Poetry

FORGIVEN IN RED The seven sayings of the cross in prose

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
01/05/17
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On that blessed cruel cross, Our Savior's love did display
Showing His precious care for us, In taking our sins away
Forgiven In Red ( 1 John 1:7)
Our blood bought souls, Are now clean forever more
Just forever to be with Him, On that great gospel shore
Forgiven In Red ( Luke 23:34 )
He pled the Father's mercy, That dreaded mournful day
Forgave guilty soldiers, Who did scourge and torture convey
Forgiven In Red (Luke 23:43 )
Opening Heavens portals, To a repenting sinner by His side
Promising the thief this day, With Him in Paradise to abide
Forgiven In Red ( John 19: 26-27 )
At the foot of the cross, Knelt His sad Mother's broken heart
To His disciples He commended His Mother, Never more to part
Forgiven In Red (Matthew 27: 46 )
Suddenly He cried aloud, To the Father in Heaven above
In lonely despair, Asking the Father why His forsaken love
Forgiven In Red ( John 19:28 )
His human expression of physical suffering, He did display
In His lonely anguish, His painful cry for thirst did give way
Forgiven in red ( John 19:30 )
The suffering is now over, And His redemption is complete
It is finished, said the Master, As Satan was given his defeat
Forgiven In Red ( Luke 23:46 )
Into the Father’s hands, He commended His Spirit above
By faith in God's free grace, We now have our Savior’s love
Forgiven In Red
 
It seems that the structured church has forgotten the cross to a certain extent, in its teachings. Why are so many modern churches not preaching the cross? (Isaiah 53:5 ) Basic Christianity has not, nor will ever, be changed. ( Hebrews 13:8 ) ( Colossians 2:9 ) ( John 1:1 )

Is it because some may not completely understand the gospel? ( 1 Cor 1:18 ) Has the "old time religion" been surpassed for a more modern day religion? Or could it be that the current seminaries are placing the doctrine of the cross on the back burner? ( 1 Cor 1:18 ) I certainly hope and pray we, as a true church, have not succumbed to this compliancy. ( 1 Cor 4:8-21) ( Rev 3:14-22 ) ( Amos 6:1-7 )

Could it be that we Christians need to rediscover the central theme of the cross? The cross is far from being just a study in academia, for it was by His cross that we are forgiven today. You see, ever since the fall of Man in the garden of Eden  (Genesis 3:1-7) ) we are all born in sin and in need of a Savior. ( Romans 5:12 ) ( Psalm 51:5 ) ( Ephesians 2:3 )

So why should we be disturbed if the church doesn't preach the cross? Is this a violation of the fundamental gospel? ( John 3:10 ) ( 1 Cor 9:16 ) Let us take a hint from the early church as portrayed in (Acts 2:41-47). For this church preached what we call the full gospel. ( 1 Cor 15: 1-4 )

And how can we be an effective witness, if the cross is not mentioned? ( 1 Timothy 2:4 ) You see, one of the toughest tests of Christianity is authentic faith on our part! ( James 1:22 )

Therefore, don't ever give up the root of your salvation, the cross. You see, all the founders of all other religions are still in the grave. However, our Savior Jesus Christ is alive and in Heaven,  ever waiting to redeem and accept the unbelievers and stand in for us believers. ( John 3:16-17) ( Romans 8:34 ) ( Colossians 3:1 ) ( Ephesians 1: 19-21 ) ( Romans 8:34 ) ( John 1:1-5 ) ( 1 Timothy 1:12-16 )

How powerful is this? Just think about it! ( Isaiah 55:11 ) ( Isaiah 40: 8) ( Matthew 16:18 )

This old hymn chorus tells it all:

At the cross, At the cross, where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day.