How Precious Is The Cross Of Christ?

Scripture: Romans 6:21 "What fruit did you have then [when you were slaves of sin] in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death."

Observation: 

This verse is a key concern for everyone who comes to faith in Christ. Paul uses this whole chapter to instruct the Christians in Rome to eliminate all sin from their lives. Really he means this in the sense that that should be our goal and that it will be a hard-fought, daily struggle. Then here at the end of the chapter he reminds them how shamed we are of the things we have done that are violations of God's law. 

Anyone who has truly grasped his or her salvation has also comprehended how horrible his or her past life was. There is a clear and mournful understanding of his or her lowness, humility, and desperation apart from Jesus' saving work.

Application: I think many would say that to constantly dwell on my sinfulness is counterproductive and even limits the peace, blessing, and freedom that God intends for me to have in Christ. But I say a Christian should never leave the cross. The cross is where I, we, belong. To forget the cross is to freely receive provisions for a long trip and then to leave them at home when I embark.

The truth of my sinfulness and Jesus' suffering and death are the foundation of my new life in Jesus. A house cannot leave the foundation! The cross is the door into the room of freedom and forgiveness. No maturity or growth can be had apart from that room. As I grow in my faith, the room of salvation grows bigger - I don't go to another room! 

The cross of Jesus has a permanent place next to His throne! Jesus is no longer on it nor does He need to return there. His work of dying for me only needed to be done once. Even still, until I am taken to heaven and am finally free of the influence of and tendency toward sin I will always need to cling to that which purchased my freedom - the cross. It is not wrong to remember my shame prior to Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, the cross reminds me of my need, but You are always there to ensure I'm not left there. The vision of the cross is always accompanied by an even greater and stronger revelation of the forgiveness, mercy, grace, love and peace that I have in Christ. And Father, I couldn't have any of it until I made Jesus' cross mine first! Thank You for the truth of the cross. I'm ashamed of my sin, but I love the shame of it because it is an indispensable ingredient in the meal of eternal and abundant life that You have prepared for me! As Paul said, I will glory in my tribulations. I love You! Amen.