The Magnitude of the Cross

[Watch this excerpt video for the purpose of this lesson. *Note: This is a graphic portrayal of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from the movie, The Passion of the Christ. Therefore, please be aware that it may be too graphic for anyone under the age of 21 to view this video.]

 

The Passion of the Christ

This portrayal from the movie, The Passion of the Christ, was only a portion of what our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ endured for us as believers.  And, it still doesn't fully depict all that He went through upon the Cross of us.  However, hopefully, you will gain some insight and a better understanding of His suffering for us through this depiction.

Now, some people within the body of Christ do not understand the magnitude of the Cross.  I am not saying that I, or anyone, can fully understand it.  The more we better understand it though, the more it will cause all of us to live a holy life just like Jesus.  He literally lived a holy and sinless life, and He lives within every believer today.  Therefore, it is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit for believers to also live a holy and sinless life. 

Unfortunately, there are some people in the church as a whole who think since Jesus already died on the Cross for them----it gives them a so-called license to sin.  That is not true.  That is not the case.  I am here to tell you, "No!  Stop it!  Stop sinning against God, yourself, and others!"

It is unacceptable for believers in Jesus Christ to look and act like the rest of the world.  We are called to be set apart from the world.  We are in this world but not of this world.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."  (Romans 12:2a, NIV) 

When all believers get a better grasp of the Cross, people will live a more holy life like Jesus Christ Himself.  He took on all of our sins on Himself.  He bore it once and for all.  (Hebrews 7:27)  Therefore, we are forgiven of all sin.  

That doesn't mean to be flippant (meaning: disrespectful, shallow) about it though. It doesn't give us permission to sin.  It means we should want to live more for Him---honor Him, resemble Him---be holy.  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  (1 Peter 1:15, NIV)

What does the word 'holy' mean?  According to scripture, it means that we conduct ourselves in a Godly way.  We don't knowingly and willfully sin against God, ourselves, and/or others.  We yield to and follow the Spirit of God.  (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18)  We obey God's word---His truth.  We walk in that truth.  We live it out in this world.  (1 John 4:17) 

That's what it means to live a holy life before God, ourselves, and others. 


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.