What Is the Meaning of the Cross — Meaning Explained

The cross is the center of Christianity. Paul declared, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ' (Galatians 6:14). At the cross, multiple theological realities converge. Substitution: 'Christ died for our sins' (1 Corinthians 15:3) — He took our place. Propitiation: God set forth Christ 'to be a propitiation through faith in his blood' (Romans 3:25) — satisfying divine wrath. Redemption: 'Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ' (1 Peter 1:18-19) — purchased from sin's slavery. Reconciliation: 'God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself' (2 Corinthians 5:19) — restoring the broken relationship. Victory: Christ 'spoiled principalities and powers... triumphing over them in it' (Colossians 2:15) — defeating Satan. The cross appears foolish to the world: '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). It is simultaneously the most horrific event in history and the most glorious.