Simply Christian - At the Cross

The cross of Jesus Christ stands at the epicenter of authentic Christianity. Some wear some form of it around their necks, while others have it displayed in their church buildings. However you the cross, it has had a profound affect on humanity from the time the Savior hang there nearly two thousand years ago.

Shaped by His cross

In the first century, Christians knew the significance of Christ's cross and His death on it. They knew that because of the cross they had been reconciled to God and brought to one another (Ephesians 2:14-16). Through Jesus' ransom on that cruel tree, forgiveness and purpose are found and shared in His body of saved people. Christians today are reminded of the Savior's terrible death every first week day when we assemble at the foot of the cross, around the Lord's table. The Christians in the first century kept that Memorial also (cf. Matthew 26:26-28; Acts 20:7).

The cross shapes every aspect of Christian life. Our relationships, work ethics, attitudes, and sense of gratitude should always be fashioned by what Jesus did for us on Calvary. This was true of the early saints. They preached the cross faithfully. They remembered the cross weekly. They lived the cross daily.

The cross is humbling

At no other point in time should we be ashamed. As we stand at the foot of the cross, we recognize why Jesus was there: Because of me. My sin. My lies. My jealousy. My pride. My envy. My bad attitude. All of those things (and many more), put Jesus on the cross. Our imperfections, flaws, and short-comings are all realized at the cross.

In the pure religion of Christ, there is absolutely no place for pride or boasting. Without Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, there would be no forgiveness or redemption. There would be no eternal life. There would be no hope. Paul said this concerning the cross, "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Galatians 6:14). There is no place of baosting at the foot of the cross

What the cross means

• Reconciliation. Through the cross of Christ, as we mentioned before, we are reconciled to God and brought together as the church. Broken relationships are mended at the cross of Jesus.


• Love. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's affection for us. Paul told the Christians at Rome, "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). At the cross we encounter God's love. And, we reflect His love to others.


• Relief. For the burdened, guilty, and sin-stained soul, the cross is a breath of fresh air. It is the place where the yoke of sin is lifted and one is made free to be a servant of righteousness (cf. Romans 6:14-18). On the cross, Jesus figuratively had His arms stretched out saying, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30).

The cross is so important in putting true Christianity in perspective. It reminds disciples where we have been, and where we are going. It reminds of a Savior's victory over sin. It tells of His wondrous grace and mercy. When we forget about the cross, we forget about what our religion is all about.

May we always be people who are appreciative of the cross!