1 Corinthians 2:2
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
The message of the cross is not one among many great Bible doctrines. Rather, it is the central theme of the Gospel and entire Bible. That’s why the Apostle Paul resolved not to rely on clever human rhetoric and wisdom, as other Greek-educated scholars tended to do, but to only preach the Cross–Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for our sins on Calvary (see 1 Cor. 2:1-2).
In fact, the cross of Christ is the truth that confronts us right from Genesis. The seed of the woman bruising the serpent’s head is nothing else but a prophecy of Christ crucified (Gen 3:15). Throughout the Pentateuch and all Jewish history, this truth shines forth. The Passover lamb, the daily sacrifice, the continual shedding of blood in the Tabernacle and Temple—all these were symbolic of Christ crucified.
Even as we close the Revelation, the centrality of the Cross is unmistakable. For the Bible says, “In the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain” (Rev 5:6). So, right at the core of heavenly glory, a view of Christ crucified is focal.
Without the Cross, all humanity is doomed. Without the Cross, all our religion is pointless. Without Calvary, the Bible is incomplete, our future is bleak and all is lost!
Beloved, we too must learn to forget peripheral matters. We must keep the main thing the main thing. We must view everything through the lenses of the Blood of Jesus. Our thoughts, plans and relationships must all be governed from a Cross paradigm. Forget politics. Ignore gossip. Overlook insults. Ditch philosophy. Only thoroughly master the Redemption Story!
Pastor Josh