The Cross stands as the central symbol of Christianity, representing not just the physical reality of Christ’s crucifixion but also the profound spiritual truths that it carries.
To many, it may seem paradoxical or even mysterious how an instrument of suffering and death can become the emblem of hope, salvation, and victory. Yet, the mystery of the Cross is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, embodying God’s love, grace, and the transformative power that flows from it.
7 Benefit of the Cross It Brings to Believers [The Mystery of the Cross]
In this article, we will explore the deep mystery of the Cross and delve into seven powerful benefits it brings to believers. As we journey through these truths, may our hearts be stirred and our spirits uplifted by the wonder and grace found in the Cross.
The Mystery of the Cross: A Divine Paradox
To understand the mystery of the Cross, we must first acknowledge its paradoxical nature. The Cross, in the time of Jesus, was a symbol of shame, reserved for the worst of criminals. It was an excruciating and humiliating way to die. Yet, through Jesus’ crucifixion, this instrument of death was transformed into a symbol of life and hope.
This transformation is a mystery that invites us to explore the depth of God’s wisdom and the nature of His love. How can something so brutal and violent become the means of our salvation? The Apostle Paul captures this paradox in 1 Corinthians 1:18, saying, “For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Herein lies the mystery: the Cross, which appears to be the ultimate defeat, is actually the ultimate victory. It is through this seeming defeat that Jesus conquers sin and death, offering us new life. This mystery of the Cross is not something to be fully understood with the mind alone but to be embraced with the heart and spirit, for it is the revelation of God’s love and justice, His mercy and righteousness, perfectly balanced in the person of Jesus Christ.
1. The Cross Provides Redemption and Forgiveness
At the heart of the Cross is the message of redemption. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are redeemed from the bondage of sin. Sin separates us from God, and no amount of human effort can bridge that gap. But in Christ’s death, the price for sin was paid in full. His blood was shed as a ransom, purchasing our freedom and bringing us into a right relationship with God.
This redemption is accompanied by forgiveness. Colossians 1:13-14 says, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” The Cross wipes our slate clean, not because we deserve it, but because of God’s incredible grace.
Forgiveness through the Cross is not just a one-time event; it is an ongoing reality. As believers, we can come to the Cross repeatedly, confessing our sins and receiving God’s mercy anew. The Cross assures us that no sin is too great for God’s forgiveness, and no past too dark for His redemption.
2. The Cross Brings Reconciliation with God
Another profound benefit of the Cross is reconciliation. Sin not only enslaves us but also estranges us from God. The relationship between humanity and God was broken by sin, and only through the Cross can that relationship be restored.
Romans 5:10 states, “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” The Cross bridges the gap between God and humanity, making peace where there was once enmity.
This reconciliation is not merely a return to a neutral state; it is the beginning of an intimate relationship with God. Through the Cross, we are adopted into God’s family, becoming His children and heirs to His promises. The Cross opens the door to a life of fellowship with God, where we can walk with Him, talk with Him, and experience His love daily.
3. The Cross Defeats the Power of Sin and Death
The Cross is the place where the power of sin and death was decisively broken. Before the Cross, sin held dominion over humanity, leading to spiritual death and eternal separation from God. But Jesus’ death and resurrection changed everything. He bore the weight of our sins on the Cross, and in doing so, He destroyed the power that sin and death held over us.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 declares, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Through the Cross, we are no longer slaves to sin. The chains of sin are broken, and we are given the power to live in freedom. This doesn’t mean we will never struggle with sin, but it means that sin no longer has the final say. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and live in the righteousness of Christ.
4. The Cross Offers New Life and Transformation
The Cross is not just about what we are saved from, but also what we are saved for. Through the Cross, we are given new life—a life that is transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
This new life is marked by a transformation of our heart, mind, and actions. The old patterns of sin and brokenness are replaced by a new way of living that reflects the character of Christ. The Cross doesn’t just save us from the penalty of sin; it also saves us from the power of sin in our daily lives, enabling us to live in a way that honors God.
This transformation is ongoing, as we daily take up our cross and follow Jesus. It is a process of becoming more like Christ, a journey of growth in love, holiness, and faith. The Cross empowers us to live out our new identity in Christ, walking in the fullness of the life He has given us.
