CHRISTIANS AND THE CROSS

 

Though the cross was one of the most cruel and vindictive instruments of punishment during the Roman Empire, it has now become the most beautiful symbol for Christians. Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross to bear the sins of mankind; thenceforth, that cruel and vindictive instrument of punishment - the cross – became the symbol of victory.

 

At the present day, where there is a cross, there are Christians; where there ls a cross, there is the love of Christ; where there is a cross, there is the salvation of Jesus; where there is a cross, there, you find peace and joy. In other words, Christians and the cross are inseparable.

 

The truth of the cross is a stumbling block to the Jews and folly to the Gentiles, but to those Christians who were called, it is God's power and wisdom (1 Cor 1 :23-24). The cross is the only instrument of salvation, the only trust of the believers, and is our power, our happiness and hope. Since Christians and the cross have such a relationship, Christians must have a correct attitude towards the cross.

 

1. Believe in the Cross:

 

In ancient times, while the people of Israel walked in the wilderness, there were fiery serpents among the people and many died on being bitten. Because of this, Moses prayed to God, Who then commanded Moses to make a serpent of bronze and set it on a pole.

 

Wherever a serpent bit any man, he would look at the bronze serpent and live (Num 21 :4-9). The bronze serpent being lifted up prefigures that the Lord Jesus would be crucified on the cross (Jn 3:14,15). The method of salvation which God had prepared for man is by the cross. Only by crucifixion, sufferings and the shedding of His blood could the sins of mankind be remitted (Heb 10:10-18).

 

Though the serpent of bronze could nullify the effects of the poison, nevertheless, those who had not looked at it did not live. Likewise, Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross unto which we also have to look so that our sins would be remitted (Rom 3:23-26; Heb 12:2).

 

In these last days, many heresies have arisen to confuse the truth. Some believe that salvation is through good deeds.  They do not believe the miracles performed by Jesus, and also do not believe the ''cross" method of salvation. Moreover, they do not even long for the salvation of the cross. We must take heed because it is the . device of the Devil to lead the disciples astray, losing their faith and hence dragging them into the abyss.

 

2. Crucify on the Cross:

 

The scripture says, "if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin" (Rom 6:5-7). The cross is the only instrument used to crucify a sinner. If we crucify our old self on the cross with the Lord, we believe that we shall also live with Him, that this new man is created in the likeness of God; with righteousness and sanctification, that we too might walk in the newness of life. The baptism of every Christian manifests the truth of being baptized into His death, and buried with and raised up from death.

 

But the Christian who has been born anew through baptism should always strive holiness (Heb 12:14), and refrain from lusts, or from worldly temptations. Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal 2:20); and further said, "By the cross the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Gal 6:14); and further said, "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal 5:24).

 

If we want to strive for holiness and emit the fragrance of a Christian we must crucify the

world, our flesh, and lusts upon the cross. Because only when we are found by the Lord to be without spot and blemish then shall we be at peace when we are at His sight (2 Pet 3:14).

 

3. Bear the Cross:

 

Jesus said, "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciples" (Lk 14:27). Those who want to be the disciples of the Lord should bear their own cross,  lest  they  are  not  worth to  be  called   the  disciples  of the  Lord the cross means tribulations, persecutions,  hardships,   derision, reviling and so on, suffering   for   the   Lord.   Paul   said, "…in   toil   and   hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often with­ out food, in cold and exposure. And   apart   from other   things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches"   (2   Cor 11:23-30). This is to bear the cross. The scripture says, "for to this you have been called,  because Christ   also   suffered   for   you, leaving   you  an  example,  that you should  follow  in His steps" (1  Pet  2:21).  The  Lord  Jesus called  us that  we should  bear the  cross  to  follow   His  steps and  we should  bear  the  cross daily  and happily  (Lk 9:23). For we  know  that  if  we  have  the will  to  suffer  together  with  the Lord, we shall also be glorified together    with    Him   (cf: Mt 5:10-12;  2 Cor 4:17,18).

 

4.   To preach the Cross:

Paul said, “Jews demand signs   and Greeks seek wisdom; but we   preach   Christ crucified..."  (1 Cor 1:22,23). The most urgent need of the present church is not sign, nor good knowledge of the theology, but the Christ of the cross. What is to be preached by a preacher   is Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.

Paul further said, ''when I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the  testimony  of God  in  lofty  words  or wisdom,  for I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:1-2). This is the method for preaching the gospel.  The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the essential   truth   to save souls, but   lofty   words   and   wisdom may not bring   others to God. Unfortunately, a few preachers among the present day churches add to their sermons certain vivid news, mystery fables, jesting frequently to please the listeners so that they may receive the applause from them. This sort of work, though it might achieve a little success, is basically of passions; hence the result thereof is corruption. We must   understand   that the preaching of jesting stories with lofty words and wisdom cannot bring   those lost souls to   God. It can only be accomplished through confession, repentance, and accepting the salvation of Christ through the preaching of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.

Not only preachers have to preach the cross but also every Christian who is saved, i.e. receiving the salvation without pay and giving without pay (Mt 10:8). Do not proclaim with lofty words and wisdom, but preach Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.

5. To Glory in the Cross:

Paul said, "But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of  our  Lord   Jesus  Christ   ..." (Gal 6:14). Generally, everyone glorifies his own promotion and wealth, accomplishment of his undertaking, good knowledge, good capability, and having outstanding children. But  for  a Christian,  he must imitate  Paul to glorify  only  the  cross  of our Lord  Jesus  Christ.

As a matter of fact, there is nothing   in the world   worth to be   glorified.  The   Bible   says "thus says the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man. glory in his might, let not the rich man glory  in  his  riches; but  let  him who  glories   glory  in  this,  that he understands and knows  me, that I am  the  Lord   who  practice  steadfast  love, justice  and righteousness in  the  earth;  for in this thing    I delight,  said the Lord"  (Jer   9=23-24).  Wisdom might and wealth are from God (Jas 1:17), which are not worthy of glorifying. The greatest glory is the acknowledgement of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion.

Conclusion

Because Jesus Christ   loves us, He came down and took the form of a man, to bear the sins of   mankind.   He died   on   the cross to accomplish the salvation of God. The cruel and vindictive instrument   of   punishment the cross-has thus become the beautiful symbol for the Christians of today.   How long, wide, high and deep is the Jove of Christ! For this we must give thanks  to God, longing for the  cross, so  that  we shall  receive more grace from Him and crucify  the lusts and passion  of the  old  self   on  the  cross.  We should   be  determined to  bear the  cross  and  follow  the  Lord, and  to  preach ·and  glorify   the cross   everywhere. Lastly, let us sing Hymn 77, to  exalt  the cross!