BLESSINGS OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism) DIP, BA, (Theology) MA, PhD

BLESSINGS OF THE CROSS
OF CHRIST

“... Who HIMSELF bore our sins in HIS own BODY on the tree, that we having died to sins, might live for righteousness- by whose stripes you were healed,” {1 Peter 2:24}

INTRODUCTION:

     The Cross of JESUS CHRIST is the symbol of the LOVE and BLESSINGS of GOD to the human race, and not just a wooden staked that connotes HIS suffering. In the words of Ralph Mahoney {1993:10}, “when JESUS CHRIST was put  to death by being nailed to a wooden cross, wicked men thought they were just executing a man who was disturbing their way of life.” They did not realize that the CROSS was planned by GOD from the beginning of the world. In fact, “through the death of HIS SON on the CROSS,” as Mahoney further remarks, “GOD was dealing with every person’s sin, suffering and sorrow.” In other words, JESUS really died in the place of every person in the world.

     But, it is one thing to have the knowledge of the historic events of the death of JESUS CHRIST, and another thing to believe and receive HIM for redemption. According to Herbert Lockyer {1964:189}, “the blessings and benefits of redemption are as varied, as they are vast. Simply and solely, with HIS precious BLOOD, CHRIST Has redeemed us from the powers and consequences of sin, as well as from hell and the present evil world.” And, “any doubt, as to the full coverage of the redemption of CHRIST  indicates a low estimate of the value of the ransom-price HE paid, and casts the dishonour of a foul suspicion upon the DIVINE REDEEMER HIMSELF.” By this, therefore, please notice that the CROSS of JESUS CHRIST offers redemption from:

{1} SIN AND ITS CONSEQUENCES

     The Book of Genesis chapter three vividly gives the story of sin and its consequences, as it shows how Satan, the Devil,  through the instrumentality of the old serpent lured  Adam and Eve, the first human parents into rebellion against GOD and HIS WORD, and the consequences that followed. As you may need to know, sin brought about sorrow {vs. 19} and death {Rom. 5:12}. But, one who believes in CHRIST obtains redemption through HIS BLOOD, as well as, the forgiveness of sins, {Eph. 1:7}.

{2} CURSE(S) OF THE LAW

     “Everyone who sins breaks the law. In fact, sin is lawlessness” {1John 3:4}, and the breaking of the Law of GOD {sin} attracts curse(s). But, CHRIST appeared so that HE might take away our sins, in order to redeem one who believes from the curse(s) of the Law. In line with this, the Bible says, “CHRIST redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us,” for it is written: cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree. HE redeemed us in order that the blessing of Abraham might come to us through HIM”, {Gal. 3:13}.

{3} THE WRATH OF GOD

     The wrath of GOD abides with everyone who does not believe in CHRIST {John 3:36}, but those who believe are justified by HIS BLOOD, as well as set free from the wrath, {Rom. 5:9}. For, “When we were GOD’S enemies, we were reconciled to HIM through the death of HIS SON...” {vs. 10}. This shows that GOD did not appoint those who believe in HIS SON to wrath, but to receive salvation through HIM who died, so that, whether we are alive or dead, we may live together with HIM, {1 Thess. 5:9-10}.

{4} POVERTY AND SETBACKS

     Poverty and setback are the effects of sin. For, if Adam and Eve did not sin, GOD wouldn’t have cursed the land, and so, there wouldn’t have been poverty and setback, {Gen. 3:17-18}. But, CHRIST also redeems from poverty, as the Bible says, “our LORD JESUS CHRIST, though HE was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, so that we, through His poverty might become rich, {2 Cor. 8:9}. So, if GOD has made provision for us to overcome poverty and setbacks, it becomes wise to refrain fromgetting rich, which carried serious  and devastating sorrows, since “the blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and HE adds no sorrow to it,” {Prov. 10:22}.

{5} TORMENTS OF HELL

     Hell is the final destination of every sinner who fails to repent. The Scripture describes it as second death, as well as a place of fire and brimstone, where the unrepentant sinner will forever live in torments, {Rev. 21:8}. But, GOD demonstrates HIS own LOVE for us in this; while we were still sinners CHRIST died for us,” {Rom. 5;8}.

     In conclusion, this gospel project has briefly shown that through Adam and Eve, sin entered this world, and brought about the sorrows, sufferings and death that affect humanity, {Rom. 5:12}. But through the death of JESUS CHRIST on the CROSS of Calvary, GOD provides complete victory and the fulness of HIS blessing to everyone who believes, and now, HE says, “Come to ME, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest,” {Matt. 11:28}.

REFERENCES:

Mahoney, Ralph {1993}, The Shepherd’s Staff,

World MAP, San Fernand Blvd, Burbank, CA, U.S.A.

Lockyer, Herbert {1964}, All the Doctrines of the Bible,

Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michgan, U.S.A.

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