THE CROSS OF CHRIST

"The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God" -- 1 Corinthians 1:18

Devotion 1 of 13

INTRODUCTION

The cross of Christ is a pivotal point in history, and a foundational point of sound doctrine. Neither God nor Jesus can be understood to any measurable degree apart from the cross. More of God and Christ are seen here than at any previous juncture in history. Here heaven and earth converge in an unparalleled exposition of the Person and love of God. Here, at the cross, the unimaginable depravity of man is exposed in all of its dreadfulness.

Both the novice and the elder sit at the foot of the cross to learn of God, Christ, themselves, and the "great salvation of God." There is not a point in spiritual life where the cross becomes irrelevant or ceases to minister to the human spirit. The cross is a great clarifier in the Kingdom of God, opening new vistas of eternal verity for our consideration.

The phrase "the cross of Christ" is mentioned three times in Scripture. The text for this series relates it to preaching that effects the purpose of God. Galatians 6:12 mentions it within the context of persecution, affirming that the embrace of Christ's cross will bring about opposition from those who are of the world. Philippians 3:18 declares there are some who are "enemies of the cross of Christ," identifying them as those who "mind earthly things" and are destined for destruction.

Five times, the Epistles refer to simply "THE cross" (1 Cor 1:18; Gal 5:11; Eph 2:16; Phil 2:8; Heb 12:2), and once to "the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal 6:14). Colossians refers to "HIS cross" two times (1:20; 2:14). In all of these references central doctrine is being expounded. At no time is the use of the term casual, incidental, or without primary significance.

Jesus, The Heart of True Theology
Jesus Christ is at the center of true theology. The understanding of God and His will may only be obtained through His Son. As our blessed Lord Himself said, "All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him" (Luke 10:22). That is an arresting statement, highly disruptive of much of the theology of our day. It tells us that God and His Son cannot even be identified without the immediate involvement of Jesus Christ. There are false gods and false Christs all about us (1 Cor 8:5), for "many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). Only Jesus can make our quest for God productive!

Notice that only the Father knows Who the Son is! How will He share that insight with us? Or, are we shut up to questions and doubt? Indeed, we are not! God desires to be known, and delights in showing us His Son. From old time, He has made known this aspect of His character. "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD" (Jer 9:23-24). We are never justified in thinking that God does not want to show us His Son. After all, He sent Him into the world to save us.

The identity of the Father and the Son can only be realized through Divine intervention! When Jesus says, "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father," He is affirming the true identity of the Son cannot be discovered independently of the Father Himself. However resounding the evidence of Jesus' sonship may appear, men will not be able to conclude who He is without it being revealed them – as it was to Peter (Matt 16:16-17). This is precisely why Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him" (John 6:44,65). When Jesus says, "Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him," He means the Father is unknowable apart from His ministry and revelation.

Flesh will remonstrate at this, saying this is too esoteric and restrictive. However, this is not the case at all! After declaring no one can know the Father except the one to whom the Son "wills to reveal Him," Jesus broke forth in a glorious invitation. "Come to Me, all you 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, NKJV). Jesus will, then, make the Father known to all who come to Jesus.

This series will proclaim that both the Father and the Son have revealed much of themselves in the cross of Christ. It is a rich reservoir of spiritual knowledge. Blessed is the person who takes advantage of its power and resources.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for making Yourself known – indeed, for desiring to make Yourself known. In the name of the Christ of the cross, I ask You to open to me the marvelous realities that are made known in the cross that belonged to Your Son.

– Tomorrow: THE REAL JESUS --