Centrality of cross

The gospel as the “message of the cross”

1 Corinthians 2:2 ESV

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Prayer is the sweat of the soul.

Martin Luther

See also 1 Co 1:17–18; 1 Co 1:23; Ga 3:1

The cross redeems from the curse of the law

Galatians 3:13 (ESV)

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—

What does redemption mean to you?

See also Eph 1:7; Ro 6:14; 2 Co 5:21; Tt 2:14; 1 Pe 1:18–19; Ro 7:4; Ga 2:19–21; Eph 2:13–16; Col 2:13–14

The cross brings reconciliation and justification

Romans 4:25 ESV

who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

See also 1 Co 15:3–4; Ro 5:8–9; Eph 2:16; Col 1:20–22

If you find yourself doubting God, let this man’s cry be your prayer. Be honest with God about your doubts and proceed in faith. God will honor your faith and strengthen it.

Tony Evans

What does this quote mean to you?

The cross destroys the power of Satan

Colossians 2:13–15 ESV

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

See also Jn 12:31; Jn 14:30; Ga 1:4; Heb 2:14–15; 1 Pe 3:21–22

The cross as a stumbling-block or offence

1 Corinthians 1:22–24 ESV

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

See also Ga 5:11; Ga 6:12

The cross unites believers with Jesus Christ

Romans 6:4–7 ESV

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.

See also Eph 2:14–16; Ga 2:20; Col 2:20; Ro 8:36; Ro 6:2; 1 Co 15:30–31; 2 Co 4:10–12; 2 Co 5:14–15; Col 3:1–3; 2 Ti 2:11

The cross as a symbol of discipleship

Mt 16:24; Php 2:5–8

See also 1 Pe 2:21; 1 Pe 2:24; Ga 6:14; Mt 10:38; Lk 14:27; Jn 12:23–25; Ro 8:13; Ga 5:24; Eph 5:25–26; Col 3:5