The following articles are related to the topic of CROSS

A Reflection Upon Three Crosses

Crucifixion was probably the most horrible form of capital punishment ever devised by man. The ancient Persians practiced it (ca. 522 B.C.); for example, when Darius, a Persian ruler, conquered Babylon (the second conquest), he had three thousand leading citizens crucified (Herodotus, The Histories 3.159). Later crucifixion became a mode of Greek execution. Following the destruction of Tyre, Alexander the ... read more »

The Haunting Question from the Cross

During the six hours in which he hung upon the cross, the Lord Jesus uttered seven sayings. Surely the most perplexing of these was his plaintive question, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). As one might suspect, the critics appeal to this passage in an attempt to suggest that it highlights a moment of weakness ... read more »

What About the Thief on the Cross?

"Why do you insist that baptism is essential for salvation? While hanging on the cross, Jesus pardoned the thief who was crucified with him. And that forgiveness was granted without baptism (Luke 23:43). Surely this is a clear example of salvation by faith, not by baptism." To argue that the example of the thief on the cross is a pattern ... read more »

Two Questions: Who Died on the Cross? Thee or You?

"At times some of those who offer prayer at the communion table, in expressing thanks for the bread and the fruit of the vine, will frame their prayers somewhat in this way: 'Dear Father, we thank you for dying on the cross and shedding your blood for us.' This troubles me. What can be done to remedy this situation?" Sometimes ... read more »

Did Christ Die as a “Sinner” upon the Cross?

"Some say that when Jesus died he bore our 'actual' sins in his body on the cross.Others believe that Christ only bore the 'penalty' for sin.Which view represents the truth of the matter?" Some prominent theologians contend that when the Lord languished upon the cross, he literally bore our sins in his body, so that in reality, Jesus actually died ... read more »

Did Christ Literally Bear Our Sins on the Cross?

Some scholars allege that when Jesus died he literally bore our sins in his body on the cross. Others believe that Christ only bore the penalty for sin. Which view represents the truth of the matter? A number of prominent sectarian theologians contend that as the Lord languished upon the cross, he literally bore our sins in his body, so ... read more »

For the Joy that Lay before Him

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is said to be God's "hall of faith." Thrillingly, it chronicles a variety of marvelous examples of Old Testament faithful obedience, which are intended to encourage us in our Christian lives. With reference to this matter, the author declares: "Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, ... read more »

God’s Care For His People

After more than two centuries, God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt and into the bleak wilderness of Sinai. Ideally, the Hebrews should have gone directly into Canaan (150 miles to the northeast), which would have taken about a month. However, due to their lack of faith, they were forced to wander in the harsh desert for 40 ... read more »

More Preaching on Baptism?

What do you think? Do we need more sermons on baptism? Ask that question and you will receive a variety of answers. In fact, you will no doubt get conflicting answers -depending upon with whom you are talking. Some have expressed the opinion that "all we hear" are sermons on baptism. First, one need not apologize for teaching any New ... read more »

The Crucifixion of Christ

Crucifixion was probably the most horrible form of capital punishment ever devised by man. It was employed by the Persians (c. 522 B.C.). Darius had 3,000 Babylonians crucified when he conquered that territory. Later, it was employed by the Greeks. Following the destruction of Tyre, Alexander the Great crucified 2,000 men of military age. The Jews even used crucifixion on ... read more »