Theology of the Cross

" But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us "
- Romans 5:8 -

It is appropriate during Easter that one should reflect on the Cross and what it means to us. Strangely, the Cross is rarely preached, let alone the blood of Christ. This is all part of a current trend that recently has seen attacks on the Doctrine of Penal Subsititution, the Deity of Christ, Double imputation, Propitiationary Sacrifice and the Redeeming act of Salvation. Churches avoid mention of any of these because it is seen as distasteful, off putting and primitive

However, if one stays true to God, and the Word; we must acknowledge these things. You cannot omit these elements; it's a package deal. Justification must mean the Cross. And you must have a theology of the Cross which explains the whole story for what it is, and not a day where one goes on Easter egg hunts and eats lots of Chocolate

No, it is a story which starts off in dark tones. Man, headed towards eternal condemnation and separation from a Holy and just God because he wallows in Sin, unable to do a single thing about it. A God, who loves men and women, totally justified in pouring his wrath out on a rebellious and hateful creation..performs the ultimate act of redemption

The sacrificial offering of his Son. Pure and Holy. A willfull sacrifice by the Son, not coerced, bribed or cajoled. One done out of the purest love. Doing the will of the Father.

As he lay on the Cross, bearing your sins and mine; he could have stepped down. "Enough!" , he could have said. A stiff necked people that refused to listen, follow or obey were now spitting on him and willing him a humiliating and painful death. Oh, he could have wiped them and the whole world out with a thought, or a word.

But he didn't

Till the awful deed was done, and finally, he uttered the last words, that will ever be said by God hanging on that cross: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit"

It was done. Redemption. Saved. Rescued. No words can describe what was done on that Cross for me that day. Nothing I do from here till the day I die can ever make up or repay that. I can give every waking minute to the Lord, every penny, submit every thought and even give my body to be burned for him..no, not enough. Never enough

And that was Grace. A free gift to someone who doesn't deserve it. It was also Mercy. Ultimately, it was an act of Love from the author and creator of Love: God almighty

On this day, remember this: No cross,no salvation.

May you have a blessed Easter. And always have the Theology of the Cross. Always

SDG