The Cross Unites: What the Sacrifice of Christ Means for Believers

The cross is everywhere. It has taken a prominent place in our culture in the form of necklaces, bookmarks, earrings, and the ever-so-famous car hanging ornaments. But why is the cross central to our faith, and how can it unite Christians to hold fast to that faith together?

In their book “The Heart of the Cross,” authors James Boice and Philip Ryken explain, “The example of Christ alone is not Christianity since no one is saved by imitating Christ.”

While following the example of Christ matures our faith, it is not the basis for our faith. The author of Hebrews 11 describes Jesus as the author of our faith because, when he died on the cross for all of our sins, our faith rose from mere probabilities to a living reality. At the cross, Christ penned a faith that believes in the impossible, for he did what was not possible for any fallen human: perfectly atone for all humanity’s sins. Praise the Lord for a faith that is alive with him! We can believe in the best because it was Jesus who first loved us and believed in the best in us.

Romans 8:32 reads as follows:

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (NIV)

The next time you begin to doubt in Christ, I pray that you remember the power ascribed to the cross of Calvary — a power able to not only give you eternal salvation but graciously adorn you with all things our Heavenly Father knows you need. Our faith stands on solid ground.

Then, if that’s true, what does it mean for the community of believers who have put their faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ? Among various wonderful things, it means unity. Believers not only have one thing in common but the best of all things! In Acts 2, we read that the church in Jerusalem “had all things in common” (v.44, NKJV). In their sharing of meals and resolute desire to give to others, they had one motivation: their faith in Christ.

The small, tangible reminders of the cross communicate that we are not alone. We can partner with others who are battling raging sins, seasons of doubt, and consuming trials. The cross unites those who were once separated from God and each other. It gives us hope because we see others clinging to the impossible too. Some of my most encouraging conversations have been with dear brothers and sisters who bore the cross, whether on their ears, hanging on their rearview mirrors, or around their neck. Those spirit-filled, faith-inspired conversations are also open for all who believe in the power of the cross.

Christ calls us to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil.1:27). So, why not start at the cross?