“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” — Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

 

Most folks who are a part of a local Church congregation have been to the Cross; meaning that they have understood, to some degree, that Jesus died on the Cross for their sins. 

It is, however, a sad fact that most church folk have not been through the Cross. They have not experienced the Cross and its dreadfulness, they have not been afflicted by the Cross, nor convicted by the Cross to the point of surrender to Jesus Christ. 

If we only go to the Cross, then we never allow it to work its work within us, we never experience the work of the Cross; which is to bring us to the point of surrendering our lives to Jesus because our flesh has been pierced by the conviction of the Cross. In effect, we, who have gone through the Cross, have been crucified with Christ, our personal will has surrendered to His perfect will. If we stop at merely going to the Cross, we never experience the fullness of what Jesus died to give us. 

The Cross must be given the opportunity to pierce our hearts so that we might be raised with Him. We must cease dependence on our flesh (natural abilities and feelings) to find true life, which is life in the Spirit. The Cross is the straight and narrow way, through its portal we must go, allowing it to work its work within us so that we might live. The Cross is the only point of entry, its door is only, and scarcely so, large enough for one to fit through, all flesh must be left behind. 

The Cross of Christ is the great equalizer whereby all men are recreated equal and in His image. This cradle in which we are born again, is not easy, nor pleasant, but it is ours to do. Have you been through the Cross? Have you experienced its healing and restoration? Curiosity will lead you to the Cross, but will you crucify your will and go through it as it stands like a beacon on a deserted shore? 

Foreboding in appearance, it is the way to God.

 

Rev. Bobby Thornhill is a retired Methodist preacher.