5. The Cross Brings Healing and Wholeness
Isaiah 53:5 proclaims, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” The Cross brings not only spiritual healing but also emotional and physical healing. Jesus bore our sufferings on the Cross, and in doing so, He made a way for us to experience His healing touch in every area of our lives.
This healing is available to us today. Whether we are dealing with emotional wounds, physical ailments, or spiritual brokenness, we can bring our pain to the Cross and find healing in the presence of Jesus. The Cross is a place of restoration, where what is broken is made whole, and what is wounded is healed.
Healing through the Cross is both a present reality and a future promise. While we may not experience complete healing in this life, the Cross assures us that ultimate healing is ours in Christ. We look forward to the day when there will be no more pain, suffering, or death—when we will be fully restored in the presence of our Savior.
6. The Cross Demonstrates the Love of God
Perhaps the most profound mystery of the Cross is that it is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The Cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity.
This love is not just a feeling or an abstract concept; it is a love that takes action, a love that sacrifices. On the Cross, God’s love was poured out for us, even while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The Cross shows us the depth and extent of God’s love. It is a love that pursues us, a love that lays down its life for us, a love that never gives up on us. When we look at the Cross, we see a God who loves us so much that He was willing to endure the greatest suffering to bring us back to Himself. This love is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope.
7. The Cross Secures Eternal Life
Finally, the Cross secures for us the promise of eternal life. Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the way for us to enter into eternal life with God. John 11:25-26 records Jesus’ words: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
The Cross is the gateway to eternal life. Through faith in Jesus and His finished work on the Cross, we are given the gift of eternal life—life that is abundant, life that begins now and lasts forever. This is the hope that sustains us in this life, the assurance that death is not the end but the beginning of a new and glorious chapter with God.
Eternal life is not just about quantity, living forever; it’s about quality, living in the fullness of God’s presence, love, and joy. The Cross secures our place in God’s eternal kingdom, where we will dwell with Him forever, free from sin, sorrow, and death.
The Mystery of the Cross
The Cross, a central symbol of the Christian faith, represents both profound suffering and incredible triumph. It’s a paradox, a divine mystery that captures the essence of God’s plan for humanity. For many, the idea that an instrument of torture and death could become the symbol of hope and salvation is baffling. Yet, the Cross is precisely that—a mystery that reveals the deepest truths about God’s love, justice, mercy, and grace.
To understand the mystery of the Cross, we must look beyond its physical representation and delve into its spiritual significance. The Cross is not merely a historical event but a spiritual reality that holds eternal implications for every believer.
The Cross: A Symbol of Suffering and Sacrifice
At its core, the Cross is a symbol of suffering. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified—a brutal and humiliating death reserved for the worst criminals. The physical agony He endured is almost unimaginable: the scourging, the crown of thorns, the nails driven into His hands and feet, and the slow, suffocating death that followed.
But the suffering of the Cross was not just physical. There was a deeper, more profound suffering that Jesus experienced—spiritual separation from the Father. As He bore the sins of the world, He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). This was the ultimate suffering: the sinless Son of God experiencing the wrath and judgment of God that we deserved.
This aspect of the Cross is a mystery that touches on the heart of the gospel. How could the eternal, sinless Son of God be forsaken by the Father? How could He take on the sin of the world and bear its penalty? The answer lies in the depth of God’s love for us. Jesus willingly took our place, absorbing the wrath of God so that we might be spared. The Cross is the ultimate demonstration of sacrificial love, a love so deep and so pure that it defies human understanding.
The Cross: A Symbol of Victory
Despite its association with suffering, the Cross is also a symbol of victory. This is another layer of its mystery. In what appeared to be a moment of utter defeat, Jesus achieved the greatest victory of all. The very act of His crucifixion, meant to silence Him and crush His movement, became the means through which He conquered sin and death.
Colossians 2:15 tells us, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the Cross.” The Cross was the battleground where Jesus fought and won the spiritual war against the forces of darkness. Through His death, He disarmed Satan and stripped him of his power over humanity.
This victory is not just over sin and death, but over every power and principality that stands opposed to God. The Cross is the means by which God reclaims His creation, breaking the hold of the enemy and establishing His kingdom on earth. The mystery of the Cross lies in this: that through what seemed like defeat, God brought about the ultimate victory.
The Cross: A Symbol of Redemption and Forgiveness
The Cross is also the place of redemption. To redeem means to buy back, to restore something to its original state. Humanity, created in the image of God, was marred and broken by sin. The relationship between God and man was severed, and no human effort could repair it. But through the Cross, Jesus paid the price to redeem us from the bondage of sin.
