Galatians 2:20-21 – “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” NASU

I can go back through my memory banks and recall several things that dramatically impacted my life, thinking, attitude, and way of living.  However, I can think of none that have affected me more than THE CROSS!  The Cross is more than a symbol to me. It is the beginning point of my “spiritual walk” with Christ.  It is the beginning point of LIFE for me. 

When Jesus hung on the cross and cried, “It is finished,” in John 19:30, that signified that He had done all that was, required to satisfy “Divine Justice” and had reclaimed the birthright of humanity from the devil.  He had paid the FULL PENALTY for Sin and now, through His blood on the Cross, would open the door for “whosoever will” to come from darkness into the light, from sin to salvation, from bondage to freedom.  He paid a debt He did not owe so that I could go free, pardoned of my sin! 

THE CROSS is a treasure!  Paul identified its value in 1 Corinthians 1:18 when he declared: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”  NKJV

The writer of Hebrews tells us: Hebrews 9:22 – “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood, there is no remission.”  NKJV At the Cross, the debt was paid in full by the precious blood of the Lamb of God.  At the altar, we gain access to the pardon that was purchased there.  As we allow Christ to live in our hearts and live His life through us, we walk in liberty and freedom that the world cannot comprehend nor imagine.  No wonder Hebrews declares: “How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?”  Hebrews 2:3 NASB

It is the cry of my heart to walk in the fullness of Him who loved me and learn to live as Paul described:  Philippians 3:10-11 – “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” Nothing less will suffice.  Nothing less will satisfy.  Nothing less will enable us to see this world transformed by His Grace!  Truly, the Old Rugged Cross made a difference in my life; I am eternally grateful for it.

May God bless you richly as you conclude your week and get ready to enjoy a long weekend!  Blessings abundantly, and be safe!