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At The Cross
In the New Testament,
Paul elaborates a theology of the cross. It is not a system
of doctrinal statements, but a simple proclamation of the cross as the act of salvation.
Doctrine Does Not Save
Keeps From
Destruction
Doctrine keeps the saved sound.
We are saved by
grace, not by doctrine.
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-21
- The foolishness of the cross represents the destruction of every
attempt to make a doctrinal system the way of salvation.
For Paul, the word of the cross suffices
as a terse summary of the gospel.
Focus of
Christianity Should Not be The Resurrection
Not a Theology of
Glory
If the central focus
of Christianity was the resurrection, we would have a
theology of glory.
- Knowledge would be more important than love.
- Self-perfection would be more important than self-giving.
- Paul did not preach Christ
resurrected!
1 Corinthians 1:23
1 Corinthians 2:2
Galatians 3:1
- Resurrection is PART of the preaching—not the focus.
The Scope of The
Cross
Not Limited
Jesus makes it clear
that the work of the cross is not confined to the stick.
- Mark 8:31
- Mark 9:12-13
- Mark 9:31
- Mark 10:33-34
Notice the resurrection marks the end of the work of the cross.
The work of the cross begins prior to the crucifixion and
continues 3 days after.
Jesus laid down his perfect life at the cross.
Jesus suffered the
full wrath of God in hell.
- Psalm 116:3
- Isaiah 53:9-11
Jesus preached
to the spirits in prison.
Hell enlarged herself.
This is a hint of the event that
actually marks the commencement of the work of the cross.
The Work of The
Cross
God’s
Reconciliation
The cross is the mark
of God’s reconciliation of mankind.
- Colossians 1:20
- Colossians 2:14
The cross is a sign of the impotence of all
barriers between people.
- Christ’s death was for ALL people.
Therefore, it eliminates such human
distinctions as:
Jew & Gentile
Male & Female
Rich & Poor
Skinny & Fat
Beautiful &
Ugly
Brilliant &
Stupid
Democrat &
Republican
Paul’s boast is
only in the cross.
- He is thereby reconciled to God.
- He is reconciled to the people of the world and the people of the
world to him.
Galatians 6:14
- He is also separated from the world system and the world system
from him.
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