Required reading
The attraction of the cross by Gardiner Spring (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 17 (The world crucified by the cross).
My summary
This week Spring teaches us how the cross crucifies the world.
We learn that the cross:
(i) sets the things of time and sense in their true light;
(ii) reveals the great realities of the world that are invisible;
(iii) changes our view of eternity;
(iv) produces convictions of certainty;
(v) produces welcome and joyous views of eternity;
(vi) produces views that exert a strong practical influence;
(vii) produces religious enjoyment;
(viii) produces an understanding of the trials and afflictions of the world;
(ix) gives the Christian character its true energy and usefulness.
What grabbed me
I liked Spring's description of the Christian's joy: 'The early Christians were joyful for the very reason that eternity was so real, so glorious, so near. And, therefere, they were not only comforted, but the comforters of millions. They were serene and peaceful, where we should be agitated and perplexed ; triumphant, where we should be cast down. Their darkness was turned into day, their mourning into rejoicing, their sighs into praise. What the contemplation of invisible and eternal realities did for them, it can do for all. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and for-ever. It was of these things that he had been speaking, when he said to them, what he still says to all who love him, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my jay might remain in you, and that your joy might he full.'' '
When we have eternity rightly in view, nothing can keep us down!
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 18 (All things tributary to the cross).
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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