The Cross and the Triumph of Life

The Cross and the Triumph of Life
Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman

Imagine the scene: a man, innocent of any wrongdoing, subjected to the most brutal and humiliating form of execution. This was the reality of Jesus's crucifixion. The pain was excruciating, the mockery relentless, yet in the midst of it all, his words were not of anger or retaliation, but of forgiveness: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34)

This was not merely a passive acceptance of fate. It was an active choice, a deliberate act of love and sacrifice. The core message is that Jesus's death was for us, for all of humanity, a bridge built across the chasm of our shortcomings. As Romans 5:8 declares, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." He took our place, bearing the weight of our failures, offering a path to reconciliation.

The weight of this act of laying down and taking up life again carries implications. It speaks directly to Jesus's divine nature. To possess the inherent power over life and death is an attribute belonging solely to God. As the one who declared, "I am the resurrection and the life," Jesus demonstrated not merely a miraculous act granted by God, but a power intrinsic to His very being. His willing sacrifice and subsequent resurrection are not just acts of love, but also powerful affirmations of His deity, revealing Him to be God incarnate, fully capable of such a sovereign act.

The cross, therefore, becomes more than an instrument of death; it is transformed into a symbol of love. It speaks of a willingness to pay the ultimate price to restore what was broken. Isaiah 53:5 illustrates this: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed."

But the story doesn't end there. The narrative powerfully conveys that death was not the final chapter. The resurrection is the ultimate plot twist, the moment that everything changes. It is the evidence that love is stronger than death, that hope triumphs over despair. As 1st Corinthians 15:20 proclaims, "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."

The resurrection validates Jesus's claims, His identity, and the promise of a future beyond the grave. It offers a living Savior, one who understands our struggles and intercedes for us. Hebrews 7:25 assures us, "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." It's a powerful declaration that even in the face of death, there is an unshakeable hope.

Ultimately, the message challenges us to consider: do we truly believe this? It's more than intellectual assent; it's a call to embrace a reality that transforms our understanding of life, death, and the very nature of existence. John 11:25-26 records Jesus's own words: "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.  Do you believe this?'"

This question resonates through the ages, inviting each individual to confront the implications of the cross and the resurrection. It's an invitation to step into the unfolding drama of redemption, to acknowledge the sacrifice made, and to embrace the life offered. The triumph of life over death, demonstrated so powerfully in the resurrection, becomes not just a historical event, but a living hope that shapes our present and secures our future. It is a call to live in the light of this victory, allowing its transformative power to permeate every aspect of our being.  

For the believer, understanding the profound significance of the cross and resurrection isn't merely an intellectual exercise; it's a call to a deeply transformative way of living. This knowledge is meant to permeate our daily existence, shaping our character and influencing our interactions with the world around us.
We apply this truth by:

• Cultivating a spirit of forgiveness, mirroring Christ's grace and releasing resentment, embracing selfless love, and prioritizing the well-being of others as Christ did. We actively cultivate a spirit of forgiveness, mirroring the very heart of Christ on the cross. Recognizing the immense debt of grace we ourselves have been offered compels us to release the grip of resentment and extend compassion to those who have wronged us. This act of forgiveness, though sometimes challenging, becomes a powerful expression of the redemptive love we have received.
• Anchoring in unwavering hope, facing trials with the confidence of Christ's victory. the selfless sacrifice of Christ serves as the ultimate blueprint for our own expressions of love. We are called to move beyond self-interest and intentionally prioritize the needs and well-being of others. This can manifest in tangible acts of service, extending kindness to those on the margins, and consistently choosing to put others before ourselves, reflecting the self-giving love demonstrated on the cross.
• Fostering humble reliance, trusting God's guidance and surrendering our will. The undeniable reality of the resurrection fuels an unwavering hope that anchors us through life's inevitable storms. Knowing that death itself has been conquered empowers us to face trials not with despair, but with a confident expectation of ultimate victory. This hope becomes a wellspring of resilience, enabling us to persevere through difficulties and maintain a positive perspective even in the face of adversity.
• Living in expectant faith, embracing present grace while anticipating future glory.  Acknowledging Christ's inherent power over life and death fosters a posture of humble reliance on God. Recognizing our own limitations and God's infinite capacity leads us to seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. This isn't about passive inaction, but rather a conscious choice to trust in His wisdom and strength, surrendering our plans and seeking His will.
• Live in the balance of present suffering and future hope. We learn to live in the tension of the "already and not yet." We experience the transformative power of Christ's redemption in our lives today – the forgiveness, the peace, the new life. Yet, we also eagerly anticipate the full realization of His kingdom and the complete restoration of all things. This creates a dynamic way of living, marked by gratitude for present blessings and a hopeful longing for the future culmination of God's redemptive plan.

Ultimately, applying the knowledge of the cross and resurrection means allowing these central truths to shape our inner lives and outward actions. It's about becoming conduits of the same grace, love, hope, and humility that were so powerfully displayed in Christ's sacrifice and triumph, becoming living testimonies to the transformative power of redemption in a broken world.