The cross is a metaphor for conflict . The cross speaks of conflict in that one beam crosses the other. It speaks of opposing forces. It speaks of the war referred to in the Romans 8, the war between what the Bible calls the flesh (our Godless human nature) and the spirit of God. This war is constant until we die.
The war is the godless human nature in all of us between the pride in us that strives against the spirit in us that yearns to act within the love of God, if that spirit has the experience of rebirth in Christ.
The best example I found for the conflict is from the great 19th Century evangelist Charles Finney who said: “It started when Lucifer looked up at the throne and said in his heart ‘I should be there’. It ends when we look up at Jesus on the cross and say in our hearts ‘I should be there.’” “It ends” refers to the argument that we are innocent of wrongdoing. The conflict with the choice to sin remains.
Most people refuse to take the responsibility for their sin and admit their sins to God. Modern psychology and world culture does not even acknowledge sin but instead, accepts sin by denying its existence. Sin by definition is breaking God’s law and when we break that law, we have an inherent response within us that confirms breaking that law. We may not be aware of which law was broken, nevertheless, we know we broke it. That’s our conscience and although most people believe our conscience is part of our mind, it is, as the Bible informs us, is part of our spirit. We then move to erase that conscience through the rational reasoning of our minds, which is part of our soul. Romans 1:19 and 20 (Amplified version) informs us:
vs.:19 “For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God (Himself) has shown it to them.
V:20 “For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity have been made intelligible and clearly discernable in and through the things that have been made – His handiworks. So men are without excuse – altogether without any defense or justification.
Rather than acknowledge our sin, we choose to take the position of no-fault for sin and without the consciousness of sin, we are self-deceived. Proverbs 16:2 states: All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. [KJV] An alternative choice of mindset is to place the blame of our sin on the enemy (Satan), another person or point the finger back at God. That’s carnal nature. It’s Godless and does not submit to God’s law.
When we acknowledge our sin to God and ask Jesus to come into our hearts and rule and reign within us, our spirit comes alive and celebrates the arrival of the beginning of truth. If we continue on that path, we become free as we follow Jesus and His truths are revealed to our spirit by the Holy Spirit. Without that ongoing relationship, without being truthful with ourselves, we cannot continue on in our continued and increased revelation of His truth.
An ongoing personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the foundation for successfully living the crucified life. We must to put to death the old mindset that we can find truth independently from God. When we acknowledge our guilt of committing sin against God it is the beginning of winning the conflict between the flesh and the spirit of God bringing to life our human spirit. The conflict itself remains but the more we yield our spirit to be obedient to the Holy Spirit, the victory over the conflict begins.
Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? We must first know Him as Lord and Savior before we can ever enjoy our relationship with Him as His friend. If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and you would like to know Him, just say this prayer to Him:
Father in Heaven, I admit I am a sinner and I have not walked with you in my life. I acknowledge your son is Jesus Christ and he is the only mediator between us. Jesus, I am a sinner, I come to you for forgiveness of my sin and ask you to come into my heart and be the Lord of my Life. I will follow you at any and all costs. Help me hear and obey your voice at all times and walk close to you. Help me to stay sensitive to the leading of your precious Holy Spirit. In your name, Lord Jesus I ask. Amen.
Join us next time for The Metaphor of the Cross – Part 3: The Patibulum (Cont’d.) The Metaphor of the Cross – Part 3: The Patibulum (Cont’d.)
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