During the Passover, Jesus gave His life for our sins at the cross. The cross symbolizes the sacrifice that was made to free us from all sin. It is a symbol of God’s love and power to save. The message of the cross is important for today. There are some who do not believe in it and its power. However, if we say that we are saved, then there must be a belief in the cross.
In order for the remission of sins to take place, lambs were sacrificed at the altar for the children of Israel. This was a representation of Jesus’ sacrifice which was to come. The cross was an altar and Jesus was the sacrifice. God accepted this sacrifice.
26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. Hebrews 7:26-27 (NKJV)
Because of the cross, we have a hope and a good future. The death of Christ opened a door for us to walk in holiness and peace. We are now able to come to the throne boldly. There may have been closed doors in our lives but because of the cross, doors will begin to open. Our future is good and bright. Our destiny is not connected to what our parents did or even want for us. Our destiny is connected to Jesus Christ.
What a love! Jesus died on the cross for us (Romans 5:6-8). While we were yet sinners, Christ died. The cross speaks of the love and mercy of God towards us. It is a place of redemption. Jesus paid the penalty of our sins for our freedom. He shed His blood so that we could have a relationship with God. His death accomplishes reconciliation. Jesus became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NKJV)
The cross is a symbol of our total forgiveness and freedom from sin (Ephesians 1:7-8). Jesus bore the penalty and took our place to redeem us back to God. Therefore, we are not saved by our works that we should boast. It is when we are saved that we then do good works for the glory of God.
The cross is a place of healing. When Jesus died on the cross, He not only took our iniquities but every infirmity and sickness. By His stripes, we are healed (Isaiah 53 :5, Matthew 8:16-17, 1 Peter 2:24). To heal means to cure or to make whole again. Our lives can be made whole because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
The cross is a place of victory. Jesus was victorious not only at His resurrection but at the cross. It seemed as though evil triumphed over Christ at the cross. However, this was far from the truth. It was where the seed of the woman finally crushed the head of the serpent with his heel. Christ made a public spectacle of all principalities and powers (Colossians 2:13-15). He had the final laugh.
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 (NKJV)
If they had only knew what we would become after we suffered, they wouldn’t do it. However, there is a bigger picture and God had a greater plan. We may suffer but at the end, we will be victorious. We will not always be on the cross. The third day is coming where we will be resurrected in victory and strength. Sunday is coming!
