The Message of the Cross

A lot of people see the belief in God and the fellowship of the saints as something positive, helpful and good. Still, they themselves want nothing to do with Jesus Christ and the Cross. Some people even participate in communion, giving tribute to the death and resurrection of the Lord, yet without any actual inward participation (1 Corinthians 11:28-30). They disregard what transpired at Golgotha and partake in the communion in obedience to the law. Some people even say that a belief in God and to be religiously minded eases the transition into death and enhances life. It is impossible to change the arrogant, self-centred, superficial mindset of these people. It is not incorrect to say that our faith does help us in many ways and especially at our time of death. However, if this were to be all that faith in God accomplishes, it would be classified as lamentable cynicism and a tragic show void of any happy end.

The message of the cross is not a psycho-show or a self-help programme for people who have, through the turmoil of life and their consistent pursuit of acknowledgement and wealth, never found the true purpose of life. It is true that God chose the weak out of the world to faith (1 Corinthians 1:27). We, as Christians can testify to this. God can't be near to those who think they are, in their own right, clever, strong, wise and knowledgeable. Is it wise to believe in God without knowing why? Is it intelligent to gain faith in the goodness of God, yet to exclude yourself. Most people don't deliberately say “no” to God, however every personal consequence revealed through repentance and salvation is a thorn in their side. A God, Who becomes human and sacrifices Himself for the iniquity of others (John 3:16)? A God that allows Himself to be spat on and crucified and opens the way to heaven through His death and resurrection? A lot of people see this as foolishness and are offended by it! Jesus said in Luke 7:23 “...blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Not seldom people reconcile themselves to the concept that God eventually manifests Himself in all religions. If this were so then Jesus would be a religion-founder, maybe even a prophet and just a “moral, upstanding person”. No more. And notwithstanding what Jesus in present times mean to many devout Gospel-believing people, to others He is a mere example of the result of good management and business-minded witnesses of the life and times of Jesus Christ. Sad, but true. The Word of Truth can only be found in the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13) and is salvation to those who believe in it.

There is a dividing of spirits to be found in Jesus Christ.

Jörg Bauer