The Cross: A Journey from Rebellion to Redemption

 

Summary

In our journey through the Scriptures today, we have been reminded of the profound significance of the cross and the act of communion. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are called to examine ourselves, to confess our sins, and to seek forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ. This self-examination is not a mere ritual but a heartfelt reflection on our spiritual state, ensuring that we do not partake in an unworthy manner, which would bring judgment upon ourselves.We delved into the narrative of the crucifixion, focusing on the three crosses at Calvary. Each cross represents a distinct attitude towards Christ and His sacrifice. The first cross, the cross of rebellion, symbolizes the attitude of self-reliance and rejection of Christ's offer of salvation. The criminal who hung there mocked Jesus, embodying the spirit of rebellion that says, "I can do it myself; I don't need God."The second cross, the cross of remorse, tells the story of the criminal who, upon realizing his impending death, turned to Jesus in fear and recognition of his own sinfulness. This cross represents the attitude of those who acknowledge their need for a Savior but may mistakenly believe that remorse or good works can save them. However, true salvation is not found in our actions or feelings of regret but in the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.The third cross, the cross of redemption, is where our Savior hung. It is the only cross that offers salvation. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, offering us forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. It is this cross that reminds us that we cannot save ourselves; only through Jesus can we be redeemed.The cross is not merely a symbol of Christianity or an adornment for our homes. It is the emblem of God's unconditional love, a daily reminder of the price Jesus paid for our redemption. As we reflect on the cross, let us not see it as a call to be better people but as a call to remember the grace of God and the sacrifice of His Son, which grants us salvation and the power to live transformed lives.Key Takeaways:- The cross of rebellion is a stark reminder that self-reliance is futile in the face of eternity. We must recognize that our own efforts cannot save us. Only through surrendering to Christ and acknowledging our need for His saving grace can we find true freedom and salvation. [23:58]- The cross of remorse teaches us that while it is good to feel sorrow for our sins, remorse alone cannot lead to salvation. True repentance involves turning away from sin and placing our trust in Jesus Christ, who has paid the full price for our redemption. [30:43]- The cross of redemption is the only cross that saves. It is not by our works but by faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to pay the penalty for our sins, and by believing in Him, we receive the gift of eternal life. [33:54]- Communion is a sacred time of reflection and remembrance. As we partake of the bread and the cup, let us do so with a clear conscience, having confessed our sins and with a heart full of gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus, who made our redemption possible. [41:55]- The cross should never be reduced to a mere symbol or piece of jewelry. It is the profound representation of God's love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let it always remind us of the cost of our salvation and inspire us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received in Christ. [10:26]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Luke 23:32-43
- 1 Corinthians 11:28-29
- Mark 15:24

#### Observation Questions
1. What were the three different attitudes represented by the three crosses at Calvary? ([16:23])
2. How did the first criminal react to Jesus, and what does his reaction symbolize? ([22:05])
3. What was the response of the second criminal to Jesus, and how did Jesus reply to him? ([25:37])
4. According to 1 Corinthians 11:28-29, what should believers do before partaking in communion?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is self-examination important before participating in communion, according to 1 Corinthians 11:28-29? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on heartfelt reflection? ([41:55])
2. What does the first criminal’s attitude of rebellion teach us about self-reliance and rejection of Christ? How is this attitude seen in today's world? ([23:58])
3. How does the second criminal’s remorse differ from true repentance, and why is remorse alone insufficient for salvation? ([30:43])
4. What does the third cross, the cross of redemption, reveal about the nature of Jesus' sacrifice and the concept of grace? ([33:54])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are relying on your own strength rather than surrendering to Christ? How can you shift from self-reliance to trusting in Jesus? ([23:58])
2. When you feel remorse for your sins, do you also turn to Jesus for forgiveness, or do you try to make up for your sins through good works? How can you practice true repentance this week? ([30:43])
3. How does the cross of redemption impact your daily life and decisions? In what ways can you live out the reality of being redeemed by Jesus? ([33:54])
4. Communion is a time for self-examination and reflection. What steps can you take to ensure you approach the Lord’s Supper with a clear conscience and a grateful heart? ([41:55])
5. The cross is more than a symbol; it represents the sacrifice of Jesus. How can you keep the significance of the cross at the forefront of your mind in your daily life? ([10:26])
6. Think of someone you need to forgive. How can Jesus' example of forgiveness on the cross inspire you to extend forgiveness to that person? ([17:56])
7. How can you share the message of the cross and its significance with someone who may see it only as a piece of jewelry or art? What practical steps can you take to communicate its true meaning? ([34:42])

