LESSON 7

CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE CROSS

While it can be a valuable and worthwhile endeavor to seek to explain more fully the cross and its meaning it must not be forgotten that our salvation comes by faith and not by understanding. Many Christians live their lives with integrity and faithfulness who do not have the time or inclination to ponder what some might call the "deeper" things of God. They simply go about their lives in assured belief that Christ died for them. That is enough. These persons are not to be criticized or accused of having a faith too simplistic. As it is for each of us our lives reflect the manner and depth of our faith. Not everyone is called by God to be a theologian, pastor or Bible teacher.

But God does call some for the task of leading others in professional ministerial callings or lay ministry. Unfortunately, further study and contemplation of biblical doctrine often leads to division rather than unity. I refer back to my post of November 19, 2010, and insist again that we must be careful that our theological inquiries do not lead us to lose fellowship over peripheral matters. I have found it remarkable in times past to see that it is possible to preach in such a way as to define Christian faith so narrowly that few could ever become Christians. And yet, these same preachers outside the confines of their churches would readily fellowship with pastors of other denominations, persons who would otherwise be condemned according to messages these pastors just preached.

Let us as Christians rejoice in the cross of Christ. Let those who are so led of the Lord to extricate more fully the nuances and theological underpinnings of Christ's death on the cross do so faithfully with adherence to the biblical texts and for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ. But let none of us suppose for a moment that we have the corner on all of God's truth. If we look to the cross in true faith we will be humbled, not magnified in our supposed learning and erudition. "In the cross of Christ I glory."