The Cross: Why We Believe

Written by Dr. Charles Stanley

by Charles Stanley

**What do you believe? Are you authentic with Christ? http://mag.thelife.com/study/tobeauthenticwithchrist.html

Listen to this devotional read aloud online

Please open your Bible and read: (I Corinthians 1:26-31)

The apostle Paul had impeccable credentials, education, background, and a position of authority. But when he encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, he discovered their absolute worthlessness. He learned that the only thing of eternal value on earth was that his Savior died on the cross for his sins. Paul understood this so well that he counted as loss all he had once seen as advantageous. (Philippians 3:8) Now his only boast was in the cross of Christ. (Galatians 6:14)

Paul attached importance, not to his own resume, but to a “criminal” on a cross and the blood He spilled there. Though this seemed foolish to many people, the apostle knew that the cross was where God kept His long-awaited promise: to provide a Savior. It was there that His Son stooped low and took on all the sins of the world’s past, present, and future. The cross marked the place and moment that God’s judgment was accomplished and His mercy was poured out. At the cross, God’s redemptive plan was unfolded, sin’s power was broken, and forgiveness of sins was secured. By means of bloodshed and death, new life was secured for all who receive Christ as Savior.

Permanent devotional link

Questions: What is most important to you as you contemplate your future? Where does Christ fit into your plans?

About the Author: Charles Stanley

3 Responses to “The Cross: Why We Believe”

Loading comments
kanj says:

October 28, 2008 at 5:58 pm

charles, thank you for the devotional today. to answer the first question:”what is most important to me as I contemplate my future?”-to always feel just as I did the day Christ came into my life; feel the gratitude and share the wealth of Jesus Christ with others. and to answer the second question:”where does Christ fit into my plans?”-He is my plan otherwise I would not be here today to talk about Him. as Jesus says:”Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”-Mark 6:50
Hannah says:

October 26, 2008 at 11:35 am

When I think of what Jesus did for me, it boggles my mind. To think that He died for such as me and loves me in spite of all the things I have done that displeased Him, it brings a sadness for a minute to remember the things I have done. Then a JOY comes over me because I know He loves me and cares for me inspite of it all. He is my LIfe and I love spending time with Him in Prayer. And just like Marilyn,Jesus is my greatest source of greatest worth and Joy. Just hearing the name of Jesus makes me smile even when I am in my leg and foot pain or when something is not going well for me. He is my Savior and Lord.

Gracious Father, I thank you for loving me even though I am not worthy. Thank you that your Holy Spirit makes my conscience hurt when I do something that displeases you. Father, thank you that you want a realationship with us and want to communicate with us. Help me to listen to you more that I talk to you. And I thank you for forgiveness from the bottom of my heart. In the Precious name of Jesus, Amen
Marilyn says:

October 25, 2008 at 7:56 am

I, too, lived my life seeing my worth through my accomplishments, my relationships, my acquisitions, and it never seemed to satisfy my need for validation. Until I met the Savior! Suddenly, all the things that I sought security in became meaningless, apart from Him! Jesus became my measure of worth, and being with Him filled my soul like none other! I can identify with Paul, not that I have “impeccable credentials, education, background, and position of authority,” but that what I do have I count as loss, boasting only in the grace and mercy of our Savior! That He would die on the cross for such a “wretch like me,” is my greatest source of true worth and joy!

Precious Lord, thank You for showing us what our true worth is . . . that “while we were yet sinners, You died for us!” What we are, what we own, falls short in giving us the joy that only comes from our relationship with You! In the Name of Jesus, Amen!