The World, the Cross, and the Promise of Heaven
The world is oblivious to its core problem. The problem has always been sin (Gen 3). If the world believed that its root problem was sin, people would be talking about sin and proposed solutions to sin…and its negative effects. Only a remnant of people, even in Christ’s church, speak freely about original sin (Rom 5:12), our sin nature (Eph 2:3), and our practice of sin (Rom 3:23). The natural man is conceived in sin (Ps 51:5), born in sin, and sins his whole life, and dies in his trespasses and sins (Rom 3:23; 5:12; Eph 2:1, 3).
The fact that people die is one product of sin (Rom 6:23). The appointment each person has with death is followed by an appointment at the judgment seat of God where an eternal sentence is issued. One’s eternal home (Eccl 12:5), be it heaven or hell, was determined long before the Judgment Day, however (Rom 9; 2 Cor 5:10; Heb 9:27).
While the world gives out trophies to everyone, the Bible, God’s holy Word, issues a warning about the consequences of sin. The Bible tells us the truth about the perfect holiness of God; and it tells us the truth about our plight of sin in the world. Some people hear the truth and they are hardened by it. Other people hear the truth; and they are riddled with guilt and shame.
What sinners need is a pardon from God (Rom 3:24, 28; 5:9; 8:1), the forgiveness of sins (Mt 26:28; Eph 1:7). Jesus, the eternal Son of God left the glory of heaven to save His people from their sins (Mt 1:21; Jn 3:16). Conceived by the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:23), to avoid the original sin of Adam (Rom 5:12), Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary (Is 7:14; Mt 1; Lk 2). The Son of God was enfleshed (Jn 1:14), becoming fully man, even as He was fully God. He was like us, yet without sin (Heb 4:15).
As the unblemished Lamb of God (Jn 1:29), Jesus took upon His body, at the cross, the sins of His people from the whole world and from across history (2 Cor 5:17; 1 Pet 2:24). He suffered and died on that dark day at Calvary. He was crucified, not for any sin of His own, but God laid upon Him the iniquities of all His chosen people given to Him by God the Father before the world began (Ps 130:8; Is 53:5; 2 Tim 1:9). All whom the Father gave to Jesus the Son will come to Him (Jn 6:37), who purchased them by His precious blood shed on that Roman tree (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 1:19).
There are only two responses to Christ’s work on that old rugged cross: despising or delight. The world despises Christ’s cross for many reasons. First, it is too proud to acknowledge sin, death, judgment, and eternal punishment in the fiery hell of the second death (Mt 25:41, 46; Jude 7; Rev 20:14–15. Second, through its many concocted religions, the world believes it can remedy a solution by itself apart from Christ (Jn 15:5).
God is calling all people, everywhere to repent — to turn from their idols and unto the living and true God — who sent His only begotten Son to be the one and only Savior of sinners (Jn 3:16; Acts 17:30; 1 Tim 1:15; 1 Thess 1:9). The imperative is to place one’s entire trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and to not lean on one’s own understanding (Prv 3:5–6). There is only one Name, under heaven, given among men, whereby one must be saved (Acts 4:12) — and at the Name above every other name, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…to the glory of God the Father (Eph 1:21; Phil 2:9, 11).
Trusting Christ is perfect submission. Those who gladly cling to the cross are unashamed of the Gospel of grace and truth (Rom 1:16–17), which draw the ire and reproach of the world. Sanctified sinners see the beauty of Christ’s death and find it a wondrous, daily attraction.
Following Jesus, as the way of salvation, is to walk in the pilgrim’s way through this present evil age (Mt 7:14; Gal 1:4). Not only are we safe and secure in the everlasting arms of Jesus (Dt 33:27); but what joy, peace, and fellowship we have with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Rom 14:17). Our days grow brighter and brighter on the path not traveled by this perverse generation (Mt 7:13; Jn 14:6). With our Lord so near — indwelling the soul of all those born again of the Holy Spirit — we have a hope and a future (Jer 29:11; Jn 3:1–8; 1 Pet 1:3).
Glory divine awaits those who have suffered for a season in this world of sin. In fact, our suffering here is not to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed to us at the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who deliver us from the wrath to come (Is 66:18; Ezek 43:2; Rom 8:18; 1 Thess 1:10). The blessed assurance of His second advent in glory is the promise of God’s Word, which is true (Ps 119:160). It is the Spirit of Christ who teaches, helps, and comforts those who trust in the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength — lost in His love!
A new heavens and a new earth are being prepared; and there, righteousness will dwell forever and ever (Is 65–66; 2 Pet 3:16; Rev 21–22). The saints of God will don glorified bodies in the likeness of the risen and glorified Christ (Rom 8:30; 1 Cor 15). We shall be like Him (1 Jn 3:2); and we will always be with the Lord (1 Thess 4:17), which is very much better (Phil 1:23).
Are you praising our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, today, as an heir of salvation? Are you filled with His goodness? Are you resting in Him, who has promised to never leave nor forsake His beloved people? Behold the mercy of God toward wretched sinners in the world, who delight in so great a salvation…found only in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
November 2, 2023