Devotional

Day 1: Surrender to Christ, Not Self-RelianceSelf-reliance is a common trait in humanity, often seen as a virtue in many aspects of life. However, when it comes to matters of faith and eternity, self-reliance is revealed as a futile endeavor. The cross of rebellion serves as a stark reminder that human efforts are insufficient for salvation. It is only through surrendering to Christ and recognizing the need for His grace that one can find true freedom and salvation. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily practice of yielding one's will, desires, and plans to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.The cross of rebellion is not just a historical artifact; it is a mirror reflecting the rebellion in every human heart. It challenges the illusion of self-sufficiency and invites individuals to a life of dependence on God. In this act of surrender, there is a paradoxical liberty found in being bound to Christ, where the burdens of sin and the weight of self-righteousness are lifted.[23:58]"Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered." - Proverbs 28:26 ESVReflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?Day 2: Remorse Does Not Equal RedemptionIt is a common misconception that feeling deep sorrow for one's sins is enough to secure redemption. The cross of remorse teaches that while it is good and proper to feel sorrow for our wrongdoings, remorse alone is not the pathway to salvation. True repentance is more than a feeling; it is a decisive turn away from sin and a wholehearted turn towards Jesus Christ, who has paid the full price for our redemption. This involves not only an emotional response but also a transformation of one's life and actions.The criminal on the cross of remorse recognized his sinfulness and turned to Jesus in his final moments. This acknowledgment is the first step toward salvation, but it must be coupled with faith in Jesus and His atoning work on the cross. It is this faith, not the depth of one's remorse, that seals one's redemption and ushers in a new life in Christ.[30:43]"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10 ESVReflection: Reflect on a time when you felt remorse for a sin. Did that feeling lead to a lasting change in your life? How can you move from mere remorse to genuine repentance today?Day 3: Faith in Christ, Our Only SalvationThe cross of redemption stands as the singular beacon of hope for humanity. It is not through personal achievements or moral excellence that salvation is obtained, but through faith in Jesus Christ alone. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to pay the penalty for all sins, and by believing in Him, individuals receive the gift of eternal life. This truth is liberating, as it shifts the focus from self-effort to the grace and mercy of God.The cross of redemption is a call to faith, a reminder that Jesus' death and resurrection are the only means by which salvation can be secured. It is an invitation to trust in the finished work of Christ and to rest in the assurance that His sacrifice is enough. This faith is not passive; it is active trust that transforms lives and reshapes destinies.[33:54]"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe." - Romans 3:21-22a ESVReflection: How does understanding that salvation is not based on your works but on faith in Christ change the way you live your life? What might you do differently today because of this truth?Day 4: Communion as Sacred ReflectionCommunion is a time-honored tradition that holds deep significance for believers. It is not merely a ritual to be observed, but a sacred time of reflection and remembrance. As participants partake of the bread and the cup, they are called to do so with a clear conscience, having confessed their sins and with hearts full of gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus. This act of communion is a personal encounter with the grace of God, a moment to remember the cost of redemption and to renew one's commitment to live in light of Christ's sacrifice.This sacred time is an opportunity for believers to examine their hearts, to align themselves with the truth of the Gospel, and to ensure that they are living in a manner worthy of the calling they have received. It is a moment to reflect on the profound love of God and to allow that love to permeate every aspect of their lives.[41:55]"Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup." - 1 Corinthians 11:28 ESVReflection: As you prepare for your next communion, what specific sins do you need to confess and turn away from? How can you approach the Lord's table with a heart that is truly grateful for Christ's sacrifice?Day 5: The Cross as a Call to TransformationThe cross is far more than a symbol; it is the profound representation of God's love and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It should never be reduced to a mere piece of jewelry or a decorative item. Instead, it stands as a constant reminder of the cost of salvation and the depth of God's love for humanity. This emblem of sacrifice calls believers to live lives that reflect the transformative power of the Gospel, to be individuals who embody the grace and truth of Christ in every action and interaction.The cross is a daily reminder to live in a manner that honors the sacrifice made by Jesus. It is a call to transformation, to a life that is marked by love, humility, and service. As believers gaze upon the cross, they are inspired to live lives that are worthy of the calling they have received, lives that testify to the life-changing power of the cross.[10:26]"And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." - 2 Corinthians 5:15 ESVReflection: What does living a life 'worthy of the calling' look like in your daily routine? Identify one practical way you can demonstrate the transformative power of the cross in your life today.

Quotes

"The cross of rebellion is the attitude that says I can do it myself. I look at the cross, it means nothing to me... I don't need it. That is reflected in the attitude of this criminal hanging there." [23:58] ( | | )

"The cross of remorse... is admirable, don't get me wrong, but it is not a cross that saves. The Cross of remorse, the cross of desiring to live a better life, to be a better person, does not save." [30:43] ( | | )

"The cross of redemption is the only cross that saves... Jesus took upon the sins of this man and that's why Jesus could assure him, today you will be with me in paradise." [33:54] ( | | )

"When we see the cross, what does it remind you of? Does it signify a cross of rebellion, a cross of remorse, or will the cross be a cross of redemption, a reminder that you and I cannot save ourselves?" [35:28] ( | | )

"Communion is a sacred time of reflection and remembrance. As we partake of the bread and the cup, let us do so with a clear conscience, having confessed our sins and with a heart full of gratitude." [41:55] ( | | )

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Transcript
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