Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me… The Cross of Christ is the key to St. Paul's life; and that life is itself the best human exponent of the Cross of Christ. He saw no ground for boasting, or rejoicing, or living, save in that. By "the Cross" is to be understood the atoning death of which it was the instrumental cause. It stands for "Christ crucified." I. THE CROSS OF CHRIST THE HIGHEST EXHIBITION OF THE GLORY OF GOD. 1. It exhibits in a special manner the justice of God. 2. It exhibits in a special manner the love of God. 3. It reveals in perfect harmony the justice and the love of God.The pardon which God has provided for sinners is a propitiated pardon — a pardon for which a price has been paid, even the blood of the Son of God. Justice is thus upheld in its integrity: mercy is shielded from the charge of conniving at unrighteousness (Romans 3:21-26). II. THE CROSS OF CHRIST THE BEST SECURITY FOR THE HAPPINESS OF MAN. 1. It secures pardon and reconciliation for the sinner. Nothing to be done, but to believe the overture of mercy, and become reconciled to God. Man has nothing to bring of his own, and nothing is asked for. The Cross provides a present salvation for all who believe in the crucified Son of God. 2. It supplies the believer with a two-fold power; (1) the power of a new motive, viz., love; (2) the power of a new life — the life of the spirit.Henceforth the love of Christ constrains him; the law of the Spirit of life has made him free from the law of sin and death, and the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in him who walks not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. III. CONCLUDING INFERENCES. The Cross of Christ may further be viewed — 1. As supplying the only safe rule for faith and practice. 2. As demanding courage in confession. 3. As securing grace for action. (Emilius Bayley, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. |
    |