The meaning of the Cross

In practice, the meaning of the Cross. The meaning of the Cross.

Key points

• A Mississippi culinary-themed float will parade through Pasadena in the 2027 Rose Parade.
• In his first letter, John writes of how at times "our heart condemns us" (1 John 3: 20).
• General Atomics confirmed second expansion this year, bringing 125 more jobs to Shannon.
• Senate in the Democratic Primary, Priscilla Till to run for Mississippi Governor.
• The cross of Christ is the way that God can be just and declare innocent sinners who have placed their faith in this crucified Savior.

In practice, the meaning of the Cross. The meaning of the Cross. By: Alistair Begg – September 24, 2026.

It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. – Romans 3: 26.

Without Christ's death on the cross, there is no gospel. It is through Jesus' sacrifice that God the Father has created it feasible for sinful men and women to have fellowship with Him. If we want to know God, we must meet Him in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Only through the cross does God show both justice in punishing sin and mercy in pardoning it, paving the way for individuals like you and me to enter heaven without spoiling its holiness. The cross is God's answer both to sin itself and to His anger against sin. To those who don't believe, God's answer sounds absolutely foolish, but those who do believe understand the cross to be the particularly power of God (1 Corinthians 1: 18).

If God were simply to overlook sin or to stop being angry at it, then He would cease to be God; for God's justice is inherent in His character, and justice demands that sin is punished. He cannot turn a blind eye to evil. This is wonderful news for us when we are sufferers at the hands of others; it is additionally sobering news for us as we are sinners ourselves.

For context, the cross of Christ is the way that God can be just and declare innocent sinners who have placed their faith in this crucified Savior. So as to accord with sin, God in His grace sent His own Son to take the punishment that sinners deserve. Our salvation is by way of substitution. Pause to reflect on this. It is staggering, first that God would come up with this plan, and second that He would go through with it. Considering the cross should always move us to awed and humble praise.

This substitution is why all the Old Testament sacrifices point to Jesus. In Christ's death, God's anger. It is His righteous disposition towards sin, is satisfied, and His love for us is magnified. Men and women who come to trust in Jesus no longer need to face His wrath; we're invited instead to rejoice at the love displayed at the cross. Indeed, all of the gospel's blessings and benefits become ours since of what Jesus has accomplished in His life, death, and resurrection.

Jesus came to bear all of God's condemnation of sin. When Christ took our place, He brought the judgment that we deserve and are due to face on the last day to the cross, so that we might stand before God's throne and say, "I'm with Him. He lived the life I could not live. He died in my place."

In his first letter, John writes of how at times "our heart condemns us" (1 John 3: 20). This is an experience common to all humanity. But the Christian does not need to sear their conscience so as to still the condemnatory voice, nor must they be crushed by that voice. We can be particularly honest concerning the depth of our sinfulness since God's love is deeper still. "There is. Now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8: 1). Jesus came to meet us at the cross. Forgiven sinner, will you meet Him and marvel at Him there?

Regarding the Author(s).

Alistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. After graduation from The London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church. In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written a number of books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. His Daily Devotionals are presented here via a syndication agreement. Faith Alistair Begg September 22, 2026.

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Christ alone does the work of opening blind eyes, but He has entrusted us with the responsibility and privilege of proclaiming these words: "Take heart. He is calling you." News Sophie Bates, Associated Press September 23, 2026.

Mississippi police create 2nd arrest in death of black woman identified hanging from tree, seek 3rd suspect. News Frank Corder September 23, 2026.

After losing her bid for U.S. Senate in the Democratic Primary, Priscilla Till to run for Mississippi Governor. News Cass Rutledge September 23, 2026. Raybern Foods expansion in Shannon bringing 70 new jobs to area. Business Cass Rutledge September 18, 2026. Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment. Business Frank Corder September 15, 2026. Hitachi Energy brings largest U.S. Investment to date to Mississippi. Business Frank Corder September 10, 2026.

General Atomics confirmed second expansion this year, bringing 125 more jobs to Shannon. Culture Mark Long, Associated Press September 23, 2026.

No. 21 Florida counting on Swamp to support slow down No. 4 Ole Miss star QB Trinidad Chambliss. Culture Marilyn Tinnin September 23, 2026. Jim Abbott: Paper man chasing the truth in the Mississippi Delta. Culture Frank Corder September 22, 2026.

In practice, a Mississippi culinary-themed float will parade through Pasadena in the 2027 Rose Parade. Opinion Sid Salter September 23, 2026.

Midterm elections in Mississippi shaping up as a familiar exercise in black-and-white. Opinion Bill Cork September 22, 2026. The states winning investment are the states ready to deliver. Opinion Lesley Davis September 21, 2026. In practice, the war on women's spaces has reached the sorority house.

For now, the meaning of the Cross remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.