By Waylon Bailey As we move toward Easter, I want to move us toward the cross. The cross of Christ is the heart of the Gospel. Because of the cross we have hope for the future. The cross brings us into right relationship with God and opens the way to God. No wonder the coming of Christ into the world divided time and changed the course of world history. Because of the cross, all sinners are able to share in the inheritance of the saints. Paul gave four unique contributions we receive from the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (Colossians 1:13-14). First, the cross delivers us from the domain of darkness. “All we like sheep have gone astray” (Isaiah 53:6). We were born into darkness and apart from the saving work of Christ on the cross we remain in darkness. But God in His mercy has rescued us from the domain of darkness and brought us into His light. Second, by the cross we have been transferred from darkness into light, from sin into newness of life, and from slavery into freedom. We are a part of the Kingdom of God’s Son whom He loves. Third, the cross is the method of our redemption. We who were slaves to this world and its sinful passions have been bought out of our slavery. To be redeemed is to … [Read more...]