1 Peter 1:18-19 explains, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” The blood of Jesus shed on the Cross is the payment that secured our redemption. It is the means by which we are brought back into right relationship with God.
Alongside redemption, the Cross brings forgiveness. In the Old Testament, the blood of animals was used to cover sin, but it could never take away sin. It was a temporary solution pointing to a future, perfect sacrifice. Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered Himself on the Cross as that perfect sacrifice. His blood not only covers our sins but washes them away completely.
This forgiveness is not based on our merit but on God’s grace. It is freely given to all who believe in Jesus and accept His sacrifice on the Cross. The mystery of the Cross is that through Jesus’ suffering and death, we receive forgiveness and are made clean, not because of anything we have done, but because of what He has done.
The Cross: A Symbol of Reconciliation
The Cross is also the means of reconciliation between God and humanity. Sin created a chasm between us and God, a barrier that we could not cross on our own. But Jesus, through His death on the Cross, bridged that gap. He reconciled us to God, bringing us back into fellowship with Him.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” The Cross is the place where reconciliation happens, where the broken relationship between God and humanity is restored.
This reconciliation is not just about restoring a broken relationship; it’s about transforming it. Through the Cross, we are not just forgiven sinners; we are adopted as children of God. We are brought into His family and given a new identity as His sons and daughters. The mystery of the Cross is that it not only forgives us but also transforms us, bringing us into a new relationship with God.
The Cross: A Symbol of Love and Justice
The Cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and justice. These two aspects of God’s character, which might seem contradictory, are perfectly united at the Cross. God is just and cannot simply overlook sin. His justice demands that sin be punished. But God is also love, and His love desires to forgive and restore.
At the Cross, God’s justice and love meet. Jesus, in His love, took upon Himself the punishment for our sins, satisfying the demands of justice. In doing so, He made a way for us to be forgiven without compromising God’s holiness. Romans 3:25-26 explains, “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness… so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”
The Cross shows us the depth of God’s love—a love that is willing to go to any length to save us, even to the point of sacrificing His own Son. At the same time, it shows us the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. The mystery of the Cross is that it reveals the fullness of God’s character, His love, and His justice, in a way that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.
The Cross: A Call to Discipleship
The mystery of the Cross is not just something to be admired from a distance; it is something to be embraced and lived out. Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). This is a call to a life of discipleship, a life that is shaped by the Cross.
Taking up our cross means embracing the life of self-denial and sacrifice that Jesus modeled. It means living in a way that reflects the love, humility, and obedience of Christ. It means being willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel, to endure hardship for the sake of others, and to live with a heart that is fully surrendered to God.
The mystery of the Cross is that it is not just the means of our salvation but also the pattern for our lives. As we embrace the Cross, we find that it is not a burden but a source of life and freedom. It is through dying to ourselves that we truly find life, and it is through following the path of the Cross that we experience the fullness of God’s joy and peace.
Spiritual Meaning of the Cross
The Cross symbolizes more than just the physical structure on which Jesus was crucified; it represents the intersection of God’s love and justice, mercy and judgment, sacrifice and victory. It is the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity and His plan for redemption.
Sacrifice and Atonement: The Cross represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the atonement of sins. He took upon Himself the punishment that we deserved, offering His life as a substitute so that we might be reconciled to God. This act of atonement is central to the Christian understanding of salvation.
Redemption and Forgiveness: The Cross is where redemption and forgiveness are made possible. Jesus’ death paid the price for our sins, redeeming us from the bondage of sin and granting us forgiveness. The Cross is a symbol of God’s grace, where the debt of sin is paid in full.
Reconciliation with God: Through the Cross, the broken relationship between humanity and God is restored. Sin had separated us from God, but through Jesus’ death, we are reconciled and brought back into fellowship with Him. The Cross is the bridge that connects us to God.
Victory over Sin and Death: The Cross is not only a symbol of suffering but also of victory. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, providing a way for us to live in freedom and hope. The Cross signifies the triumph of good over evil, life over death.
The Power Behind the Cross
The power of the Cross lies in what it accomplished and what it continues to represent for believers:
The Power of Salvation: The Cross is the means through which salvation is made possible. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” It is through the Cross that we receive the gift of eternal life.
