Pondering the Cross: Holy Justice
Yes I commit sins, mostly, kind of, small ones...do I really need the Son of God to be put to death for them? Are they that bad? This sermon explores why the Cross should alarm us concerning our sins and show us our need for it.
Romans 1:18-32 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
“As long as God is God, He cannot behold with indifference that His creation is destroyed and His Holy will trodden underfoot. Therefore, He meets sin with His mighty and annihilating reaction.”
Psalm 97:2b Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.
“Sin is a very serious matter, and is taken seriously by God, though men often make light of it. It is not only a transgression of the law of God, but an attack on the great Lawgiver Himself, a revolt against God. It is an infringement on the inviolable righteousness of God, which is the very foundation of His throne. (Ps. 97:2) and an affront to the spotless holiness of God, which requires of us that we be holy in all manner of living (1 Peter 1:16). In view of this it is but natural that God should visit sin with punishment. In a word of fundamental significance He says: “I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.” Ex. 20:5. The Bible abundantly testifies to the fact that God punishes sin both in this life and in the life to come.”
Sermon Discussion Questions:
Why should the cross shock and alarm us?
Why for the average person it doesn't, in fact seems like overkill?
Why is sin more than individual infractions...how is it rebellion against God?
What is God's justice and why is this attribute important to grasp?
What effect should it have on us when we see the Cross as an expression of God's Holy Justice?
