Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Christ on the Cross

Colossians 2v13 “He forgave us all our sins, having cancelled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Our sixth “Statement of Faith” is, “We believe in … The atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross: dying in our place, paying the price of sin and defeating evil, so reconciling us with God.”

This statement lies right in the middle of the eleven. It is in fact the very crux of the gospel message and is represented in the Christian symbol of the cross. As I reflect, here are a couple of implications:

• Firstly, evil is defeated at a cosmic level. Yes, evil is all around us, but it is doomed and on its way out! The Devil, the ultimate evil person, threw his worst at Jesus as he entered Judas and sent Jesus to the cross. When the Devil threw his worst, Jesus could have called all the armies of heaven to prevent it. But he didn’t. Because in the evil conducted by Satan, God was performing a greater good, a greater victory. Jesus, going through it all and never sinning, made a way for human kind to return to God and for the kingdom of God to reign. Jesus is the solution to the world’s problems.
• Secondly, my sin is paid for. Jesus’ cross was not only of cosmic significance, it was also of personal significance. Jesus “paid the price”, he paid the penalty, for my sin. Jesus “died in my place” so that I do not die for my sin, but live. Jesus was an “atoning sacrifice” that enables God to forgive and call me His child. And so Jesus “reconciles me to God” and enables me to call him “Abba, Father.” Jesus is the solution to my deepest needs.

It is time to turn to Jesus. To receive the forgiveness and hope he offers. To thank him and give him praise.

With love and blessing,

Roland