We Need the Cross!

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:13-15)

The cross was not always a symbol of Christian faith. In fact, it was a symbol of a treacherous crime. The worst of criminals were sent to the cross. In Jesus' day, no one wore the cross around their neck. Rather, they were nailed upon the cross as a symbol of shame and public humiliation. As we approach Holy Week, let's keep in mind the shame and humiliation Jesus' bore on our behalf. Our salvation is not based upon our asking for forgiveness, walking down an aisle, or being baptized into a church body. It is all wrapped up in our Savior's suffering on our behalf upon that old rugged cross! Our sin is forgiven because He bore them on that cross. Embrace the cross and our Lord Who embraced it for us!