Day 28: Near the Cross

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Why is the cross Jesus endured so vital to me?

As we near the end of our studies, I want to encourage you to live near the Cross. I know this seems like a strange concept. The Cross is where a terrible death took place, and where nearly everyone abandoned Jesus. But really, the Cross is the place of victory. The nearer we are to the Cross, the closer we are to that triumph. At the Cross, death was actually “swallowed up in victory” (Isaiah 25:8, 1 Corinthians 15:54).

Consider the amazing, transformational exchanges that occurred at the Cross:

• Through the punishment Jesus suffered, we were forgiven (Isaiah 53:4-5).
• Through Jesus’ wounds, we were healed (Isaiah 53:4-5).
• Through Jesus’ death we were given new life (Hebrews 2:9, Romans 6:4).
• Jesus took our poverty that we might have abundance (2 Corinthians 8:9).
• Jesus took our rejection that we might receive the Father’s acceptance (Ephesians 1:5-6).
• Jesus was made a curse that we might enter into blessing (Galatians 3:13-14).

The Cross is so significant because it is where our old nature was put to death, and where we were given new life. If we want to live in the benefits of that new life, we must live near the Cross. The Cross so dominated the Apostle Paul’s thinking that he said, “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” (Galatians 6:14).

Living near the Cross, where the great exchanges occurred, is both practical and helpful. Suppose someone offends you. You may not feel the least bit forgiving, but because Jesus “purchased” your forgiveness, you are able to forgive the other person, regardless of where the fault lies. Do you feel your life is cursed? At the Cross, Jesus actually became a curse for you so you could enter into blessing. Do you struggle with rejection? At the Cross, you received Jesus’ acceptance, even with all you’ve done wrong, now or in the future. See how we are released, at the Cross, from so much that weighs us down, hindering our walk in Christ?

You and I are able to live in victory for one and only one reason. It has nothing to do with good works or observing certain rituals. Nor is it something you can do for yourself. It is solely because of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Live near the Cross. It is the gateway to freedom.

KEY VERSE: “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” (Romans 6:8).

Day 29: Next Steps