Jun. 5, 2008 - The offense of the cross

Last night in our bible study we were discussing the cross and pastor mentioned that the cross was offensive. one man asked 'why" so we discussed it. It was brought up how humiliating the cross was and even now people (out of due respect) don't picture Jesus on the cross as he really was, completely  unclothed, beaten and bleeding. It was brought up how the cross was the first century equivalent of the electric chair. The scuzziest of criminals died a horrible public death on the cross. (and our Savior chose this.) someone else mentioned that it is hard for humans to beleive that they cannot do something to help in their own salvation. that is certainly an offense of the  cross. but pastor reminded us of an even bigger offense. here was someone who gave forgiveness to those who had hurt you.  everyone wants forgiveness for himself, but imagines his enemy is beyond redemption.

  and I rememered.     When I was a new Christian we were on our way to a ladies conference. As we passed over Tiger Mountain another new Christian asked if we thought  ***** (the serial killer who hid his victims there) could possibly be in Heaven.  Pastor's wife assured her that if he had realized he was a sinner, and accepted Christ as his Savior before he was executed, then yes he would be in heaven.  She and a few others could not accept this. Not because he was a murderer, she was willing that he be allowed in, but because  his price was the same as hers! how dare!!! God forgive her sins at the same rate as those of that evil man.  He ought to at least have to prove that he was a changed man before he got to go into heaven, or perhaps spend some time in purgatory (or some such thing) to pay for  his sins, since they were so much more horrible than hers.

 The offense of the cross is this. our sins, our little tiny, barely worth mentioning sins, Count the same as the sins of the most vile murderer.  Our gossip, or "little white lie", or anger at our brother, any resistance to God, Earns us the same death, the same hell as the worst evildoer we can imagine.  And the price, the blood of the Great I AM, the death of the one perfect lawkeeper, is as sufficient for the most noxious criminal, as it is for me. Nothing more is required of either of us. we are now equally right with God. we now share the same inheritance.

   If that isn't offensive, I don't know what is.

Mrs N

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