As I contemplated the cross of Christ in recent days—particularly as it relates to both Good Friday and its contemporary meaning in my life—I have been sobered by the reality that though Christianity is deeply rooted in the matter of suffering, I nevertheless don’t like to suffer at all. In fact, I do all I can to avoid it.
The disciples themselves struggled with this. In terms coined by Martin Luther, they embraced a theology of glory rather than the theology of the cross. They believed that Jesus would establish His kingdom, and they wanted to be a (big) part of that. The problem is, they wanted to experience the glory with little regard for the groaning that always precedes glory.
We can no doubt relate. We need to learn from Scripture what it means for Christians to embrace a theology of the cross.
Good Friday is called “good” because, on it, we remember, not a gruesome crucifixion, but the incredible gift of forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life that Christ purchased by his death for all who believe. The cross of Christ is therefore the Christian’s only boast. The cross of Christ invites persecution due to its implications for man’s pride and the cross of Christ leads not just to a new name, but a whole new creation. We consider our text under three broad headings:
1. The Cross of Christ is Our Only Boast
2. The Cross of Christ Has Implications for This Life
3. The Cross of Christ Leads to a New Creation