The Source of Life

The cross... an instrument of Roman torture and death, is the source of life for all who believe. The cross... a gift of love.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. - Acts 2:23

The cross does not make sense to most people. A dead savior was foolishness to people living under 1st century Roman rule... and it is foolishness to people today. What can a dead savior do for you? Nothing! He is dead. BUT, there is more to the story.

A Foundational Fact: You've disobeyed God. You broke His laws and have earned the just penalty. God is a true and good judge. He cannot just forgive you. Justice must be satisfied. The penalty for breaking God's laws is death... the second death. That penalty cannot be avoided. It must be paid.

For the wages of sin is death... - Romans 6:23

But for those who are afraid to be known as Christians, and the unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and sexually immoral persons, and those involved with the occult or drugs, and idolaters, and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:8

Something You Should Know About Yourself:

You are eternal. You will exist forever. We all go through the first death, a physical death that takes us from THIS physical world. However, you will continue to exist; to think; to feel. The question is... where will you be? With God or...?

What Happened on the Cross?

Jesus died physically... but that is not the main story. He also died the second death. The second death is total separation from God. That is not good. It is a total separation from everything that is good. EVERYTHING.

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabaktanei?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” - Matthew 27:46

On the cross Jesus died the second death, separation from God. He died the second death in place of all those who repent and believe in Him. BUT, there is more.

The Cross Was Not The End

Jesus was physically dead. The Romans stuck a spear in His side to be sure of that. He was buried. The tomb was sealed and guarded so that no one could steal the body and then claim He was still alive. There was no doubt. The Romans were very good at crucifixion. There were too many witnesses. Jesus was dead.

Yet, on the third day His tomb was empty. He was alive! He spent the next 40 days talking with people; walking with people, eating with people; letting people touch Him. There were at least 500 witnesses, and probably many more. Jesus was ALIVE! His resurrection proved there is life after death... life with God.

The cross, an instrument of death, became the symbol of life!

By dying on the cross, both physically and by entering Christ died in the place of all who believe in Him. This gift is available to all who will accept it. No matter who you are or what you have done, Jesus' gift of the cross is available to you. Trust that Jesus has paid the penalty for all you have done wrong. Repent. Turn away from disobeying God and desire God's righteousness. Believe in Jesus and what He did on the cross.

There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved. - Acts 4:12

The answer to death is ALWAYS JESUS.