What is the power of the cross?
Introduction. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians he said: "for the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor 1: 18). "The cross" is not just a reference to the wooden instrument used to crucify Jesus. It is a abbreviated way of referring to His betrayal, trials, suffering, crucifixion, vicarious atoning death for us, and his glorious resurrection. The power of the cross is seen in verse 21. "...it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." In answering our question, let us consider the "the power of the cross."
The cross, the death of Jesus, has power to reconcile men to God. Consider Paul's language, "for if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son..." (Rom. 5:10). Notice reconciliation takes place as a result of the death (cross) of Jesus.
The cross had the power to unite Jew and Gentile in Christ. "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" (Eph. 2: 16). There was severe racism between the Jew and Gentile; yet, Jesus' death could unite them unto God. The cross can unite men today if they will accept the "one faith" (Eph. 4: 3-6, 1 Cor. 1: 10).
The cross has the power to promote zeal. In view of Jesus' death Paul writes, :...that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them. And rose again" (2 Cor. 5: 14-15). No manner of secular motivation can compare to the motivation of Jesus' death. Yes, there is power in the cross – the power of the sinless Lamb of God who died for your sins and for mine! Therefore, we ought to desire to serve him and call him our Lord/Master. We should be willing to offer heart-felt service by doing what he says (Luke 6:46). Do you appreciate the cross of Christ? Are you experiencing the power of the cross in you life?
The cross, the death of Jesus, has power to reconcile men to God. Consider Paul's language, "for if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son..." (Rom. 5:10). Notice reconciliation takes place as a result of the death (cross) of Jesus.
The cross had the power to unite Jew and Gentile in Christ. "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" (Eph. 2: 16). There was severe racism between the Jew and Gentile; yet, Jesus' death could unite them unto God. The cross can unite men today if they will accept the "one faith" (Eph. 4: 3-6, 1 Cor. 1: 10).
The cross has the power to promote zeal. In view of Jesus' death Paul writes, :...that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them. And rose again" (2 Cor. 5: 14-15). No manner of secular motivation can compare to the motivation of Jesus' death. Yes, there is power in the cross – the power of the sinless Lamb of God who died for your sins and for mine! Therefore, we ought to desire to serve him and call him our Lord/Master. We should be willing to offer heart-felt service by doing what he says (Luke 6:46). Do you appreciate the cross of Christ? Are you experiencing the power of the cross in you life?