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The Cross of Christ
by Brian Brodersen on 3 April 2012
In eternity past God the Son made the decision to save sinners by dying in their place. He also chose the means by which He would die. He chose death by crucifixion! Death by crucifixion is arguably the most painful, most shameful form of execution ever devised by man.
Why then did Jesus choose the cross?
Two reasons come to mind. One, Jesus’ death on the cross displayed most clearly God’s abhorrence of sin and the punishment that sin merits. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross was the most vivid display in all of history of the wrath of a holy God against sin. On the cross, Jesus was being numbered with the transgressors and bearing in His own body and soul the punishment sin deserves. The cross testifies to the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the absolute holiness of God.
Two, in the cross Jesus was identifying fully with a suffering humanity. Man has suffered immensely throughout history: disease, disaster, injustice, cruelty, torture, heartbreak, death—history is a long tale of suffering and woe. In His love, Jesus chose to experience the full impact of what sin had done to the human race. The cross testifies to the immeasurable compassion of the Son of God for suffering sinners!
This is a special week where we as the people of God take time to reflect on the great love of the Father—a love that was demonstrated in Him giving up His only Son to die in our stead. As we meditate and reflect on the cross over these next few days, may the Holy Spirit move us to a greater love, appreciation, and adoration of our Savior who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.
Come and see
Look on this mystery
Lord of the universe
Nailed to a tree
Christ our God
Spilling His holy blood
Bowing in anguish
His sacred head
Sing to Jesus
Lord of our shame
Lord of our sinful hearts
He is our great Redeemer
Sing to Jesus
Honor His name
Sing of His faithfulness
Pouring His life out unto death
Sing to Jesus
His is the throne
Now and forever
He is the King of heaven
Sing to Jesus
We are His own
Now and forever
Sing for the love our God has shown
(“Sing to Jesus”; Studio Series, Fernando Ortega)
Brian has been involved in pastoral ministry for over 30 years. He has served as senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Vista, California, and as senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Westminster, London, England. Brian has been extensively involved in missions and church planting work throughout various parts of the world. He now serves at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California. Brian is the featured speaker on the Bible teaching program "Back to Basics." He is known for his clear and challenging exposition of the Scriptures. Brian and his wife Cheryl have four children and four grandsons and reside in Southern California. You can connect with Pastor Brian through his Facebook Page or Twitter.
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