The Cross IS Enough
- His Servant - Rob McKee
- Jan 31, 2020
- 11 min read
There is a very popular song on the Christian-labeled radio stations these days that says, “The cross was enough”. We can also see and hear this same statement surfacing in a lot of various Christian-based dialog. This statement raises a couple of questions… was the cross, by itself, really enough to save a person from their sins? Well, what does the cross itself even signify in a Christian believer’s life? The cross represents His(Jesus’s)/our death to this world!
What exactly happened on Jesus’s cross? His flesh died, did it not? I believe that many people are confused into the belief that it all happened there at the cross, when in reality, this was just the beginning. Remember that Jesus died, and was buried, and then was resurrected through and by the power of God? So, what exactly happened at the cross when Jesus died, and what significance does it hold for us who believe?
Let’s read an account here in Mark 15:37-38 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
We see here that the first thing recorded to have happened once Jesus “gave up The Ghost” was that veil of the temple was ripped from top to bottom. What was the veil of the temple? It was a ‘curtain’ that separated the first section of the first tabernacle of God from the second section, which is called “The Holiest of All”. The “Holiest of All” was the place where the blood sacrifice was made to atone for the sins of the people. When Jesus died on the cross, His Blood was shed as the ultimate sacrifice.
Hebrews 9:1-12 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which He offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
So, again, why was the veil torn?
Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
So, the death of Jesus Christ on the cross created a way for us to enter into the Holiest of All and be in the presence of God through the Blood (life) found within His Word, Jesus Christ, that we might be resurrected by this “new and living way”. You see, we are not resurrected by death, however, we must die to this world before we can be fully resurrected in newness of life.
John 12:24-25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Did you notice that the gospel is clear in stating that Christ was in the grave for three days before being resurrected? -He was not crucified and resurrected simultaneously, now was He? Likewise, salvation does not take place simultaneously, as we are asking God for forgiveness. This is simply the beginning of our journey. We are showing or willingness to die to this world so that we might be resurrected through the power found in His Word.
Luke 13:32 And He said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.
Hebrews 5:8-10 Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Let me ask again - was the cross enough? Well, which cross? His or yours? Did you know that Jesus tells us that there is more than one cross involved in our salvation? So, is His death and forgiveness enough to get you to pick up your cross to follow Him?
Luke 9:23-24 And He said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
Luke 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Was the cross enough? Perhaps the better question is: IS the cross enough? Is the example that Jesus left you on the cross enough to convince you to lay down your own life and to suffer with Him? Is it enough to cause you to be willing to suffer for Him, like He did for you? What about suffering for the brethren? Your friends? Your neighbor?
1 Timothy 2:11-12 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us
Remember this scripture?
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God
If Jesus is come in your life, He is here right now and His life is manifest in your mortal being, in this present world! And – if Christ be in you, He will not be overcome by your carnal nature! That would make Him into a sinner! And that, He is not! That is not life. That is not the resurrection performed by God. Death = sin. Life = the resurrection. Death does not = life, and sin does not = salvation.
The cross made a way for us to enter into the presence of God, allowing us the privilege that we might follow in His steps.
1 Corinthians 15:12-17 Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ: whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
People are so interested in the cross, which signifies death, but they deny the resurrection? What did I say? Yes, the modern church-world will tell you that no man can live without sin. They claim that Christ is in them (the hope of glory), but they shoot this hope down, the minute that you mention a life without sin. He lived in in the flesh once, right? If He dwells in your body, is He now too weak to overcome sin? -Of course not!
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
It’s really sad that people discount the power of God in this way, isn’t it?
Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
What does this church world teach instead? They will tell you that life comes before death… they will say that they are saved in a split-second of time, and then they perform ‘good’ works because of this so-called salvation. Well, what kind of works are they really performing? Many will distribute to the poor and feed the homeless, etc. -Nothing wrong with these things, but Jesus told the young man that asked what he should do to die first (give his living to the poor), then to follow Him.
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
There is an old saying that says, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. But teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” This is true, right? We should definitely give when we see someone without their daily needs, but, more importantly, we should try to lead them back to Christ so that they can have their true needs met. Otherwise, we have taught them to do the same as we have: to feed a person for a day and possibly allow them to find themselves in this very-same condition again the next day.
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed.
Matthew 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
We should never fail to testify to others that we are sent to help of the reason for the hope that is in us.
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear
What should our hope in the gift that Jesus gave on the cross be? We should hope in His righteousness…
Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
How did Jesus show us to get His righteousness? I can tell you that it was not by Him confessing to have it, and then walking in sin! That would make Him a hypocrite, and we all know that Our Lord and Savior is no hypocrite!
Hebrews 5:8-9 Though He were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him
How does the common church-going person say that they receive His righteousness? By merely claiming it. No suffering involved. Even though there may be no evidence of God’s righteousness in their life at all. They will even acknowledge that they are still a sinner. If this is so, and they are still in their sins (knowing that Christ came to take away our sins), why do they even bother naming the name of Christ?
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
The problem is that no one wants to do anything that they are afraid is too hard for them, or that might involve a little discomfort. And what if it involves pain and suffering? Oh no – they simply will not tolerate that! Are they too weak? No, on the contrary, they are too strong.
They are so strong-willed, in fact, that they are not willing to lay down the life that they have here on earth. Too strong to allow themselves to suffer, if you will? Evidently, eternal life is not worth it to them! They would rather listen to someone who can itch their ears and ease their aching conscience, instead of humbling themselves before God, their creator. We ought to rather allow ourselves to be vulnerable and weak towards our own selfish desires, and be willing to cast them off, that we might earn grace in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Okay, now go tell your congregation that they have to suffer and cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God – but be ready! If God will, some will listen, but others might accuse you of “church abuse”, or “church hurt”. Come on! Are you really that easily offended? I heard this question recently and laughed: “Are you a democrat or an American?” Let me ask: Are you offended by God’s Word, or are you a Christian?
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
If you are truly Christ-like, then you are accustomed to being beaten and knocked down. These are a way of life to you! If you are in Christ, you are not going to cry over “he said / she said” because you simply do not have time for that. Why? Because your eyes are fixed on Him.
Church hurt?... That’s just another distraction of satan. he just wants us to shut up. When he is done threatening, accusing, and all else has failed to stop the Word of God in you, he will lay in the floor and take a fit, like a child. But we know that God is greater than all of that. Let not thy soul spare for his much crying – Proverbs 19:18b
So, IS the cross enough? Are you willing to die for His love? What, or WHO shall separate us from the love of Christ? -Only those that we allow to.
Romans 8:35-39 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So, none of these things or people can separate us from the Love of God. And, what is the Love of God?
1 John 5:3-4 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Most importantly: IS the cross enough to keep you striving for the prize?
1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
The cross IS enough, if can understand what is on the other side of it, and we humble ourselves and allow Him to help us carry it across the finish line.
2 Corinthians 13:5-8 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
rob@INTRUTH.site
Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Comments