The Power of Transformation: The Cross has the power to transform lives. It calls us to die to our old selves and to be born again into new life in Christ. This transformation is ongoing, as we daily take up our cross and follow Jesus, becoming more like Him in character and actions.
The Power of Healing: By His wounds, we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). The Cross holds the power to bring healing—physical, emotional, and spiritual. It is a source of restoration, where what is broken is made whole.
The Power of Reconciliation: The Cross reconciles not only us to God but also us to one another. It breaks down the barriers of hostility and division, calling us to live in unity and peace with others.
The Seven Things That Happened on the Cross
The events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus are filled with deep spiritual significance. Here are seven key things that happened on the Cross:
Jesus’ Words of Forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Jesus’ first words on the Cross express forgiveness, even to those who were crucifying Him. This highlights the boundless mercy and love of God.
Promise of Paradise: To the repentant thief beside Him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This shows the immediacy of salvation and the assurance of eternal life for those who believe in Him.
Jesus’ Provision for His Mother: Jesus ensured His mother would be cared for by entrusting her to the Apostle John (John 19:26-27). This act demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and concern for the well-being of others, even in His moment of suffering.
Jesus’ Cry of Forsakenness: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). This cry reflects the spiritual anguish Jesus experienced as He bore the sin of the world, experiencing separation from the Father.
Jesus’ Expression of Thirst: “I am thirsty” (John 19:28). This statement fulfills Scripture and also reminds us of Jesus’ humanity, showing that He endured physical suffering just as we do.
Jesus’ Declaration of Completion: “It is finished” (John 19:30). This powerful declaration signifies that Jesus’ work of salvation was complete. The debt of sin was paid, and the way to God was opened.
Jesus’ Final Commendation: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). In His final moments, Jesus entrusted Himself to the Father, showing His total submission and trust in God’s plan.
The Seven Lessons of the Cross
From these events and the broader narrative of the crucifixion, we can draw seven essential lessons:
The Power of Forgiveness: The Cross teaches us that forgiveness is central to the Christian life. If Jesus can forgive those who crucified Him, we too are called to forgive those who wrong us.
The Assurance of Salvation: The Cross assures us that salvation is available to all who believe. It is never too late to turn to Christ, as shown by the thief on the cross.
The Importance of Compassion: Even in His suffering, Jesus cared for others, reminding us to look beyond our circumstances and show compassion to those around us.
The Reality of Spiritual Suffering: Jesus’ cry of forsakenness teaches us that spiritual suffering is real, but it also reminds us that God is present even when we feel most alone.
The Fulfillment of Scripture: Jesus’ thirst on the Cross shows that His life and death were the fulfillment of God’s plan as revealed in Scripture, reinforcing the trustworthiness of God’s Word.
The Finality of Jesus’ Work: “It is finished” teaches us that Jesus’ sacrifice was complete and sufficient. Nothing more is needed for our salvation; it is a gift of grace.
The Call to Trust in God: Jesus’ final words remind us to place our trust in God, even in the face of death, knowing that He is faithful and in control.
The Benefits of the Cross in the Bible
The Bible outlines numerous benefits of the Cross for believers:
Salvation: Through the Cross, we receive the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).
Forgiveness: Our sins are forgiven, and we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7).
Redemption: We are redeemed from the curse of the law and the bondage of sin (Galatians 3:13).
Reconciliation: We are reconciled to God, restoring our relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
Victory Over Sin and Death: The Cross gives us victory over the power of sin and the fear of death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
Healing: By His wounds, we are healed—physically, emotionally, and spiritually (Isaiah 53:5).
New Life: The Cross gives us new life in Christ, transforming us into new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God’s Purpose of the Cross
God’s purpose in the Cross was multifaceted, aiming to address the deepest needs of humanity and fulfill His plan for salvation:
To Demonstrate His Love: The Cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love for us. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
To Satisfy Divine Justice: The Cross satisfied the justice of God, dealing with sin in a way that was just and merciful. Jesus bore the penalty of our sins so that we could be declared righteous.
To Provide a Way of Salvation: The Cross is the means by which God provided a way for humanity to be saved. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, the way to eternal life is opened to all who believe.
To Defeat the Powers of Darkness: Through the Cross, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them and breaking the hold of Satan on humanity.
To Reconcile Humanity to God: The Cross restores the relationship between God and humanity, bringing peace where there was once enmity.
