The Cross

What does it mean?

The cross in a church building is usually in a central place. The cross of Jesus Christ has a central place in our faith. Why so?

For society the cross is merely a symbol, like a lucky charm and perhaps wards off evil. This is superstition which is offensive to the Lord. So let us turn to God`s word to find the true meaning of the cross.

The need for the cross

Genesis 2:16-17; Do not eat from the tree

Genesis 3; Sin, loss of immortality or spiritual death. Appropriate it was that Jesus crucified on a tree taking away the sin problem back to the tree. Recovering immortality for those who believed.

Shadows of Cross in Old Testament

Numbers 21:8-9; People murmured, fiery serpents and Moses interceded. Brazen serpent on a pole represented the sin on a tree. They were healed when they beheld sin on the tree.

John 3:14-15

2 Kings 18:4; Hezekiah destroyed idols

The Cross must not become an idol. Do not offer prayers or worship to a statue.

The Cross as an Altar

In Leviticus, we see the various offering of sin, guilt, and burnt where the bull, goat, or lamb. Blood was put on horns of alter and rest of blood poured out at the base. Jesus Christ bled on horns of the cross and his blood poured out at the base.

The Shame of the Cross

Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Cursed, open disgrace and obviously hell bound.

Galatians 3:13; Jesus became a curse for us

Colossians 2:13-15; Nailed our charges to the cross and paid in full for our sins.

Colossians 1:20; Restoration through the blood of cross.

Ephesians 2:15-16; Reconciliation Jews/Gentiles through the cross

Jesus' attitude to the Cross

Hebrews 12:2; Joy set before Him

Philippians 2:8; Humbled himself to death

So what does the Cross mean?

1 Corinthians 18:23; Christ was crucified for Jews (stumbling block) and Gentiles (foolishness)

To us believers the cross is the Power of God; mighty dunamis power

The miraculous power of God cancelling out of debts

Effects of preaching the Cross

Acts 2:36-37; Pierced in the heart, leading to repentance

Acts 5:29-33; Too quick to murder

The preaching of the Cross separates those who will believe or will not believe.

But we preach Christ crucified and our only boast is in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Kneel at the foot of Jesus cross today if you have never done so before.

Amen

Prayer