Required reading
The attraction of the cross by Gardiner Spring (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 5 (The actual purpose of the cross).
My summary
Today Spring teaches us about the purpose of the cross.
The purpose of the cross was 'to save a great multitude, which no man can number, by the death of his Son.' This, of course, brings glory to the Son as well.
Spring also speaks of the origin, timing and means of the purpose of the cross.
In summary, much of the chapter is dedicated to demonstrating that the cross was intended to save some of mankind, not all.
What grabbed me
I liked the emphasis on the love of God: 'In tracing this purpose to its origin we find it in the love of God — the goodness, the love of God, " having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." It was not for any good qualities in some, rather than in others. Manasseh, and Saul, and the Corinthian converts, were sufficiently vile. If God had waited for this, he had waited long and in vain. It was not for any foreseen faith and holiness ; for these are his gifts, and the very things which the Cross secures. All spiritual blessings come to the saved through Christ, " according as he hath chosen them in him that they should be holy." His love is antecedent to ours. "We love him because he first loved Us.'' " Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain." '
Without God's love, there would be no redemption.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 6 (The cross accessible).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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