|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Return To The Online Bulletin
Main PageA paradox is a statement which seems opposed to common sense, or appears to contradict itself, but yet is true. The cross of Christ is the most wonderful and greatest of all paradoxes. It was the most tragic event in the history of the world, yet is the most wonderful event to have ever occurred. It was the saddest spectacle of man ever beheld, yet out of it came the greatest of joy man could ever know. The cross was Satan's greatest victory and Christ's most humiliating defeat, yet also it was the most stunning defeat Satan has ever sustained and the most glorious victory Christ has ever won. Christ won by losing. He conquered through complete surrender.
The cross is the greatest exhibition of divine justice on condemning sin, yet the most wonderful demonstration of divine mercy in pardoning it. In it, God made known His great hatred for sin, yet His endless love for the sinner.
The cross was the darkest hour in history, yet from it proceeds the greatest light. Though the sun refused to shine and God's face was hid from His Son, the cross was the means by which Christ was shown to be the "light of the world." In the cross we see man's hatred for the Christ, yet Christ's love for men. There we see human transgression at its worst, as they cried "Crucify, crucify," yet we see divine forgiveness at its best, as Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them..."
The cross portrays man's sinfulness and God's holiness; our weakness and His strength. It proclaims man's inability to save himself, and God's ability, power and will to do this for him. In man's eyes, the cross appears to be foolishness, yet in it is the supreme wisdom of God. No other event has ever or will ever challenge its marvelous nature.
Consider a few more paradoxes of the cross:
Christ came into the world (1 Timothy 1:15) so that we could enter into heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Christ was born in the flesh (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7) so that we might be born of the Spirit (John 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23).
Christ accepted poverty (2 Corinthians 8:9; Luke 9:58) so that we might be made rich (2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 2:7).
Christ was rejected among men (Isaiah 53:5; John 1:11-12) so that we might be accepted by God (Ephesians 1:3-5; Acts 10:34-35).
Christ was put to death (Luke 24:46; Matthew 16:21) so that we might be made alive (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5; Colossians 2:13).
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25)
In this week's Answering The Athiest: Are fowls from the water or from the ground? Do Genesis 1:20-21 and Genesis 2:19 contradict? Visit http://AnsweringTheAtheist.faithweb.com/20010701.htm