{"id":792,"date":"2015-11-04T11:25:17","date_gmt":"2015-11-04T16:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pibcny.com\/blog\/?p=792"},"modified":"2016-08-08T23:32:10","modified_gmt":"2016-08-09T03:32:10","slug":"do-you-see-the-cross","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/pibcny.com\/blog\/2015\/11\/04\/do-you-see-the-cross\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You See the CROSS?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is quite interesting to look out upon God\u2019s awesome creation and see reminders of the CROSS\u2014an amazing demonstration of the love of God in sending His one and only Son to pay the penalty of sin upon the CROSS. The Bible tells us that\u00a0\u201cThe heavens declare the glory of God<\/strong>; and the firmament sheweth [proclaims<\/em>] His<\/strong> handywork<\/span>\u201d (Psalm 19:1). The created world in which we live is evidence that there is a God who made it all and reminds us of Himself by what we see.<\/p>\n

Take a moment and look at the picture above and see the light of the sun casting its rays east and west and upon the waters below. Do you see the CROSS?\u00a0The image of a CROSS is unmistakable. This picture is an illustration\u00a0of the SON of God as the \u201cLight of the world\u201d humbling Himself so as to cast the rays of His light into the hearts of those who by faith trust Him as Lord and Savior.<\/p>\n

Jesus said, \u201cI<\/strong> am the light of the world: he that followeth Me<\/strong> shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life<\/span>\u201d (John 8:12).\u00a0This light is for all; from the east to the west and from the north to the south as it emanates from Himself on the CROSS upon which He died. And it was from that CROSS that He was buried and three days later He rose from the grave, victorious over death.<\/p>\n

In this world, the CROSS is an instrument of cruel death\u2014a very dark reality. But for those who place their faith and trust in Christ Jesus, the CROSS is a picture of life and light. It is upon this cruel instrument of death that our Savior died in our place taking away our penalty of sin and in turn giving us the gift of eternal life.<\/p>\n

How do you see the CROSS?<\/em> Is it just a religious symbol that Christians get all worked up over? Or is it a picture of God\u2019s gift of eternal life and light to you?<\/p>\n

If you see it is just a religious symbol, won\u2019t you consider what the Bible says about how much God loves you. How sent\u00a0His Son to die upon that CROSS to take your penalty of sin upon Himself? The Bible tells us, \u201cFor God<\/strong> so loved the world, that He<\/strong> gave His<\/strong> only begotten Son<\/strong> [Jesus<\/em>], that whosoever believeth in Him<\/strong> should not perish, but have everlasting life<\/span>\u201d (John 3:16).<\/p>\n

Why was this necessary? \u201cFor all have sinned and come short of the glory of God<\/strong><\/span>\u201d (Romans 3:23) and \u201cThe wages of [this<\/em>] sin is death; BUT the gift of God<\/strong> is eternal life<\/span>\u201d (Romans 6:23).\u00a0We earn the payment of death because we all have sinned.\u00a0 This death speaks not only of physical death but also of eternal death in the torments of hell being separated from the holy God for eternity.<\/p>\n

So what can be done? The answer is simply, nothing! The reality is that payment has been made for you and me\u2014Christ has DONE it all upon the CROSS. We must simply respond by faith trusting in Him to be the only way of salvation. We cannot save ourselves. The Bible tells us,\u00a0\u201cFor by grace are ye saved through faith; and that NOT\u00a0of yourselves:\u00a0it is<\/em>\u00a0the gift of\u00a0God<\/strong>: not of works, lest any man should boast<\/span>\u201d (Ephesians 2:8-9). In Romans 10:13 we further read,\u00a0\u201cFor whosoever shall call upon the name of the\u00a0Lord<\/strong>\u00a0shall be saved<\/span>.\u201d Please\u00a0think about these words and consider their eternal ramifications.<\/p>\n

If, on the other hand, you see it as a picture of God\u2019s gift of life and light to you then \u201cLet your light [the light of Christ in you<\/em>] so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father <\/strong>which is in heaven<\/span>\u201d (Matthew 5:16). We have such a privilege of living as lights in this dark world. Be a light that reflects Christ and encourages others to step into the light by trusting Christ as their Savior.<\/p>\n

As you walk through this life, look for reminders of God\u2019s love in the form of a CROSS. Let it encourage you as gaze upon the light of\u00a0the\u00a0<\/span>SON until\u00a0it begins to glow in you.<\/p>\n

For more information about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ please read this article <\/span>here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n