What do you see the cross? Do you see a religious symbol to be worn as a decoration or ornament? Do you see a symbol of suffering and shame? Do you see a form of capital punishment to be administered to criminals? Let's consider some things that a follower of Jesus should see in the cross.
 

    But God commendeth His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). It is obvious by an investigation of the scriptures that God's eternal plan of salvation was to save us through the death of His Son. In Ephesians 1: 14 we see that this plan, though hidden through the ages from principalities and powers, was known of God BEFORE the foundations of the world. That is; it was in God's mind BEFORE man was created. It is remarkable to realize this and the fact that He still created man understanding that afterwards His ownly begotten Son's death would be required to pardon man's sins. What great love! Even as God looked down upon an immoral and rebellious people His love was so great He still sent the very best of Heaven to die for our sins.

    Could God have pardoned man through some other means? Absolutely! For all things were and are possible with Him (Mark 14:36). But, to manifest His great love for man He forsook His only Son to die on the cross. What unmeasurable love! How can we not love Him and keep His commandments (John 14:23).
 

    Realizing the facts of our pardon should equate the horrendous nature of sin and motivate us to avoid and hate it. How can we continue in sin realizing the fact that it took the blood of God's dearest to pardon me. The inspired Apostle Paul said that the love of Christ constrains us, meaning not our love for Christ, but His love for us that compels us to obey Him.

    In view of the sacrifice that was required for our pardon, we can understand why sin is to God as filth (Revelation 3:4), the dirt of the world (James 1:27), and as a hogpen (Luke 15). It is sin that separates us from God. It is an abomination to Him and thus despised by Him (Psalms 119:104). Yes, the cross shows us the darkness of sin, for it was your and my sins that put Him there.
 

    Jesus revealed much about Hell while teaching upon this earth. He spoke of it as a place where the fire is not quenched and the worm dieth not and a place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:41, Mark 9:48, Matthew 13:42). It is a place of ETERNAL torment (Revelation 20:10, 15) reserved for Satan and those who follow him. It doesn't sound like a place that anyone in his right mind would want to go, does it?

    The fact of a day of judgement is clearly shown in the Scriptures. A day that everyone of us will see and must give an account of our lives before God (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14; Hebrews 9:27). It is certain that you and I will be there! It could be today. Are you prepared? For how shall we escape His wrath if we neglect the great gift of salvation?
When we see the cross we see the place that Jesus died to save us from. But, this salvation is contingent upon our obedience to Him (John 3:36). What a sad thing to contemplate; eternal doom due to refusing the FREE gift of God. Yet, this is exactly our destiny if we fail to humble our selves before Him in obedience to His Word.
 

    What seemed to man to be sure victory over Him because the very expressed glory of God. The Jewish rulers were at last victorious in putting Jesus to death, but the end result was to their own destruction. What seemed to be victory in actuality had become their doom and to the followers of Jesus what seemed to be the end had become VICTORY. His death and resurrection has become the pathway for us to follow. His conquest over death and Hades has ultimately provided His followers eternal life in Heaven. But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 0 death, where is thy victory? 0 death, where is thy sting? The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law: but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:54-57).

    Can you imagine a place where there is no pain, sickness or dying; a place where man will be separated from sinful people, for sin cannot enter it; where there will be no separations and sorrows; a place where there shall be no night? To live with the people of God, with God being their light, my friend, that is Heaven. I want to live with my God through eternity in the mansion He has prepared for me, where the tree of life is blooming and the flowers never fade. It is through the cross that I have this hope and it alone. For through the cross only can I find my way home. Do you want to go to Heaven?
It  is often in our society that people wonder if the problems of a Christian's life are worth putting up with. It is then that we must consider what Paul tells us in Romans 8:18, I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed No matter what may happen to me in this life of sorrows, Heaven will be worth it all. Why would anyone allow anyone or anything to. rob them of this precious prize? Friend, no one or nothing can keep, you from Heaven, but only yourself! You choose your destiny; either eternity in Hell or eternity in Heaven. Which choice have. you made? Eternity is but a heart beat away.
What do you see in the cross? If you belong to the Lord you see the love of God, the darkness of sin, the torment of Hell and the glory of Heaven. For it is in the glory of the Cross that we can go home.

Why not today look to the cross and find the salvation of your soul? Will you humble yourself to do His will? Will you not today repent and be baptized that the blood shed for you on the cross might purge you of your sins? For if you miss Heaven, you have missed all there is.

For the word of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us that are saved it is the power of God (I Corinthians 1: 18). Greg Legg