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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: Why did the Apostle Paul talk about glorying in the cross of Jesus? – G.C.

 

Dear G.C.: Paul gloried in the cross because it demonstrates God’s judgment on sin through the willing sacrifice of Christ on behalf of sinful man. “We have turned, every one, to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6, NKJV). He gloried in the cross because it is the only way to salvation. “For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NKJV). Paul gloried in the cross because it gave a new dynamic to life. “Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV). Paul gloried in the cross because he knew it guaranteed the future life. “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11, NKJV). Paul gloried in the cross because Christ defeated death by His resurrection. “Everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life.” (John 6:40, NKJV).

Once you’ve been to the cross, you can never be the same. The work of Christ on the cross is eternal. Its glory will never fade. The cross was in the heart of the Father and the Son from the beginning, and Jesus did not leave the cross behind when He left this world. The cross is also in the hearts of those who have committed themselves to Christ. This is why Paul said he would glory only in the cross of Jesus (see Galatians 6:14, KJV).

The eternal destination for believers in Christ is the glory of Heaven and eternity with Him. We shouldn’t cling to a well-polished cross; we should cling to the bloodstained cross, for it is the way by which our sinful hearts are washed whiter than snow.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)