I feel a good deal of embarrassment as I undertake to expound the scriptures on this very important subject. It is so grand and supreme that I almost shrink back from its weight. I know that for many Christians today, the thought of the cross of Calvary is surrounded by hallowed and sacred memories. But have we really grasped its significance (though it be infinite)? How often have we gathered about the cross? Is it not true that many Christians, seldom think upon this wondrous subject? Even our ministers, who are Christ’s ambassadors, have not placed a right estimate upon it, this is why we have so many ‘dry’ sermons, for Christ and Him crucified, have not been at the center, otherwise our hearts would burn within us if the Cross ,that old rugged cross would be impressed upon us.
“We must gather about the cross. Christ and Him crucified should be the theme of contemplation, of conversation and of our most joyful emotion.”* I know by personal experience, that when a sinner once beholds the love of the father, as seen in the sacrifice of His son, and yields to the divine influence, a change of heart takes place and henceforth Christ is all and in all. So what is there in a cross, that makes it so important for a Christian? The cross in itself is just a piece of wood, the Romans used it as an instrument of torture, to die on it was a most shameful death reserved for the worst of the criminals. In the days of Paul, it was regarded with feelings of repulsion and horror, no one wanted to be associated with it.
But the cross of Christ is peculiar, for on it “the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world” was nailed. The Monarch of the universe, He who stood in the heavenly councils, whom angels delighted to do his bidding, the maker of all, Christ of Nazareth humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He despised the suffering, shame and agony unto the hill of Golgotha. But why? Why should that sacred head bear a crown of thorns? Why should those hands that healed so many be bruised as such? Why should the Christ be stricken, smitten of God and afflicted? Listen to these beautiful words, O! Wonderful words by the pen of Isaiah. “He was wounded for OUR transgressions, He was bruised for OUR iniquities: the chastisement of OUR peace was upon Him; and with his stripes we are healed .He continues to say “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to His own way, and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.“ Isaiah 53:56.
It was for you, dear reader that sweet Jesus was slain. For crimes that you (and I) have done, He suffered on the tree! Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree! Our sins had separated us from our loving Father, we were estranged, without strength. But God who is rich in mercy commandeth this love towards us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Behold, what manner of love is this that Christ died for us ungodly! “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
What language shall I borrow, to thank thee, dearest friend, for this thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? Let me weep while you whisper, love paid the ransom for me. Thus might I hide my blushing face while His dear cross appears. Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life my all. We have been set free from sin, by the power of the blood. We have been REDEEMED. That is why the preaching of the cross, unto us which are saved it is the power of God and the wisdom of God. It is the everlasting gospel to be preached unto the whole world. Now we have a message “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” Thou sinner look and live, there is life in a look at the sacred cross, obtain a full view of the crucified savior and you will realize the depth of God’s compassion and the sinfulness of sin.
Without the cross of Christ, we would have no union with the Father. We are accepted in the beloved based on the merits of Christ and His sacrifice for us. “To remove the cross from the Christian experience would be as blotting the sun out of existence from its springs forth light that rolls the burden of our hearts away. From there we receive sight and find salvation sweet.”**
But it was not only to redeem man that Christ died on that awful tree. Nay. The Bible tells us that, He came to “Magnify the law and make it honorable.” The law of God which is the expression of God’s character could not be set aside. It is immutable: cannot be changed. Thus transgression of it, demanded a penalty on the transgressor. That penalty Christ bore on the cross when He cried “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me.”
The death of Christ proves beyond doubt, that judgment and righteousness are the habitation of God’s throne. If the law could be changed in any way, then Christ need not have died. And so by His death, we are not only set free from the condemnation of the law, but we are granted power to fulfil the requirements of the law. The one who understands this can together with Paul exclaim “I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live not yet I, but Christ liveth in me : and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.
Thus in conclusion the cross takes away our guilt, redeems us from sin and by it we receive power to obey the law of God as Christ lives in us. Christ can only live a life of obedience. With such marvelous attainments before the Christian, by virtue of the cross. Who can wonder that Paul exclaimed, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ?” Galatians 6:14. It is our privilege also to glory in the cross, our privilege to give ourselves wholly to Him, who gave Himself for us.
* Steps to Christ. Page 104.
** Acts of the apostles. Page 210.1
Worship The Creator