Why the Cross

“Why the cross?” is a great question because it helps us focus on the heart of the gospel.

The cross shows us two essential truths in the Bible: the wrath of God toward sin and God’s love toward us, even though we are sinners.

The Bible teaches that God is just and therefore must punish sin. It is a punishment that we could never bear; a penalty for sin that we could never pay. Only Jesus, who was without sin, could pay our debt by substituting himself in our place. On the cross, Jesus took upon himself our guilt and offers forgiveness and salvation to all who trust in him.

In the Old Testament, the continual sacrifices for sin of lambs showed God’s people the seriousness of sin and points us to the one supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The Bible says Jesus is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The prophet Isaiah wrote concerning Christ:

All we like sheep have gone astray,

we have turned, each of us, to his own way,

and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was wounded for our transgressions, and he was crushed for our iniquities, and the punishment that made us whole was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Is 53:6,5

Because of God’s great love for us, God was in Christ on the cross saving us from his wrath against sin and offering salvation and eternal life to all who put their trust in Christ.

What wondrous love! What amazing grace! Thanks be to God!