Jesus died on.  

We are celebrating the events that occurred on that cross. There is no “power” in a cross. The power is entirely in Christ, by His shed blood, death and subsequent resurrection. The cross is an appropriate focal point of those events and a reminder of what He did for us there.

This morning, I want to look at the purpose of the cross.

What is the deal with those pieces of wood that hang in the front of most Christian churches? You know the ones, they look like the letter tee. I once had a teenager walk into a church I was attending, and he talked with me about the reason for the tee on the rooftop. As Christians, we know that they are symbolic of our Saviour who died on one almost 2000 years ago. The rest of the world vaguely knows that they have something to do with Christianity, but not much else.

And being found in human form, he [that is Jesus] humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:8

Jesus died on a cross. So What? Tens of thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands of people, were executed in the same way by the Romans and in similar ways by other cultures. Terrorists, rebels, thieves, murderers and other unsavoury sorts were crucified. What makes Jesus any different than them?

Firstly, He went willingly. As God, He could have called untold angels to stop His execution, yet He chose not to.

Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” Matthew 26:53-54

Secondly, He was the only perfect one who could atone for your sin and mine.

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:7-10

His death and blood paid for our sins.

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:11-12

His death on the cross set the stage for other momentous events. It seems obvious, but there could have been no resurrection without His death. Without His resurrection, there could have been no ascension. Without the ascension, there would be no Holy Spirit sent to indwell believers.

The cross was just a piece of wood and held no power. It was designed to bring about pain and suffering unto death. God chose it as an instrument to glorify Himself and bring all who are willing into a right relationship with Him.

Until next time, rejoice in the result of the events that took place on that horrible place of suffering. Because of what Christ endured, we are free.

Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

Be blessed. 

Kevin.

Gleanings From The Word.

Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life. 

Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)

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All contents are © 2001, 2022 K. F. “Kevin” Corbin and Gleanings From The Word.

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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required. 

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