“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV
“Always keep the cross within arm’s reach!” were the encouraging words of an older man who mentored me early on in my walk of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The finished work of Calvary and the triumph of the resurrection, which we especially remember and celebrate this week, is the all-glorious power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Rom.1:16). This is the heart and soul of Biblical Christianity that renders it distinct among all world religions. God’s love, mercy, and grace collided at the cross with His holiness, justice, and righteousness as the Person and finished work of Christ is the blazing center of the glory of God. Understanding the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement (the vicarious nature of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice) is at the heart of Biblical Christianity and the gospel of grace which teaches that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor.15:3 cf. Is.52:13-53:12).
Almighty God Himself became a Man and bore the undiluted wrath that rebel sinners guilty of treason and sedition deserved. Christ asked God the Father, “if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt.26:39 NKJV). It was at the cross that the Father’s fury exploded upon the Son and He drank that cup to the dregs crying out amidst unfathomable darkness, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt.27:45-46 NKJV). Whereas King David testified that, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of the death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me” (Ps.23:4 NKJV), Christ was unable to do so Himself because He walked that valley alone being forsaken by the Father when He “died for our sins” at Calvary (1 Cor.15:3 NKJV). Three days later, He rose again, is alive forevermore, and in Him the people of God have Living Hope for time and eternity! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
When I was a kid, our church would have special mid-week services leading up to Christmas during what is described as the Advent season. The congregational singing featured hymns chosen by those in attendance as the pastor called on people whose hands were raised having picked out one of their favorites. This was very much out of character with the liturgy (order of worship) of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Capitalizing on the opportunity, my dad’s habit was to request a hymn that focused on the cross of Christ. This may have seemed odd to some that we sing these hymns at Christmastime but not to those whose hearts were ignited with zeal for the finished work of Calvary which is the purpose of Christ’s incarnation (1 Tim.1:15).
*In that spirit, here is a list of my Top 10 Favorite Hymns About the Cross:
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Isaac Watts, 1707
- There Is a Fountain – William Cowper, 1772
- At the Cross – Isaac Watts, 1707; Ref., Ralph Erskine Hudson, 1885
- And Can It Be? – Charles Wesley, 1739
- Glory to His Name – Elisha Albright Hoffman, 1878
- My Redeemer – Philip Paul Bliss, 1876
- Nothing But the Blood – Robert Lowrey, 1876
- Hallelujah, What a Savior! – Philip Paul Bliss, 1875
- To God Be the Glory – Fanny Crosby, 1875
- Saved By the Blood – S.J. Henderson, 1902
Here’s a few more, for good measure…
11. There Is Power in the Blood – Lewis Ellington Jones, 1899
12. Jesus Paid It All – Elvina Mable Reynolds Hall, 1865
13. Lift High the Cross – George William Kitchin, 1887
*Modern hymns would have to be included on a separate Top 10 list.
Just as I was encouraged to do as a young man, “Always keep the cross within arm’s reach!” May you and your family be grateful to God, magnify His glory, and always herald the power of the cross and the empty tomb not only in the upcoming week but also every week for our Savior is worthy of all praise because of who He is and what He has done. Soli Deo Gloria!
