Welcome to Hank’s Place — Updated Classics
In this series we are pointing out that the Cross has changed everything in the relationship between God and man. Read the part of the Bible that come before the Cross and chances are you will be reading about a covenant that never applied to you—and no longer applies to the Israelites.
So why is this obsolete material in the Bible? Because it helps us appreciate who Jesus is and what He has done. The Law is the SHADOW, but Jesus is the REALITY. The Law is a warm-up to get us ready for Jesus—but Jesus alone is the star of the show. The Law is the prosecuting attorney. The Law condemns us as guilty, but Jesus is the great advocate who sets us free. 1 John 2:1.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:11 that the trials of the Israelites were written for our instruction. One judgment after another for disobeying the Law. We read of their failures to obey, their rebellion, and we understand: NO ONE can obey God’s Laws. The flesh always wins out in the end. All of us DESPERATELY need a Savior! And our Savior JESUS has come!
Here is an example of how the Cross has changed everything. Before the cross Adam’s sin meant condemnation for everyone. Romans 5:18 says “So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men….” But on the cross our sins were carried away, and there is now NO condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus—that’s Romans 8:1.
Before the Cross God was distant and unapproachable. Exodus 19:12 reads, “You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.’”
But at the Cross, according to Matthew 27:51 “…the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.” This was Almighty God bursting out of the Holy of Holies to dwell with and within His people – that’s you and me, my friend!
Yes, for Ephesians 2:13 states, “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” And not only that, but we who have been brought near can now boldly approach the throne of GRACE. That’s Hebrews 4:16. That’s right, after the Cross the throne of JUDGMENT has become a throne of GRACE—eternally!
Dear friend, it is past time to get rid of any condemning, works-based, flesh reliant, religious thinking and behavior — and COME ALIVE!
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