The Cross Inside of Us
One of the most amazing truths about God is how intentional He is in every detail of creation. He didn’t just create us to exist; He created us with a purpose and wove His presence into the very fabric of who we are. The cross is not just a historical event or a symbol; it’s alive within us, holding us together.
I remember hearing about laminin, a protein molecule that acts as the "glue" of the human body. It’s what holds our cells together, and when you look at its microscopic structure, it’s in the shape of a cross. Isn’t that incredible? Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” God placed the cross inside us—literally and spiritually—because He knew we would need it to stay whole.
Salvation and Sanctification: Two Steps to Freedom
When Jesus died on the cross, He offered us two incredible gifts: forgiveness and freedom. Forgiveness cleanses us of sin, but sanctification removes sin's hold on our lives. Too often, people stop at forgiveness and wonder why they’re still struggling. It’s because they haven’t allowed Jesus to fully remove the sin from their hearts.
Think of it this way: if someone saves you from a bullet, you’re grateful, but if you stay on the firing range, you’re still in danger. Salvation is being pulled out of harm’s way; sanctification is stepping off the battlefield entirely.
The Bible is clear about this two-step process. In 1 John 1:9, it says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Forgiveness and cleansing—they go hand in hand.
Who’s in Your Corner?
Sometimes, the company we keep reveals the state of our hearts. After all, the people closest to us can either pull us closer to God or drag us back into old habits. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
The thief on the cross who repented had his sins forgiven immediately. But imagine if he had come down from the cross and returned to the same crowd that led him there. He might have been tempted to sin again. That’s why separation is necessary. When Jesus forgives us, we must also separate ourselves from the people, places, and habits that tied us to sin in the first place.
The Power of the Cross in Our Lives
The cross is more than an event; it’s the source of our strength. It’s not just about being saved; it’s about staying saved by applying the cross daily. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
We need to let the cross work in every area of our lives. It’s not just forgiveness; it’s transformation. Jesus removes our sin “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12), but we have to let Him.
The Scapegoat and the Cross
In the Old Testament, the scapegoat was used to symbolically carry the sins of the people into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:10). Jesus became our ultimate scapegoat. He not only took on our sins but removed them entirely, offering us new life.
But here’s the key: we have to let go. Too often, we try to carry burdens Jesus already died to take away. If you’re still holding onto guilt, shame, or habits from your past, it’s time to let them go. Lay them at the foot of the cross and let Jesus do what only He can.
Step Into 2025 Free
As we step into 2025, let this be the year you fully embrace the cross. Don’t just settle for forgiveness; pursue freedom. Apply the blood of Jesus to every area of your life. Trust Him to hold you together, just as laminin holds your cells together.
Remember, greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). If you’re struggling, it’s not too late. Jesus is here to forgive you, cleanse you, and lead you into abundant life.
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