The cross is arguably the most recognisable visual symbols of the Christian faith. Regardless of their cultural background or religious beliefs, many people will associate the image of a cross with Christianity, either consciously or subconsciously. Amongst believers, it's also a hallmark of the faith in a much more meaningful sense. When we see a cross in any shape or form, we don't just recognise its association to the Christian faith, we also see the face of forgiveness, and are reminded of the brutal and simultaneously beautiful nature of Jesus' sacrifice for us. Brutal because of the manner in which Jesus was put to death and because he didn't deserve to be, but beautiful because he rose, and died because he loves us and so that we could one day spend forever with our Father in heaven.
Despite our familiarity with it and our society's popular use of it, we can never get immune to the power of the remarkable message that the cross carries with it. The extraordinary and incomparable qualities of God's love for us means that we should never convince ourselves that we've outgrown needing to look back at what the cross represents because it's down to the cross that we are able to look forward to a life with God. Plus, how can we ever tire of trying to get our heads and hearts round how much He cares for us?
Here are six Bible verses which reflect on the power of the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:17-18 - For Christ did not send me to baptise, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 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.
Galatians 6:14 - May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Ephesians 2:14-16 - For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed."
