The preaching of the cross has two main purposes as far as we are concerned - to bring peace to our conscience and to prompt us to godliness. Peter gives us an explanation of the cross. It was to deal with sin, to put it away forever. His action was once-for-all, a never to be repeated sacrifice that satisfied God. It should not be replicated, and it should bring peace to your conscience. That is because Christ died in place of sinners, bearing the punishment we are due so that we may no longer be liable for it. When God looked at Christ on the cross he saw his future people; when he looks at a sinner coming in Jesus name he sees the perfect Christ. The cross does not leave us where we are - it was designed 'to bring us to God'. now we approach him when, before, we did not dare. Now we approach him in sincerity when, before, we went through the motions. Christ's death shows us God's love the freeness of forgiveness, and it prompts a response on our loving part. This is primarily a matter of the heart. Do we like what we know of God? Do we want to be near him? Then listen to his voice in the Bible and speak to him. Live in obedience, for only then can the relationship flourish. Remember the cross always - it is precious to God, let it be precious to us also. |
