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TITLE: What does the Cross Represent?

TEXT: John 12:27-33

PROPOSITION: The cross is a symbol of Christianity.

Introduction:

  1. The “cross” is the focus of many passages in the NT.

  2. It is not the cross itself – wooden beams on which an execution takes place

  3. It is Jesus who died on that cross – that is the focus

  4. I want you to notice what the cross represents.

 

THE CROSS OF CHRIST REPRESENTS:

God's Hatred for Sin

  1. Sin separated man from God – Isaiah 59:1-2

  2. The penalty for sin is death – Romans 3:23

  3. Christ came to earth as the lamb of God to take away the sins of the world

  4. Hebrews 2:9

  5. 1Peter 2:21-24

God's Love for Man

  1. John 3:16

  2. Matthew 1:21 – Call his name Jesus, save his people from their sins

  3. Mark 10:45 – Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many

The End of the Old Law of Moses

  1. Colossians 2:14

  2. First covenant was temporary – Hebrews 8:7-13; 9:15-17

  3. Galatians 3:13

The End of Racial and Ethnic Barriers

  1. Ephesians 2:11-17

  2. God is not a respecter of persons – all who believe and obey are accepted

  3. Acts 10:34-35

The Drawing Power of the Gospel

  1. John 12:27-33

  2. Cross is foundation of the gospel – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

  3. Cross is message of God's power to save – Romans 1:16

  4. NT preachers did not use carnal means to draw men

  5. Like in fishing – the “bait” determines what you “catch”



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