The Cross - Could There Have Been Another Way?

Today we look back on Jesus’ death. Early this morning, in the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus faced the immense weight of what was to come, He prayed, asking if there was another way, if the cup of suffering could pass from Him (Mat. 26:39). Yet, He ultimately submitted to the Father’s will, a testimony to the singular path of redemption laid out before Him. If there had been an alternative, surely the Father, in His love, would have spared His Son such suffering.

God’s plan of redemption for us makes it clear that because of the sin we have committed as human beings (Rom. 3:23; 5:12) the punishment or wages for our sin is death (Rom. 6:23; 5:1). Sin requires death. If we get what we deserve, no matter who we are or how much good we think we have done, we will get the sentence of eternal death and judgment. There are no exceptions to this truth. We cannot do any works that change our horrible standing before God. There is no number of good deeds, no amount of work, no pleading or praying or churchgoing or service that could ever remove the guilt of our sin before God (Rom. 3:20).

Also, God's perfect and holy justice demands a full payment for our sin. God being just and righteous, always upholds the standard that He knows as God: complete holiness. Because He is God, He cannot ignore these standards or set them aside or He would not be God. So, God cannot pretend that our sin hasn't happened or that we don't deserve eternal condemnation. To put it simply, God is just, we are sinners, and as a result God must and will bring judgment on our sin.

This is our hopeless condition as sinners before a just and holy God… but that is not the end of the story! God could have left us to experience His justice, which means certain eternal judgment separated from Him. But God, being rich in mercy has chosen not to condemn us all (Rom. 5:8). God being full of grace and mercy and abounding in love to sinners, who deserve eternal condemnation, gave His Son to take the full justice of God for us on the Cross. God has shown the riches of His love for sinners who deserve the fullness of His wrath through Christ’s Cross. Amazing love, how can it be?

Today, on what we call Good Friday, we look back at God’s choice to send His Son to the Cross for us. The Cross being the intersection of the divine love and divine justice of God to redeem us from our sin. It is the ultimate act of substitution, where Jesus, though sinless, took upon Himself the penalty for our sins. He became the bridge across the chasm from our sinfulness and God’s holiness. The one and only way for us to be reconciled to God. Through His sacrifice, we can receive forgiveness, be cleansed from unrighteousness, have a relationship with Him and inherit eternal life.

Take a moment and let your heart be saddened that your Savior had to go to the Cross for your sins. Acknowledge the love that Jesus has for you as He obediently and lovingly went to the Cross for your sins so that you can have eternal communion with Him. Let all of this increase your Joy today!

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

See you Sunday, rejoicing in the resurrection: Steve