by Bill Nicks

The cross of Christ has always been a stumbling block, an offense, to many (1 Pet. 2:8; 1 Cor. 1:23). The Jews reasoned, "How could one who was accursed to hang on a tree be the Messiah?" (Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:13). The Gentiles reasoned, "How could anyone worship a god who was condemned by the Romans to crucifixion?" So, He was rejected by both.

But Paul affirmed, "God made Him [Christ] who knew no sin to be sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him" (2 Cor. 5:21).

Because of Jesus, no word is more widely known than the "cross". It symbolizes the depths of man's ignorance and sin. Had the rulers and princes known who He was, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (Acts 3:17; 1 Cor. 2:8). Though willful ignorance was signified in His crucifixion, it also symbolized the mercy and love of God (Rom. 5:8).

The cross is paradoxical.

1. It was the most tragic event in history, yet it was the most wonderful.

2. It was the saddest spectacle ever beheld, yet it produced the greatest joy.

3. It was Satan's greatest victory, yet Christ's most stunning defeat.

4. It was Satan's greatest defeat, yet Christ's most glorious victory. Christ won by losing and conquered by surrendering.

5. God's justice condemned sin in His flesh, but in His mercy He forgave sin.

6. From a human standpoint, it was foolishness, yet it was a revelation of the highest wisdom of God (Gal. 6:14, 2:20).

"Blood is not dignified," said a modernist preacher, so they deleted the word from all their songs. They did not believe there was atoning power in the blood. One who heard it said, "I'm not ashamed of blood. My mother pushed me and my brother off a railroad track to save us, while her blood was spread for yards up and down the track. She gave her precious blood to save us."

"Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:18). There is power in the blood of Christ. I know, because my Bible tells me so! No fact is more plainly revealed (Matt. 26:28; 20:28; Acts 2:38; Heb. 2:9). Animal blood cannot now atone (Heb. 9:26; 10:1-4). Even the vilest human may be saved by the "wonder working power of the blood" (Col. 1:20-22; Eph. 2:3-6).

Our Lord's death was not accidental, it was foreknown, typified by the Passover lamb (Exo. 12; John 1:29; Isa. 53:7-12; Matt. 8:17; Acts 8:32).

The following things were accomplished by His death:

1. He purchased the kingdom, the church (Acts 20:28).
2. He reconciled Jew and Gentile (Eph. 2:16).
3. He effected atonement for sin (1 John 2:1; 4:10).
4. He repealed the old covenant to establish the new (Heb. 9:15-17; Matt. 26:28; Heb. 13:20).
5. He destroyed Satan's power (Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8).
6. He delivered all who were in bondage to fear of death (Heb. 2:15).

Salvation has been made available to all, yet not all will be saved because some reject, and others neglect, the great salvation (Heb. 2:3). Like Naaman of old, many have preconceived notions (2 Kings 5:1-14). God wants all to be saved (2 Pet. 3:9), but they must enter at the "strait gate" and travel "the narrow way" (Matt. 7:13).

If we are to please God, all we do must be centered around the cross; whether conditions of pardon, worship, or our daily walk of life. We cannot choose our own path, we cannot direct our own steps. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). And the way of Christ was the cross.

Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, Vol. 28, pgs 10-11.