At the Foot of the Cross - Where Forgiveness Begins

At the foot of the cross is where the grace (the unmerited, undeserved favor) of God and our suffering eventually meet.

This is the time of year when Christian's recognize the work of the cross through Jesus Christ. During Holy Week, churches will preach the message of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, the events leading to the cross, the crucifixion itself and then the Resurrection of the Anointed One three days later.

This sounds like there are many messages when it comes to the death of the Lord Jesus, but in fact, there is one main message God wants to convey. The cross was all about forgiveness. It is through the cross that we are made complete.

There isn't a person living now or in the past who hasn't suffered unforgiveness, whether they are the ones who need to forgive or need to be forgiven, it's something we all share.

Let's take a look at some of the scenarios of forgiveness.

1. We forgive others: Sometimes it is hard to forgive others, even when we know it is the thing to do. Where do we find the strength to forgive when our flesh won't? At the foot of the cross, that's where forgiveness begins.
2. Others forgive us: When we need to be forgiven for sins we have committed against someone else. This includes when you have done something and ask to be forgiven and they won't do it. Your forgiveness is still at the foot of the cross.
3. Forgiveness of self: Perhaps you have committed a sin you think is so bad that not even God will forgive you. My friend, you would be wrong and need to take it to the foot of the cross.

No matter how you look at the issue of forgiveness, it all must be dealt with by Jesus at the foot of the cross. There is no sin that God will not forgive through the repenter's prayer. He wants to take all your pain, sorrow and suffering through the fire and burn them up. God wants you to trade those ashes in for a crown of forgiveness. It's time to lay every burden down at the foot of the cross.

You must receive it.

The message of the cross is for the individual and we must think of it in that manner if we are to receive it's fullness.

Think of it like this, when Jesus took your sin on Himself, it was nailed to the cross. He took your judgment so you can receive forgiveness. In His death He gave you life. It is through Christ's suffering that we obtained His grace. Who are you to say, "Lord your suffering and death weren't enough, I want to keep my unforgiving heart." When you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins, He forgives you. If you are forgiven by God, you need to realize that not forgiving others or even yourself is saying the cross wasn't enough.

You can trade your sin in for something better, a crown of forgiveness crafted by God Himself. He wants you to wear this crown of forgiveness when you come to the foot of the cross of forgiveness.

All you have to do is say a prayer like this:

Lord Jesus,

I'm sorry for my sins that I have committed against You. Please forgive me and make me clean. I want to live my life for You.

I want to be a child of Yours. Come into my heart and change me today.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

If you came to the cross God is going to change you. No one stays the same at the foot of the cross.

For more information on the subject of salvation or the Christian Life, visit Daily Favor Blog and click on the tab "Tell Me."

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Revised 4/19/19; 3/12/22