In the time
of Jesus Christ, when He appeared in flesh and blood living amongst us, the
cross symbolized painful execution and punishment for wrong. The Roman
government of that day used it for capital punishment. Jesus accepted to bear
this painful cross on our behalf. "He bore our sins in His body on the cross,
so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds, you
have been healed,” (1 Peter 2:14).
In the
world today the cross is a symbol of Christianity. People wear a miniature
cross around the neck or display it in a place of worship as can be found in
the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos Nigeria. The cross that used to be
a symbol of torture, execution, repulsiveness Jesus Christ has turned it into a
symbol of victory, triumph and salvation for everyone who would believe in Him.
This is why believers throughout the ages have chosen this as a sign of their
faith. In fact, without the cross in our teaching the theology will be
incomplete, empty, and Christianity a powerless religion. According to
Scripture, there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Heb.
9:22). Christ had to bear the punishment for our sin for God to grant us forgiveness.
If you
don’t know Jesus as a personal Lord and Saviour please look to the cross. You
may hear Him knocking at the door of your heart. Also by watching Prophet TB
Joshua on Emmanuel TV or listening to SCOAN messages, people's testimonies
should encourage you to experience Jesus first hand. The purpose is to help you
know Jesus better and believe His words in your heart for your salvation. Then
the transformation begins. Then the cross that seems heavy and unbearable will
become a symbol of victory and celebration for our life. Emmanuel.
Prof. R. A. Ipinyomi, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
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