The cross is a divine project of eternal values and duration.
Its deliberations, coordination, and resources were from eternity by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, decree of the watchers, and the demand by the Word of the Most High.
 
It is written of Christ to suffer and die, to rise from the dead on the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem – known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world – forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you (1 Pet. 1: 18–20).
 
 
As the debt of our sin was paid and atoned for on the account, virtue, and merit of Christ’s death by the preciousness of the price paid through his blood on the cross of Calvary, the believer becomes an heir in the inheritance of the saints in light – inheritor of spiritual, physical, and eternal blessings in Christ Jesus–all in Christ alone. He is now the blessed of his Lord – the curse is broken, removed, and has been replaced by manifold blessings.
Exceedingly great and precious promises, provisions, and privileges of an abundant life and manifold spiritual, physical, material, and other blessings are now his in Christ Jesus!
What an inestimable exchange and demonstration of divine love as Christ has in love to our souls delivered it from the pit of corruption (second death)! (Isa. 38: 17).
 
 
The cross of Christ becomes non-negotiable for the redemption and salvation of humankind from the inherited corruption resulting from Adam’s sin and its consequence(s).
By the disobedience of one (Adam), many were made sinners, and death passed upon all (for the wages of sin is death). In him (Adam), we were all dead in sin (spiritual death), but in Christ, all that believed were freed from sin and made alive unto God.
Thus by the obedience of one (even Christ) and faith of him many were made righteous, sanctified, and justified unto eternal life – Christ as our second Adam is the quickening spirit and the life-giver.
 
The inestimable eternal worth and value of Christ’s cross demands on believers to ‘die to self’ or ‘suffer the flesh’ so as not to diminish or depreciate the purpose, power, and value of the price paid for their redemption – not trampling the Saviour underfoot and counted the flowing fountain that sanctified them an unholy thing – the precious life and blood of the Lamb of God.
 
 
The cross of Christ has its positive and negative effects.
Its implications are grave, with terrible consequences on those who are walking contrary to the purposes of it . . . negligent, slothful, careless, obstinate, sinful, and total backsliders (once saved, but drawn back; see Hebrews 10: 38).
 
On the day of visitation when the Lord shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; when he shall come to be glorified in the saints, and to be admired in all them that believe! (2 Thess. 1: 7–10).
 
Believers are called to be saints but not all are living as saints. Not all believers are holy in all manner of conversation as he who has called us is holy.
 
Many are workers of iniquities, despising and frustrating the spirit of grace with their wilful or deliberate sins.
The final possession of Christ’s kingdom and glory, identification and glorification with him depends on a sanctified life in the body, soul, and spirit and in our total freedom and victory from the pollutions of the world and lusts of the flesh, for many were called, but few shall be chosen.
 
 
Christ’s substitution and sacrificial death meant to deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our Father (Gal. 1: 4) requires that the believers on their own part be like-minded and crucified to the world and flesh.
If Christ died to deliver us from this present evil world, we must also die or be crucified to the world for the purposes of the cross to be made manifest and realised in us.
 
This is the price in our pilgrimage and warfare, if we are hoping to triumph over the world, self, and sin.
 
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1 Pet. 2: 11–12)
 
This is the only way the believer can constantly walk free and fearless from the strife of tongues, reproach of the heathen, and the desolation of the wicked when it comes.
 
Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing. (Eccles. 8: 5)
 
 
They ought to walk blamelessly and undefiled in the way against the reproach of the heathen and the accusation and wrath of the old serpent – the accuser of the brethren, Satan.
It is the only way to walk worthy of our vocation.
It is the only way we can be counted worthy of our calling into eternal joy and glory.
We, being purchased and marked by the blood of the Lamb, must establish and confirm our election with the testimony of our profession in the transparency of our steadfastness in the everyday renewal of our mind and newness of walk.
 
My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go; my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live. (Job 27: 6)
 
The Devil abhors and detests to be reminded of the place of the skull (Golgotha) where his head was bruised by our Lord Jesus Christ.
It was such a decisive place of fulfilled justice, judgements, and divine vengeance prophesied by God in the Garden of Eden against the old serpent in man’s favour, the vengeance against his subtlety in the garden.
 
It was commonly believed and a tradition that Christ was crucified where Adam was buried and where his skull was found and there the serpent head was spiritually bruised. It was likely possible but with no biblical proof to establish it.
It was just as when God prophesied to avenge Naboth’s blood by directing the dogs to lick the blood of the cruel and wicked Ahab in the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, who was killed by Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21: 17–19).
 
 
And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.00
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read book, neither to look thereon.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof.
 
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
 
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors’, which are the prayers of saints.
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof; for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue and people and nation;
And hast made us unto our God kings and priests; and we shall reign on earth.
 
And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousands times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and strength and honor, and glory, and blessing.
 
