【双语灵修】十字架的大能

“律法...有所不能行的，神就差遣自己的儿子，成为罪身的形状，作了赎罪祭。”

—罗 8:3

What the law was powerless to do . . . God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.

— Romans 8:3

Laws and rules set standards of acceptable practice within communities, nations, and organizations. Laws set boundaries to try to create safe environments for all. But we all know that laws and rules have their limits. Laws are made by people in power. Laws can easily become forms of oppression, favoring some people while limiting and burdening others. What’s more, laws do not make people good. Following a rule to avoid being punished does not make a person virtuous.

Romans 3:23 makes clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But at the cross, Jesus took on himself the punishment for our sin. He paid the consequences of our lawlessness. And the power of the cross is not only in the payment of this debt but also in the freedom it offers. Jesus’ death on the cross opens up for us the power to live full and holy lives, unburdened by the weight of guilt, shame, and human expectations. God is holy and good, and God created human beings as imagebearers of his own goodness and holiness. The cross frees us to live as God intended—humbly, joyfully, and lovingly.

Today, may the power of the cross release you into full living by God’s goodness, mercy, and love.

Prayer

Jesus, you carried our burdens and guilt to the cross for us so that we can be free! Help us to live in your freedom and love. In the power of your resurrection we pray. Amen.