ntro: there are many books that have been written over the centuries on the seven sayings of Jesus on the Cross. People have written deep theological studies on these seven phrases. Tonight before we take communion, I would like to look at four sayings in particular that cause us to be able to celebrate the cross.
Celebrating the Cross
1. the first reason we can celebrate the cross tonight is found in Luke 23:34 where we read these beautiful words. Father forgive them for they know not what they do.
We celebrate the cross because it is here where forgiveness is offered
For mankind. We celebrate grace tonight in that while we were yet
Sinners Christ died for us.
a. Amazing love how can it be that thou my God would die for me.
b. We celebrate his love that he has for us. That whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life.
c. No greater love hath any man than this than that he would lay down his life for his friends.
2. Paradise—Luke 23:43—the next saying of the cross tonight is the
promise to the thief on the cross that he would enter into paradise.
We celebrate that God has provide through Jesus Christ a better
Place. Tonight we won’t go into a study between paradise, heaven,
Christ’s millennial reign and the New Jerusalem that comes down out
Of the sky. But we rejoice in that this life is an entrance into a new
Place.
Where there is no more tears.
Where the son will be the light of the city and there will be no more
Night.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
3. Completion---John 19:30—it is finished.
The next thing to celebrate about is the work of salvation is complete in
Jesus. Now Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father until all things are put under his feet.
By grace are ye saved through faith, not of yourselves it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the Word.
His name shall be called Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.
4. Acceptance—Luke 23:46—Father, into your hands I commend my
Spirit. The final thing we celebrate tonight in communion is the wall that
Was between us and God, has been broken in two by Christ.
We are spiritual beings in a physical tabernacle. When the physical is
Gone our spirit goes to the Father. Jesus is the firstfruit.
Revelation—no one could open the book—Jesus opened the book to
Heaven as the accepted lamb of God
This is my Beloved son in whom I am well pleased.
Close: communion is a time of celebrating the cross
We celebrate forgiveness, heaven, completion and acceptance with
God.
