The cross of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. It is the symbol of our redemption and the demonstration of God’s great love for us. The cross represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus to pay for the sins of humanity. However, the story of Jesus does not end with his death on the cross. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death, and opening the way to eternal life for all who believe in him. As Christians, we are called to live on the resurrected side of the cross, embracing the victory that Jesus has won for us.
Living on the resurrected side of the cross means that we have been set free from the power of sin and death. In Romans 6:4, the apostle Paul writes, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Through faith in Jesus, we have been united with him in his death and resurrection, and we now share in his victory over sin and death.
Living on the resurrected side of the cross also means that we have been given new life in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” We are no longer defined by our past mistakes and failures. Instead, we have been made new in Christ and given the power to live a life that honors God.
Living on the resurrected side of the cross also means that we have access to the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Holy Spirit is our helper and guide, empowering us to live the life that God has called us to live.
Living on the resurrected side of the cross means that we can have hope for the future. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Paul writes, “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'” Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we know that death has been defeated, and we have the hope of eternal life with him.
Living on the resurrected side of the cross is not always easy. We still face struggles and temptations in this life. However, we can take heart in the words of Jesus in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Because of Jesus’ victory on the cross, we can have confidence that we too can overcome the challenges we face in this life.
In conclusion, living on the resurrected side of the cross is a life of victory. Through faith in Jesus, we have been set free from the power of sin and death, given new life in Christ, and access to the power of the Holy Spirit. We can have hope for the future, knowing that death has been defeated and that we have the promise of eternal life with him. Let us embrace this new life that Jesus has won for us and live each day in the victory that he has provided.