The Meaning Of The Cross

What does the cross of Christ mean to you? The Apostle Paul said, "For the preaching of· the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). The most significant event of history means precious little to most people. The true meaning of the cross is seen as we fasten our gaze upon it.

The Measure Of Man's Sin

The sins of mankind nailed Jesus Christ to the cross. "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows, he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities” (Isa. 53:4-5). Man struggles in his limited and weak understanding to comprehend the hideousness of all sin. But in looking at Calvary, man comes to realize that sin is indeed a terrible thing in the sight of a holy God, especially if it took the death of his only Son to furnish a remedy.

The Manifestation Of God's Love

“God commendeth his love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). This verse near to the heart of every believer. Many times and in many ways God has shown his love for mankind. It is humbling and at the same time uplifting to realize heaven's love for sinners. Who could ever deny the unspeakable value of God's great love?

The Means Of Salvation

One glance at dark Calvary reminds us that “without the shedding of blood there is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22). Also “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4). Neither angels nor animals could be the satisfactory payment for sin; but “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Let every sinner come to know the language of the redeemed, “unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Revelation 1:5). Calvary's cross was the great work of God.

The Mark Of Separation

The message of the cross is a message of separation. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6: 14). Man must be made to see the brutality and blight of sin in their lives and separate from it. The preaching of the cross is a call to purity. “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

The Message Of Heaven

The outstretched arms of the King dying on an old rugged cross remind us that all sin-stricken men can be included in Christ’s embrace. No wonder angels rejoice. The greatest and sweetest of all messages is “Christ receiveth sinful men.” No man can be saved except by walking in the blood sprinkled way of the cross. Other foot paths lead nowhere.