The Cross Affects Everything

A biblically-solid understanding of the cross affects everything in life. An unbiblical understanding of God's program also affects everything. A haphazard, sloppy version of God's will and work leads to a life that is not grounded. It is important that we be grounded solidly in Jesus and His Word, grasping the Gospel message and living it's claims - in God's strength, not our own. That's one of the first things we learn when we contemplate the cross - our inability and Christ's sufficiency (John 15:5).

The cross matters supremely because Jesus died substitutionally. He died in our place so that we might live; so that we could be justified - made right with God - and experience peace with God (See Romans 5:1-2). Jesus took our place so that we could be reconciled to God - we who were at war with Him until He drew us by His love and grace to Himself. The result? We rejoice in God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:11). We have forgiveness and a freedom we never knew.

As a result of believing in Christ, we become God's children. We are made new - we are transformed (2 Cor. 5;17) - we are new creations in Christ. The old life has gone, we have a new life. We are no longer sentenced to death by our own deeds, we are brought out of death into life by Christ's deeds. We no longer need to live by our own understanding, or man's rules and regulations, we now have a life reoriented by Jesus and centered on the truths of His Word. The Good news of the Gospel changes everything. The cross is the compass by which everything is reoriented.

Jesus is the supreme game-changer. He is the life-changer. He is the life-giver. And He is coming back soon to take us to be with Him where He is. May you rest in His grace and be led by His Spirit today.