Project Description

2015/05

Power of the Cross

If we want to see souls saved we must proclaim the work of Christ on the cross – that was the mind-set of the Apostle Paul. His love for souls ensured that he did all he could to see those souls come to a saving knowledge of God. Thus, in his ministry, he preached the message that souls needed to hear.  “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2) While there are many facets to such a message there is a marked simplicity in the apostle’s cry: Preach Christ crucified!  The underlying reason behind this is that the cross-work of Christ addresses the deepest needs of humanity. His death, sealed by His glorious resurrection, secures salvation for a multitude that no man can number.

In our sinful state we live under the curse, guilt and condemnation of a broken law (Romans 3:19; Galatians 3:10).  Does Christ’s death deal with this legal guilt? Yes! The just died for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18).  The blessed One became a curse for the cursed (Galatians 3:13), so that forgiveness is offered through the nailing of our sinful guilt to Christ’s cross, thus “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us” (Colossians 2:14).

In our sinful state we live under the present weight of the wrath of God. “He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)  What fear there ought to be when we contemplate the coming ‘Day of Wrath’!  In the hardness and impenitence of our hearts we treasure “up unto [ourselves] wrath against the day of wrath” (Romans 2:5).  But Christ’s death as our sin-bearing substitute propitiates, appeases and turns away God’s wrath.  “And he is the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 2:2).

In our sinful state we are at enmity with God. “The carnal mind is enmity against God” (Romans 8:7). We are, by nature, ‘far off’ from fellowship with God.  “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh” How?  Again it is through the work of Christ on the cross for it is “by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)

Oh that sinners would see the power of the cross and that believers would live in the light of these truths!  Space does not permit a fuller discussion of how Christ’s cross secures redemption, cleansing, victory over sin and Satan, and much more.  Simply rejoice in the grand simplicity of the truth that “Christ died for our sins”
(1 Corinthians 15:3).

Dr. Stephen Pollock.