Christ lifted up is the message of the cross. That's Christ upon the cross, drawing us through the power of the Holy Spirit. He draws us to the love and mercy of God our Father. Christ draws us with the good news that our sins are forgiven at the cross. Jesus said, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself" (John 12:32).
Christ lifted up on the cross is love divine, God the Father's love for sinners. Love is the power of God, because "God is love" (1 John 4:8). The power of Christ crucified is not force that sweeps us away without our consent. Rather, it is the power of love drawing us to the Father's gift in Christ. It is about lovers. God's love pursues us through His beloved Son crucified. "We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Christ lifted up on the cross is such great love for us. Yes, we can trust Him, because we have discovered how much He loves us. Love enables us to trust Him, taking away all of our sins. Faith receives His love divine at the cross.
Christ lifted up on the cross is the gospel. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). When God's love becomes real to our hearts, we come to Christ gladly and with joy. We come to the one who loves us and gave Himself for us at the cross.
Christ lifted up on the cross is the gospel. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son" (John 3:16). When God's love becomes real to our hearts, we come to Christ gladly and with joy. We come to the one who loves us and gave Himself for us at the cross.
