The entire world and everyone in it will be judged at and by the cross. In other words, everyone will be accepted or rejected by their response to the cross.

The true gospel is about the cross, which stands at the focal point of history. Sooner or later, everyone will be confronted with it. Everyone’s journey leads eventually, in one way or another, to the cross. The everlasting Gospel is the Gospel of the cross, which will be preached to all mankind. (Revelation 14:6). What people do with it will determine their eternal destiny.

THE CROSS AND ETERNAL DESTINY

This was dramatically portrayed when Jesus died on the cross. On each side of him was a condemned sinner. They saw him die and both mocked him. However, one repented and called out to Jesus, “Lord remember me when you come into your Kingdom”. Jesus immediately assured him of eternal life. (Luke 23:43). Even this hardened thief found forgiveness.

Sooner or later each person will be confronted by the cross. The cross stands in the “eternal now”. Jesus said that if he “is lifted up” he will draw all men to himself. (John 3:14-18, 12:32). Just as the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness depicting the horror of sin, and all who looked upon it in faith were healed, so too all those who look with faith to Jesus on the cross will be saved. (Numbers 21:9).

If, however, having understood God’s offer of clemency an individual turns away from it, they will be lost. (Hebrews 10:29). By rejecting the sacrifice Jesus made there is no salvation. There is no forgiveness, no redemption, no justification, no sanctification, no peace with God and no eternal life without the blood. (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, 20, Romans 5:9, Hebrews 10:10, Revelation 1:5, 5:9).

THE CROSS AND THE LOVE OF CHRIST

Yet so many churches today never mention the cross or the blood in their sermons. Christ died for you because he loves you. Search the pages of history and you will not find anyone else who loves you like he loves you. With wide open arms he calls you to come. If you come to him you will be fully forgiven.

No wonder Pontius Pilate pointed to Jesus and said “Behold your King”. He was covered with blood after having been scourged. Christ’s earthly throne was a cross and his crown a crown of thorns. He was crowned the King of Love. He is incomparable – there is none other as pure and loving as him.

THE EXCHANGE AT THE CROSS

He was without sin and never became sin but took the curse of sin and its punishment upon himself. He did an exchange by taking our sins in order to give us his righteousness. (Galatians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21). God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Christ took the consequences of sin and experienced every pain, suffering, sadness and sorrow that the whole of mankind has ever experienced. He took your place so that you may be forgiven, reborn, and receive life.

If, by looking at and considering the suffering that Christ endured on the cross, you glimpse just a fraction of God’s great love for you, then it will touch your heart where nothing else does. It will compel you to bow at the feet of Christ, give him your heart, crown him as your king, and motivate you to follow him.

Join me as we embark on a journey through “A Life of Faith.”

Blog Series Four – The Laws of God’s Kingdom