We are living in a day when the message of the church is changing. Churches, and even whole denominations, are moving away from the old message of salvation through the blood of Jesus, and are moving toward a message of salvation through social activism and good works. The old bloody message of the cross is quickly being replaced by a bloodless message that lacks power and that lacks hope. Instead of hearing the devastating, but life changing news that men are sinners, people hear a message that tells them, “I’m OK and you’re OK!”

        Well, God expects the same stand that the Apostle Paul took all those years ago. When he wrote to the church in Corinth, Paul reminded them that he had been called for one purpose that purpose was to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That message was to be his focus and that message was to be his ministry. Today, I would like to restate the old, old message. I would like to remind you about what happened that day when the Lord Jesus died on the cross at Calvary. Because, it was that event, which took place at Calvary 2,000 years ago; that altered the future for every person who places their faith in the One who died there that day. Let’s return together to the cross of Calvary, and try to grasp The message of The Cross!

I would like to take you back to a little hill just outside the gates of the city of Jerusalem, where we will encounter an event that purchased and provided salvation for every person who receives that event as their very own. Two things that hit hard on me about the cross are the Purpose and Power of the Cross. Let the Holy Spirit guide you while you read through the message of the cross.

1. THE PURPOSE OF THE CROSS

    A. About Making A Statement – Since way back in the Old Testament, the Lord has been telling His people of His everlasting love, Deut.7:7-8; Jer 31:3. However, in Christ’s death on the cross, God was able to declare boldly, for all to see, His boundless, matchless love for the loss of this world (Rom 5:6-8) The cross is God’s statement of love to the world John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”!

    B. About Providing Salvation – The Bible, tells us that there is no other way to cleanse sin, but through the sacrifice of an innocent one, Heb 9:22 (..Without shedding of blood is no remission). This is seen all the way back in the beginning when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, Gen 3:21. This same line of thought continues all the way through the days of the Tabernacle and the Temple. There, sin was atoned for by the blood of sheep, bulls and goats, but it was never taken away, Heb 10:4; Heb 10:10-11. However, the Lord Jesus went to the cross and died for the sins of humanity. When he did, His death on the cross forever settled the sin debt of man, Heb 10:12-14; Heb 9:24-28! It is clear yet? If not, then read these two precious passages of scripture, Rev 1:5; 1 Pet 1:18-19. (Note: the word “saved’ in this verse means, “to keep safe and sound, to rescue from all harm and danger; from destruction and from perishing!” Sounds to me like when a person comes to Jesus by faith and gets saved, it’s a done deal! That person does not need to fear losing his salvation, John 10:28!)

   C. About Defeating Satan – Ever since the Lucifer sinned and became the devil, he has been in the business of trying to hinder the work of God. He loves nothing better than keeping souls in bondage and seeing them condemned to hell, Eph 2:1-3. But, When Jesus went to the cross, I am of the opinion that the devil thought he had won the victory that day. I am sure he rejoiced when Jesus cried out, “It is finished!” But, what the devil did not know that day was that the Lord Jesus wasn’t planning to stay dead! May be the devil should have listened closer and he would have understood that Jesus did not say, “I am finished!” He said “It is Finished!” You see, when Jesus died on the cross, He did not die to stay dead, but He rose from the dead three days later! The Bible tells us that the victory over the devil is found in the blood of the lamb, Rev 12:11. Note: Satan is defeated! He may roar like a ferocious lion and he may try to keep you from God, 1 Pet 5:8, but he has been defeated by the power of God and you do not have to remain his prisoner evermore! There is power in the blood of Jesus to set you free!

     2. THE POWER OF THE CROSS

         When the power of the cross is appropriated, three great and wonderful things take place.

    A. Sin Dies – When a person places his/her faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, That person is forever is changed! The chains of sin are broken, Rom 6:14, and they are made into a new creature, 2 Cor 5:17. Now, the new born believer does not have to live his life in bondage to sin, Rom 6:6! The blood has the power to change every life touched by it! There really is wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb!

   B. Hell Is Defeated – One of the most precious verses in the Bible pertaining to this subject is found in John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life”. There, the Bible tells us that we will never come into condemnation! Romans 8:1, confirms this for us! Thank God, no child of God will ever have to go to Hell, Satan will not get his wish! That ought to cause us to rejoice forevermore!

   C. Heaven Is Delivered – The blood is the key that unlocks the gates of glory! When the blood is applied, the child of God becomes instantly destined for an eternity in Heaven with the Lord! That is His promise to every believer, John 14:1-3. And, there is only one way to get to that glorious place, John3:3-7.

   When evangelist John Wesley was returning home from service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature. As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!” The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit. Years later, Wesley was greeting people after Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a believer in Christ as a successful business man, was the one who had robbed him years before! “I owe it all to you,” said the transformed man. Oh no, my friend, “Wesley exclaimed, “not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!”

    Has the blood been applied to your life? Is your name written down in Heaven? Is your faith in Jesus and in Him alone? If you need to come to Jesus for salvation, today is the day of salvation through blood of Jesus. If you need to get your walk with God Straightened out, just kneel down right away and pray with all your heart asking God to cleanse you by His precious blood shed for us in the cross of Calvary. The resurrected saviour is dealing with your heart today! Share this Good news to all your loved ones with all your heart, for God is ready to work in their heart too.