There is debate about the church's message. For the Apostle Paul the answer was simple - 'We preach Christ crucified'. In this passage we see his concern not to let anything distract from that subject. The reason is - the cross is both the church's message and the church's power. Its importance is seen in many ways: the space devoted to his suffering in the gospels; his determination to endure the cross, and the sacrament he gave by way of reminder. The Crucifixion of Jesus has achieved great things. IT has: atoned for sin, reconciled the world to God, established God's growing kingdom, secured the salvation of many, given access to God's mercy to all and sundry, and it makes every believer clean. It is 'the power of God unto salvation', changing humanity. if we want to understand Christianity, experience it, or live a Christian life, we must go to the cross. |
