The Power of the Cross
- OpenDoors Lucknow
- Jul 26, 2021
- 3 min read
The Cross is powerful not because of the symbol in itself. It doesn’t cause any change in matter if one mindlessly motions the shape of the cross on one’s breast. It holds no protection if one hangs a physical symbol of it in a car or on one’s person. It is powerful because of what happened on it when Jesus was crucified like a common criminal circa 28AD.
Paul declares in Romans 1:16 that he is not ashamed of the cross because it is the power of God that brings salvation (God’s rescue) to humanity. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul says that the cross maybe foolishness to some, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God.
So what is this power that emanates through the cross, that makes it the central symbol of Christianity. That symbol which was once a cursed symbol that meant death and oppression is today a universally recognized symbol of healing, forgiveness, compassion and rescue. How? Only God can do that kind of a brand overhaul, so to speak.
God’s power is his action on behalf of humanity. There are three areas in which the power of God is revealed to us on the cross:
God saving us from sin and guilt – by making a way for us to be forgiven by giving up his life as the perfect sacrifice to take our punishment for sin. The punishment fell on him, we get peace (harmony) with God – a restored relationship(Isaiah 53:6).
God saving us from death – both eternal death and separation from God and the death and hell brought about by the cancer of sin in every one of us. By His Spirit in us, the death (life-leak) brought about by sin is plugged and renewed. And our life becomes increasingly Jesus-like as we walk with Him.
God saving us from the devil – by defeating him in his own death on the cross and subsequent resurrection rendering any action he does henceforth ineffective and barren. Sure, he’s still at work in the world as one who does not wish to concede defeat. But Jesus’ life has overcome every work of the devil. And those who trust in Him need not live in fear of oppression or defeat any longer. Followers of Jesus are also not called to turn a blind eye to the works of the enemy. They are called to take a stand, being watchful – not in fear of failure or defeat but in knowing that Jesus’ life is still at work through His Spirit in those who believe – putting the devil squarely in his place (Ephesians 2:4-6; 6:10-12; Colossians 2:13-15).
As always, these are truths that aren’t to be just understood cognitively but entered into one’s life experience. How does one do that? Through gratitude. By gratefully receiving what He has done. Forgiveness for our sin, a breaking from our past, receiving our new identity as children of God (no longer slaves to sin), taking our place in a position of authority with Christ and being confident of His power in us that is able to keep us from falling.
And let gratitude lead us to worshipful surrender to His ways – knowing that there is hope in Cross because it testifies to God’s action on humanity’s behalf.
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