Forever Grateful For The Cross

By Ps Ng Eng Kiat

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:18

No matter how far we journey in following Christ, we must always remember what Christ did for us on the cross. What did Christ do for us on the cross?

Firstly, at the cross, we were justified. To be justified is to be made right as far as the law of God is concerned. Because of our sin, the law rightly condemns us. All of us stand guilty and condemned before God. But at the cross, God made a way for us to be forgiven. There at the cross, Christ took the punishment for the sins of the whole world, so that we can be forgiven and made righteous before God. When we come by faith to Christ, we are made right forever in the eyes of God. The weight of guilt and shame is lifted from us. We have been forgiven, and we need never feel condemned again.

Secondly, through the cross, we are reconciled. Here the picture is that of being alienated and estranged from God but then being brought back into fellowship with Him.

Paul explains this in Ephesians 2:13 when he states that “…in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

The idea of being “brought near” opens up the possibility of friendship with God. We have been given access into His very presence. We have a right to draw near to Him with boldness and confidence.

Thirdly, by the cross, we are redeemed. Here the picture is one of a slave market where people are being bought for a price. At the cross, Christ redeems us with His very own life to set us free. Having paid the ransom price at the cross, He frees us from our bondage to sin and liberates us to serve God willingly and joyfully.

A hefty price was paid for our freedom. This amazing love of God fills us with a deep sense of gratitude to Him. Indeed, gratitude becomes the motivation for giving ourselves to God to live a holy life and to serve Him wholeheartedly.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, We are so grateful for what you’ve done for us on the cross. We offer our lives afresh to you, to live for you and to serve you. In Jesus’ name.

Amen