God's Greatest Plus Sign: Part 2

The Cross has been a major symbol for Christians for centuries. I like to think of the Cross as "God Greatest Plus Sign." Over the next few weeks we'll look at what has been "added unto us" due to this great plus sign we call the cross.

God's Greatest Plus Sign
Things Added Unto Us Because of the Cross

Last week we went over how God has added unto us Power and Redemption through the cross. Today let's discuss a few more.

3. Wisdom
"Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 HCSB

I'm not an advocate for "The Message" as a translation, but I do like reading it as a commentary for my personal studies to help me understand scripture. Look at how the Message breaks this down:

"If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get His help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it." - James 1:5 MSG

When we speak about the gained wisdom from the Cross I mean the Wisdom that we have access to because of the saving power of the Cross. By accepting all that the Cross has to offer, we gain Wisdom from God. If we don't know what to do, if we are caught in a difficult place, we can seek out the Lord for guidance. The perfect and profound knowledge of God is perhaps the best resource to Christians. We must learn how to use it through prayer and studying scriptures.

4. Eternal Life - Salvation
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16 NASB

By far the best gift of the Cross. Salvation. Because we all sin (Romans 3:23) and deserve eternal death (Romans 6:23) we are in need of Salvation from our sins. Without this Salvation the best we can earn is death here on Earth and eternity in a place the Bible calls Hell. We can not escape this fate on our own. Our sins demand blood to be shed. If we wish to live then someone must die in our place. Since God loved us so much, He sent His Son to die in our place. This protects us from our fate and allows us (if we accept it) to be saved and have eternity spent in Heaven with God and Jesus rather than in Hell.

Disclaimer: These gifts or things added to us because of the Cross are offered to everyone. However not everyone will receive these because it takes faith. You must admit that you are a sinner [imperfect], believe that God sent His Son to die for the forgiveness of your sins. Believe that Jesus rose from the dead, and confess Christ as your Savior and Lord of your life. If you can do this then you can rest assured that you have all these promises from God and more.

Next week we will look at more blessings and promises added to us with the cross such as the Holy Spirit.


Grounded in Christ,

Bro. Austin