THE POWER OF THE CROSS

Title: THE POWER OF THE CROSS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18
Supporting Texts: Colossians 2:14-15, Galatians 6:14, John 19:30

INTRODUCTION:
The Cross of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. It is where the love of God met the justice of God. Through the Cross, salvation was made possible for all humanity. While the world may view the Cross as a symbol of defeat, for believers, it is the ultimate symbol of victory and transformation. The power of the Cross extends beyond just forgiveness of sins; it breaks chains, reconciles us to God, and provides eternal life. Today, we will explore the power and significance of the Cross in our lives and why it remains the only path to salvation.

1. THE CROSS: A SYMBOL OF SACRIFICE

a) Jesus became the perfect sacrifice
In the Old Testament, animals were sacrificed to atone for sin temporarily. But Jesus, as the Lamb of God, became the ultimate sacrifice for sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:10).

b) The shedding of blood for forgiveness
Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

c) Jesus paid our debt
We owed a debt of sin we could not pay, but Jesus, in His love, paid it all on the Cross (Colossians 2:14).

d) It is finished
Jesus declared, “It is finished” on the Cross (John 19:30), signifying that the work of salvation was complete.

Biblical Example: Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac
In Genesis 22:1-14, Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac foreshadowed God’s ultimate sacrifice of His Son for our redemption.

2. THE CROSS: THE PLACE OF FORGIVENESS

a) Sin was nailed to the Cross
Jesus took our sins upon Himself and nailed them to the Cross, removing the barrier between us and God (Colossians 2:14).

b) We are forgiven through the Cross
Ephesians 1:7 tells us that through the blood of Christ, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

c) Grace through the Cross
The Cross is where God’s grace was extended to all of humanity. We receive what we do not deserve — forgiveness and new life.

d) Reconciliation through the Cross
Through the Cross, we are reconciled to God, no longer separated by sin (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Biblical Example: The Thief on the Cross
In Luke 23:39-43, the thief who repented found forgiveness and the promise of paradise, even in his final moments, showing the immediate power of the Cross.

3. THE CROSS: VICTORY OVER DEATH AND SATAN

a) Jesus conquered death through the Cross
Death lost its sting because Jesus overcame it by rising from the dead. The Cross was the gateway to His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

b) Satan was defeated at the Cross
Colossians 2:15 reveals that Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the Cross.

c) The power of the enemy was broken
At the Cross, the power of sin, death, and hell was broken forever for those who believe in Jesus.

d) The Cross guarantees our eternal victory
Our victory over sin and eternal death is secured by the finished work of Christ on the Cross (Romans 8:37).

Biblical Example: David and Goliath
Just as David’s victory over Goliath seemed impossible but was certain through God’s power (1 Samuel 17), Jesus' victory at the Cross defeated our greatest enemy, sin and death.

4. THE CROSS: A CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

a) Jesus calls us to take up our cross
In Matthew 16:24, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, symbolizing a life of sacrifice and commitment.

b) The Cross means dying to self
Galatians 2:20 speaks of being crucified with Christ, where we die to our old self and live for Christ.

c) Living a transformed life
Through the Cross, we are transformed into new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our old life is gone, and the new life in Christ has begun.

d) Enduring trials for Christ
Just as Jesus endured the Cross, we too must be willing to endure trials and suffering for the sake of the Gospel (Philippians 1:29).

Biblical Example: The Apostles' Boldness After the Cross
After Jesus' resurrection, the apostles boldly proclaimed the Gospel, even in the face of persecution, because they understood the power of the Cross (Acts 4:13).

5. THE CROSS: THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE

a) Jesus offers eternal life through the Cross
John 3:16 tells us that God gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

b) Salvation comes through the Cross
There is no other way to eternal life but through Jesus and His sacrifice on the Cross (John 14:6).

c) The Cross brings freedom from judgment
Romans 8:1 declares that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because the judgment for our sins fell on Him at the Cross.

d) The hope of resurrection
Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, believers have the hope of resurrection and eternal life (Romans 6:5).

Biblical Example: The Resurrection of Lazarus
In John 11:25-26, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, symbolizing the eternal life He offers to all who believe in Him.

CONCLUSION:
The Cross of Jesus Christ is not just a symbol; it is the power of God for salvation. Through the Cross, we find forgiveness, victory over sin, and eternal life. It is only by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross that we can be saved. Today, if you have not yet given your life to Christ, the invitation is open to come to the Cross, where the power of God is ready to transform you.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.

2. Father, I accept the forgiveness offered through the blood of Jesus.

3. Lord, help me to walk in the victory that Jesus won for me on the Cross.

4. Father, break every chain of sin and death in my life through the power of the Cross.

5. Lord, I take up my cross and follow You, surrendering my life to Your will.

6. Father, help me to live a life that reflects the power of the Cross.

7. Lord, I receive the eternal life promised through Jesus’ sacrifice.

8. Father, may the message of the Cross be my bold declaration to the world.

9. Lord, transform my heart and life by the power of the Cross.

10. Father, thank You for the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. I declare that the power of the Cross is at work in my life, bringing forgiveness and victory.

2. I declare that no sin has power over me because of the blood of Jesus shed on the Cross.

3. I declare that every chain of bondage in my life is broken through the power of the Cross.

4. I declare that I will live a life of sacrifice, taking up my cross and following Christ daily.

5. I declare that the victory of Jesus on the Cross is my portion, and I will walk in it.

6. I declare that the message of the Cross will be a testimony of God’s power in my life.

7. I declare that the hope of eternal life is mine through the finished work of Jesus on the Cross.

8. I declare that I am a new creation, transformed by the power of the Cross.

9. I declare that every force of darkness is defeated in my life because of the Cross.

10. I declare that I will boldly proclaim the power of the Cross to all those around me.