Does the Cross Hold Power?
Yes, the Cross holds immense power. It is not just a historical event or a symbol but a powerful reality that impacts every aspect of a believer’s life. The power of the Cross lies in what it accomplished—salvation, forgiveness, redemption, and victory. It is through the Cross that we are brought into a right relationship with God and given the power to live transformed lives.
The Cross continues to hold power because it is the foundation of our faith. It is the source of our hope and the assurance of God’s love and grace. The Cross empowers us to live in freedom, to overcome sin, and to walk in the newness of life that Christ offers.
Lessons We Can Learn from the Cross
The Cross of Jesus Christ is rich with spiritual significance and profound lessons that continue to shape and transform the lives of believers. Here are some key lessons we can learn from the Cross:
1. The Depth of God’s Love
The Cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity. Jesus’ sacrifice shows us just how far God was willing to go to redeem us from sin. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Cross teaches us that God’s love is unconditional, sacrificial, and far beyond our understanding.
2. The Seriousness of Sin
The Cross reveals the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Sin separates us from God and leads to death. The fact that Jesus had to suffer and die to atone for our sins shows just how grave sin is in the eyes of a holy and just God. This realization should lead us to a deeper awareness of our sinfulness and a greater appreciation for God’s grace.
3. The Necessity of Sacrifice
Jesus’ death on the Cross was the ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating that true love often requires sacrifice. The Cross teaches us that following Christ may require us to lay down our own desires, comforts, and even our lives for the sake of others and for the glory of God. It’s a call to live a life of self-denial, putting God and others before ourselves.
4. The Power of Forgiveness
One of the most powerful lessons from the Cross is the importance of forgiveness. Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). This teaches us that forgiveness is not optional for believers. We are called to forgive others just as Christ forgave us, even when it’s difficult or painful.
5. The Hope of Redemption
The Cross is not just a symbol of suffering but also of redemption and hope. Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the way for us to be redeemed from sin and restored to a right relationship with God. The Cross teaches us that no matter how broken or lost we are, there is always hope for redemption through Jesus Christ.
6. The Call to Discipleship
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). The Cross is a call to discipleship—a call to follow Jesus with commitment and obedience, even when it’s difficult. It’s a reminder that being a disciple of Christ involves taking up our own cross, enduring hardships, and remaining faithful to God’s will.
7. The Victory Over Death and Evil
The Cross teaches us that what appears to be a moment of defeat can actually be a moment of victory. Jesus’ crucifixion seemed like a victory for His enemies, but it was through the Cross that He triumphed over sin, death, and the powers of evil. This teaches us to trust in God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it, and to have faith that He can bring victory out of seeming defeat.
8. The Fulfillment of God’s Promises
The events of the Cross fulfilled numerous prophecies and promises made throughout Scripture. This teaches us that God is faithful and His promises are sure. The Cross assures us that God’s word can be trusted, and that He will fulfill all He has promised, including the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Christ.
9. The Example of Humility
Philippians 2:8 says that Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” The Cross is the ultimate example of humility. Jesus, who was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage, but He humbled Himself for our sake. This teaches us to live with humility, putting others before ourselves and serving without seeking recognition.
10. The Importance of Obedience to God’s Will
Jesus’ journey to the Cross was marked by His obedience to the Father’s will, even though it meant enduring great suffering. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This teaches us the importance of surrendering our will to God’s will, trusting that His plans are perfect, even when they involve hardship.
11. The Necessity of Faith
The Cross calls us to live by faith. When we look at the Cross, we are reminded that our salvation is not based on our works but on our faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on Calvary. This teaches us to rely on God’s grace and to trust in Him completely, knowing that He has already accomplished what is necessary for our salvation.
12. The Call to Share in Christ’s Suffering
The Cross reminds us that as followers of Christ, we may be called to share in His suffering. Paul writes in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” The Cross teaches us that suffering is a part of the Christian journey, but it also draws us closer to Christ and conforms us to His image.
13. The Unity of Believers
The Cross breaks down barriers and unites all believers as one body in Christ. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The Cross teaches us that in Christ, we are all equal and united, regardless of our backgrounds, and we are called to live in unity and love with one another.
14. The Call to Serve
Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross is the ultimate act of service. He came “not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). The Cross teaches us that we are called to serve others selflessly, just as Christ served us, and to live a life that reflects His love and humility.
