“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” 1 Peter 3:18
The Cross is a provocative work of God. It stirs up your human nature and deliberately causes an annoyance to your lifestyle. And, it never stops!
The Cross is your only expiation to God. The definition of expiation is “the act of making amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing”. In the biblical sense it is an act of atonement.
It is closing the gap existing between man and God and should be a fixture in your daily life. This is because although you may feel “squeaky” clean before God it is impossible for you to see what God sees below your consciousness. And, it is not a pretty picture.
The Cross gives you the ability to live in harmony with God as an imperfect soul. There are no secrets or hidden motives in your relationship with God.
The Cross is much more than just forgiveness for sins and restoration to God. It is a way of life. You are giving God permission to crucify your self nature and to live for Him.
It is allowing the stellar nature of Christ to invade every aspect of your personality. The work of God always begins within you and then surfaces into your thoughts, words, and decisions. Change will never come from actions of self.
This is why it is so important to be in a close relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. You cannot see the depth of your personality or character defects and must rely on the wisdom and omniscient abilities of the Holy Spirit to stay on track with Christ.
The Cross gives you the ability to see the difference between light and darkness and demonstrates how God wants you to respond to the various influences in your life.
The darkness in the world is an opportunity for a believer if you are harnessed to the Holy Spirit. You can function powerfully for God without getting drawn into the miry pit.
Don’t be afraid or reticent to open yourself up to God. It is the pathway to finding the will of Christ!
Hal Hollister Ministry 