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Articles
The Three Crosses of Calvary
Let's look at the three crosses of Calvary. A Cross of Rebellion - On one of the crosses next to the Lord, was a rebellious sinner who was punished justly for his wrongs. Proud and arrogant, he railed and blasphemed the Lord. "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us." Luke 23:39. This man symbolizes humanity in general, rebellious and sinful. He can only think of saving his own neck, not his soul; carnally minded unto the end. Most people have this mind set: selfish, sinful, defiant and will be lost in eternity. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:" Matt.7:13. A Cross of Repentance - On a different cross, even the other thief had joined in the railing but as the gravity of the situation began to sink in, he repented. "But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." Lk.23:40-42. This thief accepted the responsibility of his sin, humbled himself before the Lord, repented of his sins, and turned to Jesus seeking His kindness. Jesus extended mercy. He can grant us mercy also, when we turn to Him in faith and obey the gospel message of salvation. Have you turned to the Lord Jesus in repentance and obedience? A Cross of Redemption - The cross of Jesus speaks to us of God's grace, God's love, God's mercy. The sinless Son of God suffered and died for our sins and transgressions there at Calvary on His cross. "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5. In this cross we see divine justice also, Rom.3:25-26, "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Have you come to the cross of Christ? You can be redeemed from your sins!
