For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18

As Christians we should all have at least the basic understanding and knowledge of the power and the purpose of the Cross and know how to apply it to our lives. But for the unsaved, as this scripture says, it is foolishness. And let’s not forget the rest, where it tells us about what will happen to someone with such a belief – they will perish. The saved however, have Eternal Life!

People that are unsaved never do quite understand the depth of love, compassion, and desire a believer has in their heart for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6:14

In order for someone to even begin to comprehend it all they need the Holy Spirit – our Teacher, living in their heart, which is what happens the minute you are saved. Afterwards, we should begin a life of learning everything there is to know about Him. Keep in mind, how serious and determined you are to grow and learn about the Lord is up to you. On our part, it takes discipline and learning how to deny the “what I want” attitude most people have in order to seek His will and plan for us. On His part, He will help us to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18) over time as we build our relationship with him.

“ONLY” One Way
Some web sites claim there are 19 major religions which are subdivided into a total of 270 larger religious groups, and then sub divided into smaller groups.

About 75% of the adults in both the U.S. and Canada claim to be Christians, but 88 % believe in God. Many individuals and religious groups have strict definitions for membership. For example, many conservative Christians believe that one has to be "born again" in order to be counted as a Christian. Using this definition, only about 35% of Americans would be counted as Christians. Some of the approximately 1,000 Christian faith groups in the U.S. and Canada believe themselves to be the only true Christian denomination.

Here are some percentages as of 2000 in the world:

• Non-religious 12.7%
• Atheist 2.5 (growing)
• Hindus 13.4%
• Buddhist 5.9%
• Chinese Religions 6.4
• Muslims 19.6% (growing)
• Christianity 33%

There are many religions and all of them are sincere in their beliefs, but according to the Bible, the Word of God, there is still “ONLY” One Way to be saved from ones sin and it is still the Cross of Jesus Christ.

• It is not a belief in God that saves.
• It is not belief in morality that saves.
• It is not a set of religious laws that saves.
• It is not a belief in some great prophet, like Moses, Mohammad, Joseph Smith or Charles Taze Russell.
• It is not even a belief in the Bible that saves.

Never forget: the Devil believes the Bible and we know he is not saved!! It is a belief in the One who died upon the Cross of Calvary nearly two thousand years ago, Jesus!

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Why

• Why is there only one way to God?
• Why is it that as long as people “believe” in God, that they must be “saved,” to be acceptable to God?
• Why can’t one religion be as good as another?

These are good and important questions people have. But, may I say:

• First of all “religions” have one thing in common. What is it? WORKS.
• Works is the focus of all religions. It is even common in the Christian religion. Catholics, other denominations & cults, as well.

The Apostle Paul made it clear: We are not saved by what we do, or do not do;

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Why is This True

• Because what God demanded, man could not do.
• Man cannot rid himself of his sin by any means.
• No matter what man does, he cannot obtain salvation.
• He cannot live good enough, and he cannot offer a sacrifice good enough that is acceptable to God.
• People want to insist that they are good, but: there are none good! Folks, Jesus said this, not me!

As it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE. Romans 3:10

SINNERS ARE NOT GOOD! AND WE ARE ALL SINNERS!

Today, many people think their standard of living is a factor as to whether or not they enter into Heaven or, whether or not they are as good as someone else. But this simply has nothing to do with it! These types of ideas that are found so prevalent in our society today, often times will make someone believe, “Surely God will accept me into heaven.” But folks - HE WILL NOT! The Holy Bible DOES NOT teach this.

Men Make Religions

• Religions are man’s idea of reaching God.
• God ordained one religion and that was the Jews religion, Judaism.
• God ordained Judaism to show that laws, rules, ceremonies, and rituals were insufficient for salvation.
• Laws, ceremonies and rituals cannot remove sin.
• No one is perfect, which God requires of all of us.
• To enter heaven one must be as perfect as God!
• If you are not as perfect as God, there is no hope for you to go to heaven.
• God requires perfect holiness just like he is, and no one is like that. This is why He sent us our Savior, to do all, and be all for us! Praise God!

The Cross

• The word Cross is found 28 times in the New Testament.
• It is not found in the Old Testament.
• Since God requires holiness, the Cross of Jesus Christ is extremely necessary.
• At the Cross God placed all our sin upon his only Son.
• God judged him so he would not have to judge man.

Jesus destroyed death, by death, and fastened it, as it were, to the Cross.

The Apostle Paul wrote;

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Colossians 2:14

What God required man did not have the ability to perform. How many people do you know who have kept the Ten Commandments? NONE! But Jesus Christ kept the Law of God and by his death he took our place and paid our debt to God. That we might be given the righteousness of Christ by faith.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: Romans 3:21-22

There is an incomparable contrast between God’s righteousness and man’s righteousness.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; Isaiah 64:6

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS CHRIST IS PERFECT, BUT MAN’S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS FILTHY!

The Cross was Necessary

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18

• At the Cross the transfer of our guilt was placed upon the Lamb of God. • He did not sin, but he took all of our sin.• He voluntarily took our place.
• We could not pay for our sin, except in hell forever.
• Because of the holiness of God, AND the sinfulness of man, sin has to be dealt with.
• On the Cross Jesus put away our sin

PEOPLE DO NOT GO TO HELL BECAUSE OF ADAM’S SIN, BUT – FOR REJECTING JESUS CHRIST!

The Effectiveness of the Cross

... for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
Isaiah 38:17b

I, even I, am He Who blots out and cancels your transgressions, for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.
Isaiah 43.25

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 5:2

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH THE SAVIOR? JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY HOPE OF HEAVEN AND REJECTING HIM WILL SEND YOU TO HELL. Accept “THE BLESSED HOPE” TODAY! My friend!

Only the Cross

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:12

• Only through the Cross can men find peace with God.
• Only by the Blood of Jesus on the Cross are sins forgiven.
• Only by the death of God’s Son is our sin debt paid.

The Cross of Jesus Christ is the ULTIMATE PROOF of the love of God. Now God wants your love and devotion to his Son who died for you. My friend, turn your primary focus in life to your Savior, today. Then begin to help others learn all about the power and the purpose of the CROSS!

Referenced from Pastor’s Christian study booklet: “The Tabernacle of Christ”

When God began his creation He had in mind to be in the midst of His people. After the fall of man, in the days of Moses He instructed they build a portable sanctuary. This is the only building that was ever constructed on this earth that was perfect from the very beginning in every detail. The blue print and specifications were made in Heaven. God, himself designed this building. What a thought!

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. Exodus 25:8-9

Did the Israelites realize the spiritual significance of the tabernacle and its ceremonies? Everything they needed to know about salvation and service was taught to them at the tabernacle. Christ is the one who is seen in the tabernacle. Not the church or man. The basic interpretation of the tabernacle is found in Hebrews chapter nine. The tabernacle was a “shadow” of something greater in the future.

Father, we thank you for providing a loving Savior to die upon a Cross, to pay our sin debt, so we could live with you forever in eternity. What love, mercy and grace you have shown us through YOUR sacrifice on the Cross. Amen.