The Security of the Universe
The cross has become the central symbol of Christianity. And in the theology of the New Testament, it says several things about the human condition, pointing beyond itself to its ultimate accomplishment.
Examine the following passages. What do they say about the human condition, and about the need for Jesus' death?(Rom. 3:10, 23; 1 Cor. 2:2; 15:3; Gal. 6:14).
The Greeks and others in the ancient world thought of humanity as basically in good moral health. Given the right opportunity, our natural, innate goodness will blossom and flourish, they believed. The attitude represented a significant challenge for Christianity, with its concept of universal human depravity and our desperate need for outside intervention. That is why Paul could say that "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18, NIV). That quiet power, he said, will eventually conquer, and "every knee [in the universe] should bow,. . . confess[ing] that "Jesus Christ is Lord" (Phil. 2:10, 11, NIV).
Yet, however central to our salvation, the Cross has an importance that goes beyond us.
"The significance of the death of Christ will be seen by saints and angels. Fallen men could not have a home in the paradise of God without the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. . . . The angels ascribe honor and glory to Christ, for even they are not secure except by looking to the sufferings of the Son of God. It is through the efficacy of the cross that the angels of heaven are guarded from apostasy. Without the cross they would be no more secure against evil than were the angels before the fall of Satan. Angelic perfection failed in heaven. Human perfection failed in Eden, the paradise of bliss. All who wish for security in earth or heaven must look to the Lamb of God. The plan of salvation, making manifest the justice and love of God, provides an eternal safeguard against defection in unfallen worlds, as well as among those who shall be redeemed by the blood of the Lamb"—Ellen G. White Comments, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1132.
Even the angels in heaven are guarded from apostasy because of the Cross! What an incredible thought! If the Cross means so much to unfallen beings, those whose lives were not even redeemed by it-how much more so should the Cross be the central focus for us, we who have been redeemed through it?
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