As we study the Scripture’s teachings related to the cross of Christ, we can learn much about God, the depth of His blessings, and how we should respond.
For instance, the cross of Christ helps us understand the depth of God’s love.
The One sin is foremost against planned a means by which sinners could be forgiven, and He carried out this plan by giving His Son to die. There has never been a greater demonstration of love.
A key word to not miss in John 3:16 is the word “so.” The fact that God gave His only begotten Son not only shows that God loves us, but it shows the extent of His love for us.
The depth of Christ’s love is likewise shown through His death. Jesus went to the cross willingly (John 10:17-18). While the Father commanded Him to go the cross, Jesus had free will, and thus had to choose to do so. His choice shows His genuine love for the souls of mankind.
Jesus’ willingness to go to the cross also perfectly exemplifies what it means to obey (cf. Phil. 2:8).
It is easy to obey God when doing so fits in one’s comfort zone, yet seek to be excused from obedience when God’s will is more challenging.
Any time we are tempted to “excuse” ourselves from something that God commands, we might ask, “what if Christ had excused Himself from going to the cross?” He obeyed the Father’s will for Him at all costs, and so must we (Matt. 16:24).
Christ’s obedience to this part of the Father’s will for Him also exemplifies endurance (Heb. 12:2-3).
When Jesus faced severe trials, He did not compromise His integrity. He did what was right even through suffering (1 Pet. 2:21-23), and thus showed what it means to have a commitment to God that does not waver.
The severe beatings, ridicules, and crucifixion endured by Jesus demonstrate the seriousness of sin. When we consider the extent God was willing to go to so our sins could be forgiven, we see just how great a problem sin is.
Had God not allowed His Son to go to the cross, we would all be doomed to eternal death in hell (Rom. 6:23).
Through the cross, though, Jesus made it possible for us to be saved from sin and its consequences (Rom. 5:9).
Through His crucifixion, Jesus made redemption possible (Eph. 1:7).
Any time a person sins, he or she becomes enslaved to sin (John 8:34). The debt that is owed to be released from the bondage of sin is too high for any one of us to pay. Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid the ransom price to free His followers from the bondage of sin (Matt. 20:28).
Christ’s crucifixion has also made reconciliation possible (Rom. 5:10). When a person chooses to sin, he or she chooses to separate him or herself from God. Were it not for the cross of Christ, that separation would exist eternally. Through Christ, though, a “bridge” has been created that we can cross to return to fellowship and harmony with God.
If we understand and appreciate these blessings, it helps us see the folly of arrogance and boasting in self. Without Christ’s crucifixion, we would be nothing but hopeless sinners doomed for eternal condemnation in hell. It is thus fitting for all to have the mindset, “far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14).
Moreover, as we reflect on the cross, it should motivate us to surrender our lives to the One who gave His life for us. As 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to Him who for their sakes died and rose again.”
If we appreciate the crucifixion of Christ, how could we respond any other way? We cannot fully repay God and His Son for the love He’s shown us, but we can devote our lives to bringing Him glory.
As the hymn I Gave My Life for Thee says, “I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast thou giv’n for Me?”
Love, endurance, humility, gratitude, and joy should naturally result from a heart that understands and appreciates the cross of Christ.
– Michael Hickox