Why is the cross the symbol of Christianity?

“. . . the Son of God . . .

loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).

The New Testament describes the impact of sin in a few different ways:

• Pollution of sin (Mark 7:20–23)
• Power of sin (John 8:34)
• Penalty for sin (Romans 6:23)
• Partition of sin (Isaiah 59:2)

• “The self-substitution of God” (1 Peter 2:24)
• Agony of the cross (Isaiah 53:6)

The cross shows:

• You are infinitely valuable to God.
• Jesus is the supreme example of love. (John 15:13)
• God is not aloof from suffering.
• The powers of evil have been defeated: the resurrection wasn’t the reversal of a defeat; it was the manifestation of a victory.

• The partition has been removed (2 Corinthians 5:19)
• You can come home to God.
• Reconciliation with God and in other relationships

• The penalty has been paid
• Justified (“Just-as-if-I’d never sinned”)

• The power of sin has been broken
• “If the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” (John 8:36, NLT)

• The pollution has been removed
• “... the blood of Jesus, ... purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
• When you are forgiven, you want to forgive.

1. What did you think or feel about the talk?
2. What does the word “forgiveness” mean to you?
3. Have you ever had to forgive anyone (or has anyone had to forgive you)? How did you (or they) do it?
4. What does the word “sin” mean to you?

1. What is your reaction to Jesus’ death?

• The Cross of Christ by John Stott
• Why Does God Allow Suffering? by Nicky Gumbel
• Unreachable by Darrell Tunningley
• Mud, Sweat and Tears by Bear Grylls
• Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel
• The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom