The Cross of Christ: A Call to Unwavering Faith in a Compromising World

Dear readers, in a time when the world increasingly waters down the truths of Scripture, twisting God's Word to fit modern agendas, it's crucial for us as Bible-believing Christians to return to the unadulterated Gospel. Today, I want to share a reflection drawn from the sacred account in Luke 23:26-49—the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage isn't just a historical narrative; it's the cornerstone of our faith, a literal event that demands our full allegiance. As fundamentalists who affirm the inerrancy of the Bible (2 scchy 3:16-17), we reject any allegorical or liberal interpretations that dilute its power. Instead, we embrace it as God's inspired record, calling us to repentance, faith, and holy living. Let's dive deeper into this profound text, expanding on its lessons with insights from other Scriptures, to strengthen our resolve against the rising tide of apostasy.

The Sovereign Plan in Human Suffering: Simon's Cross and Our Call

As Jesus is led away to His execution, the Roman soldiers seize Simon of Cyrene, forcing him to carry the cross (Luke 23:26). This wasn't random; it was divine providence at work. Simon, a visitor from North Africa, represents how the Gospel breaks barriers, reaching Gentiles as prophesied in Isaiah 49:6: "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." Imagine the weight of that wooden beam—symbolic of the sin burden Christ bore for us. Isaiah 53:5 vividly describes it: "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

But this moment challenges us personally. Jesus Himself commanded, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). In our fundamentalist circles, we know this isn't metaphorical fluff—it's a literal call to self-denial amid persecution. Today, with governments and cultures promoting ungodly lifestyles contrary to Romans 1:26-27, are we willing to bear our cross? Or do we compromise for comfort? Simon's unwilling start became a transformative encounter; may our obedience lead others to Christ.

Weeping for the Lost: Jesus' Warning to Jerusalem

Amid the chaos, Jesus addresses the mourning women: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children" (Luke 23:28). Even in torment, His compassion shines, forewarning the judgment on Jerusalem in AD 70—a fulfillment of His words in Matthew 24. This echoes Hosea 10:8 and Revelation 6:16, where the unrepentant cry for mountains to fall on them in the face of God's wrath.

Expand this to our era: False prophets abound, as warned in 2 Peter 2:1-3, peddling prosperity gospels and moral relativism. We must weep for a generation ensnared by sin, where abortion, sexual immorality, and rejection of biblical authority run rampant (Proverbs 14:34). Romans 3:23 reminds us, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," yet many ignore the call to repentance. As believers, our tears should fuel prayer and evangelism, not despair. The cross exposes sin's horror but offers hope—let's proclaim it boldly.

Forgiveness from the Cross: The Heart of the Gospel

Nailed to the cross between two criminals (Luke 23:33), Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). What grace! Fulfilling Psalm 22:16-18—His hands and feet pierced, garments divided by lot—He intercedes for sinners. This is the essence of Romans 5:6-8: "Christ died for the ungodly."

Contrast the two thieves: One mocks, the other repents, pleading, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus' response—"Today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43)—shatters works-based salvation myths. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares it: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." No baptism, no sacraments—just faith. In fundamentalist theology, this affirms sola fide: faith alone in Christ alone. If a dying thief could be saved instantly, so can anyone turning to Jesus today. Reject the rituals of man-made religion; cling to the cross!

 Darkness, the Torn Veil, and Triumph Over Death

From noon to three, darkness engulfs the land (Luke 23:44-45), echoing Amos 8:9 and signaling God's judgment on sin poured out on His Son (2 Corinthians 5:21). The temple veil tears top to bottom—not by human hands—granting direct access to God (Hebrews 10:19-22). No more animal sacrifices; Jesus is the final Lamb (John 1:29), our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 7:25).

Committing His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46, from Psalm 31:5), Jesus dies. Yet, a Roman centurion confesses His righteousness (Luke 23:47), and crowds depart in conviction. This points to the resurrection, as 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 affirms: Christ died, was buried, and rose according to the Scriptures. Without the literal resurrection, our faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17).

Living in Light of the Cross: A Charge to Fundamentalists

Brothers and sisters, this crucifixion isn't ancient history—it's our lifeline. In a world denying biblical miracles, the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), and bodily resurrection, we stand unashamed (Romans 1:16). The cross demands action: Repent if unsaved; evangelize if redeemed. Persecution awaits the faithful (2 Timothy 3:12), but our reward is heaven.

Let this truth transform you. Preach the Gospel without compromise, live holy lives (1 Peter 1:15-16), and watch for Christ's return (Titus 2:13). The world offers fleeting pleasures; the cross offers eternal life.

In Christ alone,  

DMMC 

1-4-26