The offense of the cross
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.’
Galatians 3:13
Some do not like to hear about the cross of Christ. They think that it is offensive, and they do not like to be offended. The cross points back to mankind’s sin, and being reminded of our faults and guilt is challenging. However, the truth is that without the cross, there is no salvation for mankind. The law cannot save; it can only condemn. The curse of the law is death. When Jesus was crucified, he conquered death and offered salvation to all who would accept it.
When Jesus hung on the cross, He redeemed us from the curse of the law. He did so by taking on our ssins In Deuteronomy 21:23, we read that anyone who is hanged on a tree is accursed of God. Jesus fulfilled the law and went to the cross to redeem us by becoming a curse for us. Christ’s death on the cross was the only way we could be justified by God. Our sins were laid on Christ, but then, through his death and resurrection, his righteousness was laid on us. This is known as the great exchange, our sin for Christ’s righteousness.
However, you can only have Christ’s righteousness imputed to you by God’s grace through faith in Christ. Keeping the law, or rather, trying to keep the law, will not justify you to God. Only the cross can justify you before God. When you receive Christ as your Lord and Savior, He imputes His righteousness to you on the basis of His redemption on the cross. Trust Him today.
This week, take some time and give God thanks for all that he has done, especially pfor roviding his Savior, Jesus Christ.