Friday, April 7, 2023

Five Things Nailed to the Cross

As we approach Resurrection Sunday we pause to remember that Jesus gave his life, shedding his blood on the cross for us.  As you contemplate this amazing act of love, I want to revisit 5 things that, according to Scripture, were nailed to the cross.  We could speak volumes about what Jesus accomplished on the cross, but let's just look at these 5 today.  These are 5 more reasons to rejoice in the Lord!

1. Our Debt

In Colossians 2:13-14, Paul emphasizes that our "certificate of debt" (or record of sins) was nailed to the cross with the Lord Jesus Christ, thereby canceling our debt and reconciling us to God. This imagery emphasizes the idea that Jesus' death on the cross was a once-for-all sacrifice that atoned for our sins and enabled us to be made righteous in God's sight. Through faith in Christ, we can receive forgiveness for our sins and be reconciled to God, knowing that our debt has been paid in full.


2. Our Old Self

In Galatians 2:20, Paul emphasizes that our old self (with its sinful desires) has been put to death with Christ on the cross, and we now live by faith in Him. This passage emphasizes the idea that our old, sinful selves have been crucified with Christ, and that we are now called to live in newness of life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be transformed into a new creation, no longer bound by the power of sin but empowered to live in righteousness and love.


3. Our Hostilities and Divisions 

In Ephesians 2:14-16, Paul emphasizes that Jesus' death on the cross broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles, reconciling them both to God and to each other. This passage emphasizes the idea that Christ's death on the cross not only atoned for our individual sins, but also brought about a new community of believers who are united in Christ. Through faith in Christ Jesus, we can be reconciled to God and to one another, experiencing the peace and unity that the Lord Jesus brings.


4. Our Guilt and Shame

In Hebrews 9:11-14, the author emphasizes that Christ's sacrifice on the cross was a once-for-all atonement that cleanses us from our sins and purifies our consciences. This passage emphasizes the idea that the Lord Jesus' death on the cross was a superior sacrifice to the Old Testament system of animal sacrifices, and that it has the power to cleanse us completely from sin and guilt. Through faith in Christ, we can experience the freedom and peace that come from knowing that our sins have been forgiven and our consciences have been purified.


5. Our Sins

1 Peter 2:24, Peter emphasizes that Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness. We rid ourselves of the guilt and shame completely, when its source is taken away.  This passage emphasizes the idea that Christ's death on the cross not only atoned for our sins, but also enables us to live a new life in Him, free from the power of sin. Through faith in Christ, we can receive the power and grace to live a transformed life, no longer bound by the power of sin but empowered to live in righteousness and love.

    Again there is so much more to thank God for regarding the cross of Jesus.  These ought to be enough to at least kick-start some thankfulness and praise in our hearts today!  God Bless You!

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"Grace, mercy and peace 

from God the Father 

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2 John 1:3

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