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“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Colossians 1:19-20).
Jesus Christ was hung on the cross to pour out His soul to death, and bear the sin of many (Isa 53:12). It was to atone for sin for the entire human race.
Accordingly, the cross that used to be abhorrent and repulsive, has become a beautiful and attractive thing to all who are freed from the burden of sin.
Like the manger, that assumed significance because it became the birthplace of Jesus, so did the cross also assume significance because it became the place of his death.
Jesus’ blood carried His life which was given to purchase the lives of all people as they had come under the bondage of sin. Therefore, as many as believe in Him are set free from sin and given the peace of God.
Consequently, preachers who shun the cross and the blood of Jesus Christ, have no redemptive message to present. They may give messages of motivation, prosperity, etc. but these cannot bring salvation to anyone if the cross and the blood are ignored.
Christ Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross (1 Pet 2:24) to wash people clean with His blood. Therefore, it is written that in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses (Eph 1:7).
Really, the redemption of a sinful soul is impossible without the blood of Jesus, so redemptive messages should be centered on the blood of His cross. For His blood had to be shed first, before His resurrection, that brought the living hope to all who believe in Him, could take place.
By His shed blood that brings forgiveness of sins to those who believe in Him and His resurrection that gives them a living hope, peace comes into the lives of otherwise anxious, restless, and hopeless people. Indeed, the blood of Jesus gives perfect peace to all who plead it.
In a world of sin and death, it is the blood and resurrection of Jesus that offer a hope of righteousness and life to a person, to give them peace, so believe in Him and have a lasting peace.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for choosing to save sinful humanity in Jesus Christ. May every sinner seek salvation from Him by pleading His blood and embracing His resurrection. Amen.
By Robert K. Asante
