The Cross
by Pat McIntosh
The peace and tranquility of the Garden of Eden was shattered by the most devastating and tragic event in the history of mankind. A single law had been given to the couple dwelling there –
Don’t eat of the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Yet, Satan tempted Eve
to do that very thing, who enticed Adam to do the same. The result of this act was that sin was
introduced into the world.
The forgiveness of sin requires a perfect sacrifice. The author of the book of Hebrews indicated
that “it was not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin” (Heb. 10:4). Who
offered that perfect sacrifice? What was involved and when was it determined that such should
be done?
This is a matter of prophecy and its fulfillment. One of the greatest proofs of inspiration is
predictive prophecy. Men were inspired to “make predictions.” Other inspired men were used to
pen the words showing the fulfillment of those prophecies. One of the greatest of these
prophecies involved Christ and the Cross. We are told in Scripture that Christ was in the mind
before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). In other words God, in His omnipotence, knew
what would be needed to save the souls of man. There are numerous passages in the Old
Testament that predict something about Christ and the Cross. These include Psalm 22 and Isaiah
53, both of which read as if they were written at the foot of the cross.
The blood shed on the cross provides the sacrifice needed for our forgiveness. The cross and the
resurrection of Christ provide strength and are foundational for our faith. May we be those who
study these passages, drinking deeply from God has provided for our faith.
Sunday A.M Sermon – Prophecies of the Cross
Introduction – Eph. 1:3-14; Gal. 5:4; 2 Pet. 1:16-21
- The Gloom Surrounding the Great Event – Psa. 22:1-21; 2 Cor. 5:21; Matt. 27:39-44; Jno.
19:23-24 - Glory, Victory and Blessing Through Him – Psa. 22:22-31; Rev. 12:7-10; Rom. 15:4
Sunday P.M. Sermon – God is Love (1 Jno. 4:1-8)