The Benefits of the Cross!

We deserved to die, and Christ took our sin upon Him and paid the penalty Himself. 

Christ suffered and died on the Cross in my place, taking the penalty for my sins upon Himself. This self-substitution of Christ for man’s sin is the heart of the Cross.

This is what it means that Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8) and gave himself for us (Gal. 2:20). As Isaiah says, “He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities . . . the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him” (Isa. 53:5-6).

Substitution is the means by which we were ransomed (Matt. 20:28). Christ’s death was a ransom for us — that is, instead of us.

Substitution is the means by which we were reconciled to God the Father (1 Pet. 3:18). It is the means of removal of our sin and guilt (2 Cor. 5:21).

But many Christians do not know the rights and privileges that the Cross has afforded them. Consequently, they are not able to utilize the eternal benefits that God has ordained for His saints.

Here is the point: Knowing about the Cross without knowing the benefits of the Cross will keep you from experiencing all God has in store for you. So, today, we are going to look at “THE BENEFITS OF THE CROSS”

Apostle Paul said, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Gal. 6:14).

As believers in Christ, we know that Jesus Christ died on the Cross for the sins of humanity. Not only has Jesus freed believers from all condemnation, but we have a whole new identity, according to John 1:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

He has given us purpose, power, and hope to live here on Earth now! Eternal life is not just about Heaven; it starts as soon as you accept Christ and make Him your Lord and personal Saviour.

The Bible tells us “not to forget all His benefits” (Ps. 103:2). Here are just a few of the many benefits of the Cross for your life as a follower of Christ:  

1. God the Father completely forgives your sins when you believe in Jesus. All your sins are washed away (Acts 10:43; Col. 1:14; Ps. 103:3).

2. Because of the Cross, God defends us from the oppressor (Ps. 103:6).

3. As a believer in Christ, you are saved and you are on your way to Heaven (Eph. 1:13-14).

4. I am reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:18)

5. I am redeemed and forgiven (Ps. 103:4; Eph. 1:7-8).

6. I have been separated from the world and declared holy to God (Gal. 2:20).

7. I am a child of God (1 Jn. 3:1-2)

8. I am a saint (Eph. 1:1; Phi. 1:1)

9. I am a friend of Christ (Jn. 15:15)

10. I am a citizen of Heaven (Phil. 3:20)

11. I have eternal life (Jn. 5:24; 1 Jn. 5:11-13)

12. I have received the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:12)

13. I have been made alive with Christ (2 Cor. 5:17)

14. I am God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10)

15. I am a temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19).

16. I am blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3; 2 Pet. 1:3).

17. We have peace with God (Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20).

18. I am spared from God’s wrath to come because of the Cross (Rom. 5:9). The wrath of God against sin was fully vented on Jesus Christ His own Son at the Cross.

19. I am spiritually healed; one day even my flesh will be replaced with an incorruptible body because of the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:24).

20. You have been spiritually relocated (Eph. 2:6). God raised Christ from dead and seated Him in the heavenlies. Friend, not only does Jesus Christ have a chair in heaven to sit down in, you have a chair there as well.

When you identify with Christ’s cross, resurrection, and ascension, you identify with His authority that overrides Satan’s power. If you come to the Cross today by faith, your life will be changed for good forever.

Watch out for the next edition of the Good News from the pulpit.

•  Your friend: I. I. MADUBUNYI (Senior Pastor)                                          05.05.2019