Eternity
Eternity
V1A27)
The cross of Jesus Christ stands as a central symbol in Christianity, representing not just the physical suffering and death of Jesus, but a profound theological and eternal significance. The implications of the cross stretch into the realms of eternity, influencing Christian thought, worship, and understanding of salvation. Here, we delve into six outstanding implications of the cross as it relates to eternity.
Eternity and Reconciliation with God.
At the heart of the cross is the doctrine of reconciliation. According to Christian theology, sin created a chasm between humanity and God, a barrier that could only be bridged through divine intervention. The death of Jesus on the cross is seen as a substitutionary atonement for sin, reconciling humanity to God. This reconciliation is not temporal; it is eternal, promising believers an everlasting relationship with God. The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 emphasizes this, showing how God reconciled the world to Himself through Christ, entrusting the message of reconciliation to believers.
Eternity and Defeat of Death and Sin.
The cross is also a site of victory over sin and death. By willingly submitting to death and subsequently rising from the dead, Jesus conquered both sin and death, offering believers the hope of eternal life. This triumph is foundational to Christian eschatology, where death is not the end, but a passage into eternal life with God. Hebrews 2:14-15 explains that through death, Jesus destroyed the one who has the power of death and freed those who were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Eternity and Inauguration of the New Creation.
The New Testament portrays the resurrection of Jesus, which is inextricably linked to the cross, as the beginning of the new creation. This new creation breaks into the old, marred by sin and decay, heralding a restored universe that will culminate in the new heavens and new earth as described in Revelation 21. Believers are seen as the first fruits of this new reality (James 1:18), living with an eternal perspective that transforms their earthly lives.
Eternity and Access to the Presence of God.
The veil in the Jerusalem temple, which symbolized separation from the divine presence, was torn at the moment of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51). This act signifies that through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers now have direct access to God’s presence, not only in this life but eternally. This uninterrupted access to God is a profound eternal implication of the cross, emphasizing a personal and perpetual relationship with the divine.
Eternity Assurance of Divine Justice.
The cross also serves as a demonstration of God’s justice. On one hand, it shows God’s seriousness about sin and the lengths to which He would go to address it. On the other hand, it assures believers that God’s justice has been satisfied through Christ’s sacrifice, securing their eternal salvation. This assurance is crucial for understanding the final judgment, where believers can stand confident in the finished work of Christ.
Eternity Impetus for Ethical Living.
Finally, the cross provides a powerful impetus for ethical living. Believers are called to take up their own crosses (Luke 9:23), participating in Christ’s sufferings and extending His love and sacrifice to others. This ethical dimension is not confined to earthly existence but is tied to the believer’s eternal destiny. Living in a manner worthy of the gospel becomes a response to the eternal implications of the cross, influencing how Christians interact with the world around them.
Conclusion about eternity.
The cross of Jesus Christ is a multi-dimensional symbol with implications that transcend time and enter into the realm of the eternal. These implications encourage believers to live now in the light of eternity, motivated by the ultimate reconciliation with God, the defeat of death, the inauguration of the new creation, direct access to God, the assurance of divine justice, and a call to ethical living. Thus, the cross not only symbolizes sacrifice but also embodies the promise of eternity.
The following links lead to other devotional pages published under the theme of the Wisdom from The Cross
Forgiveness https://21stcenturyrenewalministries.com/forgiveness/
Humility https://21stcenturyrenewalministries.com/1041-2/
Redemption https://21stcenturyrenewalministries.com/redemption/
Hope https://21stcenturyrenewalministries.com/hope/
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