“The central issue of the cross was not the physical suffering of our Lord; the central issue was our Lord sharing the sins of the world,” said Ray Pritchard. He says further, “In many churches, the cross has fallen to the ground. Instead of boasting in the cross, we have neglected it, substituting in its place religious activity and therapeutic language designed to help us feel better about ourselves.”
To some the cross is an outright offense. It offends our pride reminding us we are sinners (Rom. 3:23). It speaks of blood, which is disgusting to many (I John 1:7). It makes demands, asking us to take up our crosses (Luke 9:23). To the tolerant of today the cross is exclusive. “No man comes unto the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).
No one can imagine all that took place on the cross. The physical agony was excruciating. He had sweat great drops of blood; He was beaten; nails were driven through His hands and feet; He died of asphyxiation. Crucifixion was so despicable it was not used by Romans on their own citizens. The mental agony was severe. His best friends deserted Him; He was betrayed; He was shamed by nakedness; He was mocked and spit upon. The spiritual agony was even worse. To have God turn His back would be the ultimate hopelessness.
Why did the Father and the Son allow the cross? “Christ also died for sins, once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God” (I Peter 3:18). “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed” (Is. 53:5). “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). My sins separated me from God; I owed a debt I could not pay. But God Himself, in a human body, paid my penalty.
While some are offended by the cross, we who have received His gift of pardon glory in the cross.
Calvary covers it all, my past with its sin and stain; my guilt and despair Jesus took on Him there, and Calvary covers it all.
Mrs. W. G. Taylor
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me who caused His pain? For me who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that Thou my God should die for me?
Charles Wesley