APPRECIATE THE CROSS

To understand spiritual truth, you must first understand the cross. To accept the message of the gospel, you must accept the significance of Calvary. As disciples of Jesus, we must continually strive to appreciate the atoning work of Christ on the cross.

Christianity is not a law system, it is a love system. It will only work if you appreciate the cross—the ultimate expression of the love of God. Appreciation for God’s love does not grow out of occasional Bible study and prayer, mere abstinence from “worldly” activities, or occasional church attendance. Gratitude for Calvary grows out of a life lived close to God. As we seek Him, as we walk with Him, as we get to know Him better, we appreciate more and more the free gift of salvation. To know Him is to love Him, and those who know Him best love Him most.

The message of the gospel is the message of the cross. Any “message” that emphasizes what man has done rather than what God has done is not the gospel. The Bible is a book about the cross. Any Bible student should be able to clearly see that the emphasis of the New Testament is Jesus. Our allegiance must be to Him, and our message must be His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

Sadly, many who claim to be Christians do not give their allegiance to Christ. When we speak and act as though we can be saved by our righteousness and goodness, we minimize the importance of the cross. When our lips proclaim, “Lord, Lord,” and yet our lives are not in harmony with the Bible, we turn our backs on the cross (Matt. 7:21; Lk. 6:46). Jesus did not die so that you and I could live any way we want to live. The cross demands obedience and commitment. Give your heart and life to Jesus and live for Him, appreciating the cross on which He died for you.

                                            Dewayne Dunaway