The cross of Christ is the only power that has ever made men forsake their sins. If it won’t, nothing will. Teaching regarding the cross of Christ is teaching that honors God. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the foundation of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). However, the crucifixion of Jesus tells the narrative of three crosses.
The first cross is the cross of redemption. This man died FOR sins. He was a dying Savior. He died as a sacrifice for our sins (Isaiah 53:10). Paul said that “you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:18). That “price” was His blood. This price is made even more astounding because He died even though He had no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18). This cross is the wonder of all time.
The second cross is the cross of rejection. This man died IN sin. He was a dying sinner. He died rejecting Jesus (Luke 23:39). This man died rejecting the only one who could’ve saved his soul (John 3:36). This man’s rejection reminds us of the people of Nazareth (Luke 4:28-30; cp. John 1:11), the religious leaders (Matthew 12:24; John 11:53), and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-16). This thief wanted to be saved, but not by Jesus.
The third cross is the cross of reception. This man died TO sin. He was a dying saint. He died forgiven of his sins (Luke 23:43). He became a believer under the Law of Moses during the time Jesus could say, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace” (Luke 7:47-50). Many use him as an example that you don’t have to be baptized, but this is incorrect. Jesus dying on the cross gave all of us a New Covenant to follow. That covenant says that baptism saves a person; it turns them from spiritually dead to alive in Christ because it forgives sins.
These two thieves demonstrate that the essence of sin is the same in all those who depart from God. What the first cross means to you determines whether you’re hanging on the cross of reception or the cross of rejection. Are you willing to manifest your faith in Jesus like the saved thief? Are you furthermore willing to humbly obey Him? We beg you to accept the message of the first cross today!
Kyle Campbell