Christ Crucified
“For the word of the cross is to them that are perishing foolishness; but unto us who are being saved, it is the power of God. …Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumbling block, and unto Gentiles foolishness;” – 1 Corinthians 1:18,22-23
The uncleanness that stains many churches is from lip-service to Christ crucified. Confronted with him, pride and deceit must end. Though familiar with the convicting truth, many remain far from Jesus. Speaking and singing about him, can be a diversion from him . We may be like those Paul described, “ever learning, and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” -2 Timothy 3:7 We may be eager to learn more data from scripture, but ignore our sins . “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” – 1 Cor. 15:3
Our rebellion that began in Eden, from the desire to “be as God”, can only be broken within us by seeing the Lord crucified. Conviction of sin is not just a once-in-a-lifetime event. (Paul resisting Peter at Antioch shows that, Galatians 2:11. See also, 1 Timothy 5:20 ) From our initial conviction of sin, there follows many subsequent convictions and surrenders to the Lord. Christ crucified, once for all , is the only truth with the power to repeatedly bring us to surrender and cleansing.
Why did Jesus have to die such a painful and shameful death? Was it essential to assure each of us that none of our sin is beyond such a death? If I feel my sin is beyond forgiveness, I should despair. But because a sinless one was so shamed , all of our sin can be forgiven. Will we use our imagination to consider him suffering for our deeds and deceits? Nothing else will pierce our pride so that his
life may be received. The Father literally, “made him sick”, in bearing our sin and shame. (Isaiah 53:10)
If we proudly refuse to confess our sins, it shows that we have not yet received his life, for he humbled himself to the death of the cross.
Jesus said, “but to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”-Luke 7:47 Will we examine ourselves and find little more than being careless about sending get well cards? The spirit of the world teaches us to keep silent about sin. Disciples are called out of the world to
follow Jesus in death to our sin . This is our present struggle that scripture calls sanctification, and it occurs across our lifetime. In August 2001, at Cane Ridge, KY, about 70 disciples stood as the 10 commandments were read one at a time, and we made numerous confessions of transgression in response to each. It was an experience of true renewal to the Lord crucified.
The Lord's supper is meant to be a time of self- inspection for all who claim Christ crucified for me . (1 Cor. 11:27-28) We are called to remember him who always did the Father's will, for we have not. We should see his travail of dying - shamed in our place - to become our covering . He alone can pierce our pride unto death. He alone can send the Spirit into our hearts, transforming us to be like children – sincere, humble, dependent upon our Father's mercy. Jesus is God's final word to save us from “the wrath to come.”
“Forbid it Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my Lord; all the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood.”- Issac Watts
“Today, if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” – Hebrews 4:7 |