Good Friday and the Cross of Christ

Good Friday and the Cross of Christ

The following except is from 'Of First Importance' by Dale Cooper

Jesus' crucifixion is the central demonstration of God's love. The four gospel writers uniformly present our Savior's death as the climax of his entire ministry on earth, the final goal of his mission. To downplay the significance of the cross, therefore, even to the slightest degree, is to strip the Gospel of its comfort and challenge.

Given the vital role the cross plays in Christian theology and devotion, how fitting that these ten simple words stand at the very center of the Apostles Creed: "...he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, was buried." Repeating them together every Sunday morning in worship and witness, Christians reaffirm their conviction that the death of God's Son, while in one sense horrific, vile, and repulsive, in another sense is starkly beautiful, and magnetic in its power to attract desperate sinners. They declare that their Savior's suffering and death has paid completely (their) sin's heavy debt, and restored peace between God and humanity.

But what mind can comprehend all that was transacted between heaven and earth so many years ago on that Friday Christians now call "Good?" Who can take in the full significance of what took place when the heavens grew ominously dark as heaven's greatest treasure, God's beloved Son, was being spat upon and mocked, strung up and left to die by an entire human race-all of us together-which was bent on putting him to death? 

The Cross

The crucifixion of Jesus is an event to be studied and a doctrine to be explored, yes. For in that epic event is buried a vein of priceless truths to be mined and examined by the finest human intellects. Correct thinking about the crucifixion honors God, nourishes believers, and presents credible witness to unbelievers. So yes, Christians must continue to give their best efforts to thinking about the crucifixion.

Even more important than thinking about the cross, however, is the act of adoring of the One who once was nailed upon it.  He's a Beautiful Savior; and his face, though once more marred and beaten than anyone's, still carries on it a look of inviting love. His once-for-all sacrifice calls for our heart's adoration and worship.  Martin Luther is correct: "Whoever thinks about Christ's death without feeling moved must be made out of stone."

How easy to pass by Golgotha too quickly. How foolish-no, how perverse-to assume that we're well enough acquainted, thank you, with what we need to know and believe about Jesus' death.  Truth to tell, never-simply never-shall we be capable of comprehending the entire breadth and height and length and depth of the Gospel mystery that the very Son of God surrendered his life to reconcile sinful humanity with God again. 

So Good Friday is for pausing-and for kneeling. It's a day for beholding the radiant preciousness of our Savior lifted up on a cross, his lifeblood dripping from his nail-pierced hands and feet. This holy day beckons believers and unbelievers alike-"all who pass by"-to open their hearts to him in humble trust, and to worship him. It bids them, in hushed wonder and awe, to whisper unceasing thanks and praise to the to the One who, in Paul's memorable words, "loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2.20).

Our Response

Meditating Jesus' Cross ought to prompt us who believe toward two natural, necessary responses:

1. We must plead for our Savior's mercy, and cling to him.

Though evil seemed to win the day when Jesus was killed, the reverse actually happened. His dying overcame death. In Luther's words, the Son of God "stabbed the devil's stomach." Given this astonishing reversal, what then to do? Says Luther:  "We must remain in him. Then we will be able to tear right through death and the devil. ....[So] cling to Christ's neck. Hold on to his clothes. This means believing that Jesus became a man and suffered for you. Make the sign of the cross and say, 'I am a Christian and I will prevail.' Death won't prevail... if we remain in the faith and cling to the destroyer of death, Jesus Christ."

2. We must offer God our entire lives in holy, grateful response.

Calvary's cross is the foundation on which our entire salvation rests. Calvary's hill must now become our pulpit from which to proclaim our Savior's love, our stage on which to perform to the Triune God's honor and delight.  

Hymn

"My heart is filled with thankfulness

To Him who bore my pain

Who plumbed the depths of my disgrace

And gave me life again

Who crushed my curse of sinfulness

And clothed me in His light

And wrote His law of righteousness

With power upon my heart

                (Keith Getty & Stuart Townend)

Quotations 

"We are strangely moved when we stand at Calvary. The old spiritual says it well: 'Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.' It is a saving, substituting, sufficient death. Hallelujah, what a Savior!" (Gardner Taylor)

"Those who stand by the cross of Christ are those who change the course of history." (Billy Graham)

 

 

 

Also Explore

God’s Gift and Our Response: The Cycle of Grace, Gratitude, and Worship

The Christian faith is marked by a unique and profound rhythm: grace, gratitude, and praise. At the core of this faith lies the unmerited favor of God, a gift so freely given that it defies human understanding. Scripture declares, "For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace" (John 1:16, ESV). This

Called to Make Disciples in All Nations

In His Great Commission, Jesus commands us to make disciples-not simply to inspire a single moment of conversion but to lead others into a committed, lifelong walk with Him. As Reformed theologian R.C. Sproul wisely reminds us, "Jesus' lordship encompasses all of life."

The Power Within: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Work

In the journey of faith, we often find ourselves eagerly seeking to fulfill the Great Commission, to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth, just as Jesus commanded his disciples. However, in our fervor to carry out this mission, let us not overlook a crucial commandment given by our Lord Himself.

Embracing the Cross: Rediscovering Its True Meaning

In today's modern Western society, the meaning of the cross has often been diluted, distorted, or altogether lost amidst the noise of our fast-paced lives and the distractions of our materialistic culture. We wear it as jewelry, display it as a symbol of our faith, but do we truly understand the weight and significance

Events
  • 08
    Jun
    Pentecost Sunday 2025: Empowered for Mission

    On June 8, 2025, World Olivet Assembly churches will celebrate Pentecost Sunday, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through worship, prayer, and reflection on Acts 2, believers will renew their commitment to the Great Commission, empowered to spread the gospel with boldness and faith.

  • 18
    Apr
    Easter Retreats: Renewal and Victory in Jesus Christ

    World Olivet Assembly churches worldwide will gather for Easter Retreats 2025, a time of deep reflection, renewal, and celebration of Christ's resurrection. From April 18-20, 2025, believers will engage in powerful worship, in-depth Bible studies, and fervent prayer, meditating on the victory of the cross and the hope of resurrection.

  • 05
    Apr
    Missionary Respite Program

    Experience spiritual renewal at WOA's Missionary Respite Program in Dover, NY. Surrounded by serene natural beauty, missionaries find rest, fellowship, and guidance from seasoned ministers. This peaceful retreat offers a time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with God's calling before returning to the mission field.

World Olivet Assembly believes in equipping believers with theological and practical resources that would enable them to advance the work the gospel.

Also Explore

World Olivet Assembly (WOA) is a global gathering of evangelical churches and para-church organizations existing for the advancement of world mission.

World Olivet Assembly believes in equipping believers with theological and practical resources that would enable them to advance the work the gospel.