The Centrality of the Cross

Here's another quote from Pendleton's Christian Doctrines (see my last blog post). Actually, Pendleton takes these words below from a Dr. Edward Payson.

I can't help but reflect on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5 as I read this quote. In these verses Paul says things like:

1 Corinthians 1:18, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (NIV).

1 Corinthians 1:23-24, "[W]e preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God" (NIV).

1 Corinthians 1:30-31, "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord'" (NIV).

1 Corinthians 2:2, "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified" (NIV).

Seems pretty clear that the centrality of the cross should be proclaimed in every aspect of our life and message.

So here's Dr. Payson's thoughts on the centrality of the cross as Pendleton quotes them. Of course, please remember that this language and manner of expression is from a by-gone century! Enjoy...

"To the cross of Christ all eternity has looked forward; to the cross of Christ all eternity will look back. The cross of Christ was, if I may so express it, the first object which existed in the divine mind; and with reference to this great object all other objects were created. With reference to the same object they are still preserved. With reference to the same object every event that takes place in heaven, earth, and hell is directed and overruled. Surely, then, this object ought to engage our undivided attention. We ought to regard this world merely as a stage on which the cross of Christ was to be erected and the great drama of the crucifixion acted. We ought to regard all that it contains as only the scenes and draperies necessary for its exhibition. We ought to regard celestial luminaries merely as lamps, by the light of which this stupendous spectacle may be beheld. We ought to view angels, men, and devils as subordinate actors on the stage, and all the commotions and revolutions of the world as subservient to this one grand design. Separate any part of this creation, or any event that has ever taken place, from its relation to Christ, and it dwindles into insignificancy. No sufficient reason can be assigned for its existence, and it appears to have been formed in vain. But when viewed as connected with him every thing becomes important; everything then appears to be a part of one grand, systematic, harmonious whole - a whole worthy of him that formed it. It was such a view of things which led the apostle to exclaim, 'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.'"

[This quote is taken from Dr. Edward Payson as it appears in James Pendleton, Christian Doctrines: A Compendium of Theology (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1878), 103-104.]

All I can say to this is "Amen!" May we all live every moment of our lives in light of the centrality of the cross.

Blessings!