The Pastor's Pen

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    “In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine, A wondrous beauty I see; for ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died To pardon and sanctify me.”   In this third verse of his beloved hymn entitled The Old Rugged Cross, George Bennard expressed the depth of meaning that the cross had for him. 

    What does the cross hold for you and me personally? Hebrews chapter 10 expresses some special blessings that you and I have as a result of Christ’s sacrifice on that cross. Let me briefly share some of those with you.

    First, in verse 10 we are told that Christ’s death was necessary only one time. This is in contrast to the temporary offerings of the Old Testament. Because He was without sin, Christ could do what we could never do - become the perfect offering and become our substitute in paying for our sin. By His death, Christ paid the debt owed for my sin. 

    Second, in verse 12 we understand that His one payment was sufficient. From the cross He cried “It is finished “ (John 19:30). Nothing further was needed because He “sat down on the right hand of God” indicating that His work was completed.

    Third, verse 14 assures us that His offering “perfected forever” those who are saved. Perfected indicates that the action was completed and there is nothing further that can be done. We are saved by what He did!

    Fourth, verse 17 indicates that God wipes the slate clean. God’s forgiveness is so complete that He will not even remember our sin. It is not that God doesn’t have a memory - for He does. It conveys to us that He is not going to confront us with sin that has been paid for at the cross. The Psalmist understood the depths of God’s forgiveness when he wrote, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our sins from us.” (Psalm 103:12).

    The work of Christ on the cross has great meaning for us! Let us be thankful and praise Him daily for what our Savior accomplished on the cross.

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Robert Kurtz,  Pastor