But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-bringing swift destruction on themselves.
2 Peter 2:1 (NIV)
We have looked to the cross in awe for over 2000 years. Today the cross is used as jewelry, to write songs about, hang on our walls, put on and in our church buildings, paint pictures, kneel in front of and use it in many other ways. The cross is used as a symbol to remember the death of Jesus. Some say the cross removes sin. In ancient times the cross was used for the worst of the worst criminals, it was used for capitol punishment. The cross was a torturous death. Jesus went to that death freely. Is there really power in that old rugged cross? Does the cross remove sin? As we know the answer is no. The power is in God the power is in Jesus Christ.
Our freedom from sin and evil was put on that cross in the person of Jesus. Jesus sacrificially bore all the sin of each person in the world and bought our freedom. Yes he was on that cross and died the excruciating death of crucifixion, but it was Jesus and the power of God that paid the price for our sin while on that cross. We look to the cross to remember that sacrifice. As we look to the cross we can imagine and remember Jesus' sacrifice when he bought our sin debt. While Jesus was on that cross, he was still teaching us. He taught us how to die without fear and he taught us how to continue forgiving. He forgave the thief hanging next to him, he our Father to forgive those executing him and to forgive us. Our freedom was bought on that cross by Jesus. We meet that death and find eternal life through in Christ when we submit ourselves to him in the waters of baptism.
But did that cross kill Jesus? Yes, and as we know he came back to life, a new life through resurrection. As Peter tells us this is not a fairy tale it is not fiction it is the truth, it happened. Here is what Peter said; "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." 2 Peter 1:16 (NIV) Jesus not only showed us death, he showed us what happens for those who believe and follow, a new and wonderful life. We will be welcome to the eternal life in Heaven.
Jesus paid our sin debt on the cross with his own life. Our freedom was not free Jesus bought it for us through his death on the cross. So as we look to the cross to remember, let us remember that the power is not in the cross itself, the power is in Jesus who hung on that cross and our Father who sent him.
God Bless
Ken Jones
THS
Author of A Prodigal Return and Everyday grace available at www.aprodigalreturn.com
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