Benefits of the Cross

December 2, 2007

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

 I. Introduction

 Salvation

A. Romans 5:12 (The Need)

“Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

B. John 3:16 (The Solution)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other Name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be

Saved”.

C. Romans 10:8-10 (How to apply the solution) “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in

thy heart: that is, the Word of Faith which we preach; That if thou

shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Jesus from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation.

C. Ephesians 2:8,9 (It is a Gift)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast”.

C. John 1:12 (Anyone may receive this Gift)

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of

God, even to them that believe on His name”.

II. The Cross- The Basis for the Gift

A. Substitution & Identification

1. Jesus was cursed, so that we could be blessed

(Galatians 3:13- 14)

2. He was made sin, so that we could be made righteous. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

3. He was wounded, so that we could be healed

(Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24) 4. He was made poor, so that we could be made rich

(2 Corinthians 8:9)

5. He died, so that we could live (John 3:16, Hebrews

2:14-15).

III. Jesus death was very deliberate-He did not die as a victim

A. No one took His life, He voluntarily laid it down (John 10:17-18).

B. Legions of angels were standing by to rescue Him (Matthew

26:53), but

C. He would not fail to complete His mission, which was to freely give His life as a ransom for the sins of all people (Matthew 20:28;1

Timothy 2:6)

IV. Assurance of Salvation

A. Romans 10:8,10

B. Ephesians 2:8,9

C. I John 4:15

D. I John 1:9

E. Romans 8:1

V. Rededication and Who we are in Christ

A. II Corinthians 5:17 B. II Corinthians 6:14-16

C. I Corinthians 6:19,20

D. Romans 8:37

E. Galatians 3:26-29

VI. What is Righteousness?

 Righteousness is our Relationship or standing as sons of

God through Jesus Christ. It is not to be confused with our fellowship with the Father. – I John 1:1-10

Note: If we fall into sin, we remain children of God Relationship but our daily walk Fellowship with Him is hindered. If your child disobeyed you, that child is still yours, but the Communication or

Fellowship with “Your Own Child” will be strained!

VII. Communion-Common Union

A. The Bread

1. Jesus- The Bread of Life (John 6:32,

48-51, 53, 58).

2. Represents Jesus’ Body, broken for us (Luke 22:19; 1 John 3:16; Isaiah 53:4-6). 3. Also represents our relationship with

Jesus’ Body, the Church (1 Corinthians 10:16, 17; I

Corinthians 12:12, 13).

B. The Cup

1. Represents Jesus’ Blood (Matthew

26:28; Hebrews 9:11- 14).

2. Shed for the forgiveness of our sins

(Matthew 26:28; Romans 5:9; 1 John 1:7; Ephesians

3. A cup of Blessing (I Corinthians

10:16).

C. Taking Communion

1. Examine (or prove) yourself (1

Corinthians 11:28).

2. Properly discern what it represents (1

Corinthians 11:29).

...God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Galatians 6:14).