True & Beautiful Things About the Bible--New Testamentনমুনা

The Letter to the Galatians: The Cross of Jesus

Sometimes we forget the beauty and the horror of Jesus’ cross.

The Galatians had. They first received God’s grace that Jesus’ cross made possible, but then they added back into the mix the old rules that no longer applied. They couldn’t believe that grace that amazing was possible and tried to earn it again.

The apostle Paul wrote them a passionate letter pulling them back to the cross. He reminded them in Galatians 2:20 that:

When you believe that Jesus died for you, you die with Him. Nothing you do could ever be enough to pay for your sin—only Jesus’ death satisfies your debt. He died for you willingly, even joyfully. And now you live because He lives.

When you choose to live by faith (and not by rules, or rituals, or religious anything), you please God. Faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for you is all that’s needed and the only way to God. If there was another way, then Jesus suffered the horror and humiliation for nothing.

When you see why Jesus went to the cross, you begin to grasp His beautiful, horrible sacrifice that day. He died because: “[He] loved [you] and gave Himself for [you].

Galatians 2:20 is the gospel in one verse: I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Ask the Lord, what does Your cross mean to me?

1. Every time I try to please God on my own, remind me of Your sacrifice.

2. Every time I take my sin lightly, remind me of the true cost You paid.

3. Every time I carry my own burden, remind me You gave Yourself for me.

4. If I refuse to accept Your forgiveness and carry my guilt instead, remind me You didn’t die for nothing.

5. In case the horror of Calvary overwhelms me, remind me You endured the cross with joy.

6. Someday, when I stand forgiven, complete, and accepted before God, I will remember Your cross for its beauty.

7. And on that day when every knee bows and every tongue confesses You are Lord, Jesus, I won’t hide my eyes from Your scars.

Next: You are His masterpiece.