The cross

The cross

Most theologians agree on some central points:

1. It is the culmination of God's revelation.

2. It is where Gods holiness and his love meet.

3. It is where one may be set free from the penalty and power of sin.

However, the use of the words is where the agreement ends.

If it is the 'culmination of God's revelation', why do they look for bigger and greater revelation in some end times event? Now they may shy away from confessing that the "end times" are bigger and greater, but 'culmination means 'climax'. Certainly the way the Book of Revelation is preached is as the climax of all human history.

What does it mean that holiness and love meet? To some it means that the Father (of Old Testament fame), who is mean and judgemental, meets the Son (of New Testament fame), who is gentle and kind. The Father killed the Son, whom he loves more than anything, to show us how much he loves us, though it isn't as much as he loves the Son. This is not real encouraging if you think about it.

What is the penalty of sin? Is it consequences in this world? Death? Eternal separation from God forever? Writhing pain and anguish in a burning hell forever? Among theologians there is no agreement.

What is the power of sin? An inability to control one's desires? A possession by an evil entity?

As these questions are placed in the context of the foundational truth; that man is separated from God by ignorance: Elohim, the answers to these questions will become clear. The preaching of the cross is more than: Jesus died for your sins.