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The Cross of Jesus Christ

The death of Jesus on the cross means many things. It is the greatest demonstration of God’s love for his creation. “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). It would also be true to say that the death of Jesus on the cross proves to us the hatred God has against sin, since the alternative is everlasting torment in hell. On the other hand, it would also be true to say that the cross proves to us our great worth and value, since God allowed his Son to suffer and die in order to redeem us. All of these are true in part.

But the greatest or highest meaning of the cross is the holiness and justice of God (Romans 3:23–26). In an act of God’s grace and mercy, he allowed the sins of his children to go unpunished (3:25). But this would mean that he was not keeping his word to punish all who sin. Is God a liar?

The reputation of God was at stake until the cross. By sending his own son—both God and man—he became just (punishing sin as he promised he would) and the justifier (the one who allows sinners to go unpunished).

Jesus upheld the righteous and holy character of God and bore the punishment of sinners that the law of God required. The highest or greatest meaning of the cross is the righteousness and holiness of God.

With his name now upheld as righteous and holy, he is free to demonstrate his good character in pouring out his love to us in the same way that he cleared his name and redeemed all of mankind. The cross is first and foremost about God and we have reaped the benefits of his greatness!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Mitch

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