What is the cause of mankind’s darkness, ignorance and mix-up of religious things today? They know not the doctrine and meaning of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For Jesus Christ the cross meant shame, reproach, disgrace and certain death! No dignity, no heroism, nothing but disgrace, agony, and sacrifice.
Men do not understand the cross. Most think, just as the Jew thought Judaism would be the kingdom, that religion will also improve man’s nature. Most utterly mistake the gospel message and say that Christianity is able to improve humanity.
If this were the case there would be no need for the coming of the Son of God into the world. The cross signifies the total ruin of Adam’s race. The cross is the end of hope of obtaining good from mankind. The cross says death to man’s religion of the flesh.
The cross declares plainly that mankind cannot be improved naturally. God is not now teaching or improving mankind. He has brought in a new creation and the centre and sun of this new universe of bliss is the Man of resurrection, Jesus Christ.
God is setting up a kingdom, and not merely teaching flesh and blood. Naturally speaking we cannot see this new creation for a new nature is necessary to perceive it and enter into it.
“Ye must be born again.” John 3:7
From: “THE GOSPEL WITNESS” Number 1
Acknowledgement: ©2004 Christian Book Room
Photo by Eric Cheung