“Message of the Cross”

Scripture:

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live,
but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh
I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (NASB)

Observation:

What an incredible and freeing truth this is for anyone who can grasp its meaning and then embrace its significance as did the apostle Paul.

Application:

As flawed human beings born into this sin filled world we have both the privilege and the freedom to choose how we are to live our lives when we believe in the God of creation and the truth about eternity. We can either rely on our own abilities and power to achieve a right standing before a Holy and Righteous God or we can accept the punishment that was paid in full and nailed to the cross of the Son of God, our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. The Son of God not only took upon Himself the worst that the evil of mankind could give, but He also accepted the full punishment of God’s wrath against all the sinfulness of mankind; an indescribable punishment that we cannot even begin to imagine, and one we fully deserve. When you embrace the reality of this most amazing gift; one which was freely given and borne out of love, you will surrender your life over to the care and control of the Lord our God, Jesus Christ, and He will lead you down the only path that leads to everlasting life. Don’t believe in the lies of this desperate world, my friends, for there is only one way that anyone can live a life that is pleasing to God and stand in His Holy Presence; you must nail your old sin-filled life to the cross of Christ and let Him create in you a new creature; one that will honor and glorify the Father of Life. You must (each and every day) take up your cross and cover yourself with Christ, for the LORD came down from the Glory of Heaven to do for you what you could never do for yourself. You can either embrace this Truth or not, but you must remember that this choice will be the most important choice you will ever make, because its consequences has no end. So embrace the message of the cross with all your hearts and souls, dear friends, for the reality of the cross is the only Hope we have!

Prayer:

What You did for all of mankind, O LORD, is beyond our understanding, but brings us the hope we need to experience the peace of God; a peace that brings true joy to this difficult life. Thank You for Your mercy and grace and for taking our place in God’s wrath. You paid our debt in full so that we could come back into the Presence of the Living God. What better gift is there? None!

Amen