The Cross is Central

"But may it never be that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world."......(Galations 6:14)

More than 2000 years ago, God entered the world in the person of Jesus Christ.  Christ's main mission was to die on the cross for the sins of mankind. 

The Cross is Central to our Salvation.

The difference between Christianity and all other religions is simply this.  In the Christian Gospel, self-salvation is impossible.  As sinners, we cannot save ourselves or enter into the presence of a Holy God.  That is why Jesus had to come to the world to bear our sins and die on the cross:

"In Him we have redemption through His blood...." (Eph 1:7)

Someone said that there are many creeds in the world, but only one Cross.

The Cross is Central to our Discipleship.

Our Christian life begins at the cross but it does not end there.  Paul declares:

"I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me.  (Galations 2:20).

Jesus gives us this challenge:

"He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of me"  (Matthew 10:38)

Cross-bearing symbolises self denial and death to our interests.  This is not a once and for all activity, but a daily exercise.  The cross also symbolises suffering.  However in His grace He helps us endure suffering and we are promised a crown after we bear the cross.

The Cross is Central to our Eternal Worship

The Bible tells us that our future worship in heaven will be centred on Jesus Christ - the Lamb that was slain:

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain..." (Revelation 5:12)

Jesus was slain on the cross but now He sits on the throne forever and ever.  The picture of the slain lamb (which is spoken of three times in Revelation Chapter 5), is a salient reminder to us that we who are in heaven - are there only because of what Jesus did at the cross!

Jonathan James