The cross of Calvary challenges, and will finally vanquish every earthly and hellish power. In the cross, all influence centers, and from it all influence goes forth. It is the great center of attraction; for on it Christ gave up His life for the human race. This sacrifice was offered for the purpose of restoring man to his original perfection. Yea, more, it was offered to give him an entire transformation of character, making him more than a conqueror.
“Those who in the strength of Christ overcome the great enemy of God and man, will occupy a position in the heavenly courts above angels who have never fallen.
“Christ declares, ‘I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.’ If the cross does not find an influence in its favor, it creates an influence. Through generation succeeding generation, the truth for this time is revealed as present truth. Christ on the cross was the medium whereby mercy and truth met together, and righteousness and peace kissed each other. This is the means that is to move the world.” Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, 1113
What is the cross suppose to accomplish in our lives?
To restore me to the original perfection of Eden.
To effect an entire transformation of my character.
To make me more than a conqueror.
To attract me to Jesus Christ.
I no longer live for myself but for Him who died for me. 2 Corinthians 5:15
To deliver me from my love of this world. Galatians 6:14
The means by which my sins are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:3
As Jesus was crucified for me, my sinful nature is to be crucified for Him. Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20; 5:24
To reconcile all mankind first to God and then to one another bringing peace and unity to all who accept it. Colossians 1:20
To bring redemption to all who will receive it. 1 Peter 1:17–21
To cleanse us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
To reveal Jesus as the One who in a supreme sense loves us. Revelation 1:5; 1 John 3:16
If we want to be saved at last, the story of the cross as recorded in each of the four gospels needs to be a special study in our daily life.
“If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.” The Desire of Ages, 83