1.1 The Significance of the Cross
1.1 The Significance of the Cross
▸ ± "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
To many, the cross simply represents God’s love and sacrifice. Yet, it symbolizes far deeper spiritual truths and revelations.
1.1a Complete Revelation of God
The cross signifies the complete revelation of God through Christ. From Genesis 1:1 onward, every word of Scripture points toward Christ, revealing the invisible Father. The Father remains unseen and unheard; it is the Son who fully makes Him known.
On the road to Emmaus, Christ explained how all Scriptures testify of Him, revealing the hidden depths that culminate at the cross. Thus, the cross signifies the fullness of divine revelation.
1.1b "I Thirst... It is Finished"
When Jesus declared, "It is finished," it indicated more than His imminent physical death. His thirst marked the completion of divine judgment.
Samson's Thirst (Judges 15:16-19)
Samson, after judging and defeating a thousand men, became desperately thirsty. When Jesus finished judging humanity’s sin, He similarly declared, "I thirst," symbolizing that judgment was fully completed. Water coming from the jawbone afterward symbolizes new life from Christ’s finished judgment.
End of Egypt’s Judgment
Israel’s bondage in Egypt represented judgment for idolatry. Their liberation through the dry sea bed symbolizes Christ, the firm foundation between waters of judgment. The subsequent provision of manna and water from the rock further symbolizes Christ’s body (bread) and teaching (water), signifying the end of divine judgment.
- Manna (bread): represents Christ’s body given for humanity.
- Rock (water): symbolizes Christ, whose sacrifice ended judgment and brought forth a new teaching of grace.
Praise After Judgment (Psalm 69:21-30)
The vinegar (also meaning leaven or teaching) offered to Jesus on the cross marked the final judgment under the Law. Jesus’ thirst signified this judgment’s completion, transitioning to praise and thanksgiving, marking new spiritual life.
1.1c Four Points of the Cross
The cross represents four distinct voices or divine purposes of Scripture:
- Prophet (Doctrine): Reveals heavenly truths about Christ’s earthly ministry.
- Judge (Reproof): Exposes humanity’s sinfulness and moves sin to Christ.
- Priest (Correction): Reveals eternal reconciliation and peace through Christ’s sacrifice.
- King (Training in Righteousness): Provides moral and ethical instruction for believers.
Christ’s death fulfilled Scripture completely in all four voices:
- Prophecy was fulfilled.
- Judgment ended.
- Peace and reconciliation were established.
- Moral and spiritual training continues through Christ’s resurrection power.
The mixture of heavenly (H) and earthly (E) voices (Prophet and Judge) do not experience resurrection, fulfilling the Old Testament's prohibition against mixed seeds or materials (Leviticus 19:19, Deuteronomy 22:9-11).
1.1d Lifted Up
The cross aligns with biblical imagery of things "lifted up," symbolizing the end of judgment and beginning of redemption:
- Cain (judgment lifted up)
- Noah’s ark (salvation above judgment)
- Moses’ rod and staff (authority and deliverance lifted)
- Bronze serpent (healing and salvation lifted)
- Christ Himself (ultimate redemption lifted)
Each instance prophetically points to the cross as the ultimate lifting up—ending judgment and initiating redemption.
1.1e Tree
Scripture frequently symbolizes judgment and redemption through the imagery of trees. The cross, as a tree, represents Christ bearing humanity's judgment and becoming the source of new life.
1.1f The Key
The cross remains central, unlocking the complete revelation of God’s redemptive plan and providing full restoration through Christ’s finished work.
