More than 2000 years ago when the world was ruled by Roman Emperors, the Roman Government made ‘Cross’ to crucify the most criminal, what they consider to be the most dangerous enemy of Roam Government. Cross was made to crucify such criminal as ‘hanging’ done by the British Government in India, known by Indian till date as ‘Phasi’.
Jesus Christ came to restore the relationship between man and God, which had already been broken due to man’s disobedience to God’s word. Jesus came to save us from the wrath of God, to save us from eternal condemnation and died on the Cross. Before He was not even considered by anyone that Jesus would die, Jesus Himself told His audiences,
“ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life —only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:17-18)
Therefore, it was Jesus who had chosen the ‘Cross’ to die so that every men and women of the world, even the most criminal may receive the forgiveness of God if they believe in Him(Jesus) and accept Him as Lord and Saviour. Thus, Cross become the symbol of ‘Salvation’ or ‘Saving of Lives’. Cross also stand, since then, for ‘Victory’.
Billy Graham said the power of the cross cannot be ignored! We must stand at the foot of it and ponder the One who hung and died there for us, and what He unselfishly accomplished on our behalf. We can’t ignore the suffering of Jesus. Doing so will debilitate an intimate relationship with Him. Reflecting on the cross draws us closer to Him, because there He fully displayed the very heart of God.
So, let’s consider five inescapable characteristics of the CROSS and what Christ did for us there:
C = Crowned with glory for dying in our place.
But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9)
But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9)
R = Reconciled us to God.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18)
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18)
O = Overcame, delivering us from bondage.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
S = Shed the blood needed to atone for our sin.
He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12)
He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12)
S = Saved us from going our own way.
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)
The cross brings peace into our lives and makes it possible for us to have right standing with God.
Write ‘Amen’ if you look on the cross and say thank you for all Jesus has done! May God bless you.
