“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Colossians 2:13).
TEXT — Colossians 2:12-23
Message
John Stott in his book, The Cross of Christ, recounted that Roman citizens were exempted from crucifixion, except in extreme cases of treason. In one of his speeches, Cicero condemned it as “a most cruel and disgusting punishment.” A little later he declared, “To bind a Roman citizen is a crime, to flog him is an abomination, to kill him is almost an act of murder: to crucify him is – What? There is no fitting word that can possibly describe so horrible a deed.”
If the Romans regarded crucifixion with horror, so did the Jews, although for a different reason. They made no distinction between a ‘tree’ and a ‘cross’, likewise between a hanging and a crucifixion. They, therefore, automatically applied to crucified criminals the terrible statement of the law that, “for he that is hanged is accursed of God…Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:13). The cross, however, holds an entirely different meaning to believers. It is the place our victory was purchased.
This despicable type of death was chosen by God, for Christ, to redeem mankind. Only the crucifixion of Jesus Christ could deliver human race from eternal damnation. Thus, the Scriptures say, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
It is gladdening, therefore, to know that all who would believe this Scripture will enjoy the fullness of the unsearchable riches of Christ. Would you not rather join the innumerable wise people who are discovering the power and provisions through the cross today?
Thought for the day
The cross provides comprehensive redemption for all.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
