The Cross

Yin and Yang symbolizes how two things can be opposites but compliment each other. Examples are black and white, light and darkness, joy and sadness. Some philosophies even go as far as to teach that goodness needs evil to maintain balance. This idea is ludicrous, but we must understand that it is based in pagan ideologies. Just as Yin and Yang symbolize opposite ideas, in many ways, so does the cross. When we consider the cross, it brings about contradictory emotions, it reveals contradictory intentions, and it reveals contradictory destinies.

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"And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

44 Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last. 47 So when the centurion saw what had happened, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righteous Man!” 48 And the whole crowd who came together to that sight, seeing what had been done, beat their breasts and returned. 49 But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things."

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I cannot help but think of the cross and feel a sense of joy. It was the cross that paid the price for my sins. The cross made my salvation possible. However, the more I grow to love Jesus, the more the cross breaks my heart. It was my sins that put Jesus on the cross. It was for me that He died. The cross causes a contradiction of feelings for those who love the One who hung on the cross for our sins.

Reading the story of the cross also reveals a contradiction of intentions. The Pharisees and Romans wanted to kill Jesus because they did not like Him. He was, at best, a nuisance and, at worst, (in their opinion) an evil sinner. To them, He needed to be exterminated. From a Heavenly perspective, the intention was not to kill, but to save many lives. Jesus would die, that others might live. He would die because He was the only One who could die and yet live for ever.

Finally, the cross makes it possible for people to have contradictory destinies. Without the cross, we would all be headed to the same place. Hell would be the only destination for all of humanity. It was/is Jesus's sacrificial death on the cross that makes Heaven an option. Paul said, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). Hell is described as torment, while heaven is described as Paradise.

I was a wretch I remember who I was I was lost, I was blind I was running out of time

Sin separated The breach was far too wide But from the far side of the chasm You held me in your sight

So You made a way Across the great divide Left behind Heaven's throne To build it here inside

And there at the cross You paid the debt I owed Broke my chains, freed my soul For the first time I had hope

Thank you Jesus for the blood applied Thank you Jesus, it has washed me white Thank you Jesus, You have saved my life Brought me from the darkness into glorious light

Thank You Jesus For The Blood

Performed by: Charity Gayle