READ: 1 Peter 2:21-25
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness…” – 1 Peter 2:24
Through the power of a cross, a Christian will not mind being the odd one out in a crowd of unbelievers.
Through the power of a cross, a young boy or girl will not mind being a virgin when everyone around him has had numerous sexual experiences. Through the powers of a cross a young man will not mind giving up a life of wealth and success to pursue the humble career of a minister of the gospel. Through the powers of a cross a lady will not mind wearing unfashionable things if that is what it takes to be decently dressed.
Jesus Christ gave Himself on the cross to save us from this present evil world. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Galatians 1:4).
It is because the cross is absent from the church that the world and the Church look so similar. That is why we can hardly tell the difference between Christians and worldly nonChristians.
The example of Christ in which He took His cross and laid down His life says much more than His teachings. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). That sacrificial example has inspired and directed many people to do the same