Simplicity of the Cross

I love the Word of God. The gems of truth we can mine from its depths are invaluable treasures. When I can connect the dots between the Old Testament and the New Testament, it is the reward of the student. The strong truth of the Word comes at the right time bringing me back into alignment with the heart of God.

The message of the Cross of Christ is the simple message of salvation for all to embrace and believe.

When it all boils down, that should be the thread that runs the length of our fabric. It is interesting to know the significance of all the coverings of the Tabernacle, the four faces of the living creatures in Ezekiel, and the messages to the seven churches in Revelation, but to embrace the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is the only lifeline for a dying man.

It is believed that the ancient Persians invented crucifixion and the Romans perfected it to great suffering. The cross was not a Christian design, but the Cross of Christ has become a symbol of Christianity for several millenniums.

The message of the Cross of Christ is either embraced or rejected. It is considered foolishness to those who are perishing. For those of us who embrace the message, it is the power of God working in our lives.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church, he stated, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18 NKJV).

The Vertical Piece Represents the Reach of God.

One end points to the heavens and the other end is planted in the soil of Earth.

Jesus came from heaven to earth. God sent His Son from heaven to earth. “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19 NKJV).

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJV).

One end is secured in the earth. For Jesus to become the salvation plan of God, He had to come in human form. God had to come in the likeness of man so man could be reclaimed in the likeness of God.

The heavenward end shows us that salvation through Jesus Christ is from God to man. Man cannot reach God—God had to reach man.

Jesus Christ has always been the only salvation plan of God. He is described as the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8 NKJV). Jesus Christ was God’s only plan from the beginning to redeem a sinful and fallen world. The Eternal Godhead destined the Eternal Son to be the redeemer of mankind.

The cross connects earth to heaven and man to God. Man can only have a relationship with God through the crucified and resurrected Lord.

The Horizontal Piece Represents the Reach of Man.

God has made a way of salvation, but man must respond to God’s gift.

Believe. One side of the cross-member is to believe. We must put our faith in Christ for our salvation. We place our reliance and trust in Christ and Christ alone. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV).

Salvation is not inherited; it must be received. It is not bought; it must be received. It is not earned; it must be received.

Confess. The other side of the cross-member is confession. We speak forth with our mouth, of the faith we have in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9,10 NKJV)

The Intersection of the Cross Members Represents the joining of Christ with man in an eternal relationship.

When God’s mercy and grace intersects a wayward man, it is life-giving.

When man comes into a relationship with God, it is nothing short of glory. We receive eternal life, an inheritance with Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, membership in the family of God, a job in His kingdom, and much more you will find in the fine print of the Word of God.

Galatians 2:20 NKJV
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20 NKJV).

Receive the promise of eternal life by believing and confessing Christ as your Savior and Lord.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt