SUNDAY MARCH 28TH , 2021

INTRODUCTION: -The cross of the Lord Jesus Christ is very widely known, but very little understood. This is a sad phenomenon in the world and in the Church today.

The cross is a piece of jewelry to decorate the persons and clothing of those affiliated with traditional religion. It is the su bject of religious hymn and songs. “So I cherish the old rugged cross”. Yet the Bible says “Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree” (Gal.3:13). The cross is placed over the graves of the dead and on caskets. It adorns the spires of religious building. It is a “sign” made across the chests of those thinking that it can be their protection from evil and acceptance by God.

Yet the spiritual truth of the cross cannot be known except to the heart of those redeemed by his blood and sealed by the Holy Ghost? (1Corint.1:17-18).

1) The Great Transaction At The Cross

We were all lost, sold to Satan under sin and in bondage. We were as slaves in the slave market. Then, came the Redeemer. He went to the cross and there paid the price; the ultimate price for our souls. He gave His life a ransom (Rom.5:6-9; 1Corint.6:20; Lev.17:11; Heb.9:12-22).

On the cross Jesus Christ laid down His life, shedding His own blood to purchase us from the house of slavery and bondage, thereby making us free (Eph.2:13-16; Heb.12:24; 13:12, 20; 1Jh1:7; 5:6; Rev.1:6-8; 5:9; 7:14; 12:11).

2) The Great Exchange At The Cross

The fall of man brought a great woe on human kind. We all sinned and came short of God’s glory (Rom.3:23). The cup of God’s wrath is full of mixture of red wine ready to be poured out, so that all sinners would wring out and drink the dregs there of (Ps.75:8).

But at the cross, Jesus Christ “took the cup” containing the wrath of God the father, the woes and drank it all leaving none for me. It was the bitter cup of death, shame and rejection (John 19:28-30; Matt.26:27). Herein is a mystery. For when He took the cup from the Father, it contained bitterness (vinegar) and death (Matt.26:39&42; Jh.19:28). He exchanged it with the sweet cup of life and gave us (Matt.26:27-28).

Yes, Christ Jesus took the bitter cup of death and gave us the sweet cup of life. When He took the cup everyone saw it was the bitter cup of death but in the Spiritual realm of it, He quickly exchanged it with the cup, the sweet cup of life and peace he had prepared. So, He drank the bitter cup of death, while we drink the sweet cup of life and peace (Heb.10:5-8; Rom.6:23).

Indeed, “It’s done, the great transaction’s done. I am Lord’s and He is mine”. I am redeemed, oh, praise the Lord, my soul, from bondage free, has found at last a resting place, in Him who died for me. I looked, and lo, from Calvary’s cross a healing fountain stream; it cleansed my heart, and now I sing, praise God I am redeemed!

The debt is paid, my soul is free, and by His Mighty power the blood that washed my sins away still cleanses every hour.

In the cross is all I need in life and eternity provided!

QUESTIONS

1. How does the great transaction at the cross affect you?

2. What is the mystery of the cup at the cross?