The Cross of Christ - Pt. 1

 

See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (Galatians 6:11-15 ESV).

 

There are as many styles, shapes, and types of crosses as there are the creative imagination of man. We have seen them through the centuries as they have become the centerpiece of the Christian faith. That is of some interest to me because the cross is not the sole image of our faith and hope. Without the empty tomb the cross is merely half the message of the gospel. However, the cross is certainly impactful. In the next few days I hope to explore some of what the New Testament teaches concerning the cross in our lives. Today we begin with the Apostle Paul’s declaration that he will “boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 9).

 

Of course, nobody likes a boaster or bragger. Boasting is self-centered. It shows that we think we’re better than others. When we boast, we’re obsessed with ourselves and our accomplishments. But we all do it. Parents boast about their kids. Athletes boast about their awards. Students boast about their grades. Paul is talking about his desire to boast, but what makes his boasting unusual was that he boasted about something completely outside himself: the cross of Christ.

 

He was obsessed with Jesus and his work on the cross. Paul had many things that he could boast about, such as his heritage and his careful obedience to the law. But he realized that the cross of Christ was his only real reason to boast. Only that could give him eternal life. The cross marks a new beginning for us with God. It’s where our sins were put to death. It’s where our forgiveness was secured. It sets a new direction for our life with new pleasures, passions, and pursuits. As we learn more of what that should be, let’s make it our desire to center our attention on the Cross of Christ!