And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing and honor and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshiped him that liveth for ever and ever. ( Rev. 5)
 
 
Here, we see the revelatory narration of redemption, the impossibility, powerlessness, and illegibility of any terrestrial, celestial, or marine creature to meet the need, fulfil the responsibilities and conditions of our salvation.
There was no ability worthy in any creature to take up the challenge to open the book and to loose the seals thereof.
 
And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold; therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me, and my fury, it upheld me. (Isa. 63: 5)
 
If any must be counted worthy and qualified to take the book and open the seals, his blood must be pure and sinless as the price of redemption!
Who was that man not sharpened in iniquity and whose mother conceived not in sin?
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean, from a man who drinks sins as water?
Who can bring a new creature out of an old man in who dwells no good thing?
It cost Christ’s righteous life for our sins (to condemn sin in our flesh) and his death for our life to purchase us by his unblemished blood – a deal called the blood of eternal covenant.
Thus we learnt about the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of everlasting covenant (Heb.13: 20).
 
 
First, this scripture shows that there was a covenant agreement between God and our Lord Jesus in the blood of everlasting covenant for the redemption of the transgressors – fallen Adam’s race.
 
 
Secondly, it was a covenant made with Christ as the head of his people.
 
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
For both he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.
And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, behold I and the children which God hath given me . . . For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Heb. 2: 10–17)
 
 
Thirdly, Christ performed and fulfilled the condition of the covenant. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19: 30).
 
 
Fourthly, it was in fulfilment of covenant purpose that God raised Christ from the dead.
 
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer your Holy One to see corruption. (Psa. 6: 10)
Christ knew that he shall be raised from the dead by the Father on the third day.
Then answered the Jews and said unto him, what sign showeth thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the Scriptures, and the word which Jesus had said. (Matt. 12: 40; John 2: 18–22)
 
 
Fifthly, Christ’s blood was the ground on which all the saints in him were delivered from the slavery of sin, prison, and dominion of Satan.
As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. (Zech. 9: 11)
 
Sin is a spiritual chain, prison, and enslavement; only Christ (John 8: 36) can set us free from its power, dominion, and destruction, the strongest above the strongmen.
His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. (Prov. 5: 22)
Sin is the ground of the enemy’s claim over the life and soul of the unrepentant sinner. We are servants to whom we obey, either of sin (slavery to Satan) unto death or of obedience (freeman in Christ) unto eternal life.
But this is a people robbed and spoiled; they are all of them snared in holes, and they are hid in prison houses: they are for a prey, and none delivereth, for a spoil, and none saith, Restore. (Isa. 42: 22)
Thus Christ came to proclaim liberty to the captives from the prison of sin, of satanic and demonic enslavement and oppression.
He opened the door of the prison to them that are bound and gave his blood as a bond price for the seal of authenticity.
For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matt. 26: 28)
 
Sixthly, from henceforth, the redeemed are divinely assured of their complete redemption and salvation.
I give them eternal life, they shall never perish; neither shall any man shall pluck them out of my hand; My Father, which gave them me is greater than all. John 10;28.
 
Not only did Christ pay the full price of redemption, he made provision to preserve the purchased possession till the end.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them – Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to preserve you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion, and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Isa. 53: 12; Heb. 7: 25; Jude 24–25)
 
Seventhly, in his glorification, he must be given a name above all other names . . . must have all power in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28: 18; Rev. 5: 12).
Christ must be raised and exalted to sit on the right hand of power (Mark 14: 62) in heaven to continue his mediatory, intercessory office and ministry, awaiting the final and complete harvest of his travail at the time the Father has set by himself. We have such a high priest, who sits on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, highly exalted by the Father and given a name above every other name.
 
We see the Lamb (praise the Lord) prevailing as a truce broker.
He has negotiated with the Father to take our place of sin and penalty of it.
For this, Christ became the only and worthy mediator between God and man.
 
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time. (1 Tim. 2: 5–6)
 
 
Divine terms of agreements and conditions of the contract of redemptive transaction were: self-emptiness, humility and absolute self-sacrifice, apart from the pureness of the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
 
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again; (it was included in the deal or covenant of redemption, that if Christ died, the Father must and shall raise him up from the dead on the third day to become the first fruit of them that slept. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matt. 12: 40).
 
No man takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (John 18: 17–18)
 
Note, the terms of divine redemptive contract between the Son and the Father in a redemptive deal of Christ accomplished work is similar and same to the terms of relationship of Christ with the beneficiaries (believers) of the blessings of the redemptive work. As Christ loved them unconditional in their state of spiritual death worthlessness, so must they freely loved him in their obedience, fellowship, services, commitment, and fidelity. They must consider or esteem other better than themselves.
In honor, they must prefer one another.
They must seek and ensure the spiritual edification and sustainability of others above their personal interest and satisfaction.
The spiritually strong must bear the infirmities of the weak and not just please themselves!
They must do all things for the edification of others (2 Cor. 12: 19). Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (Phil. 2: 4).
They must willingly and joyfully give themselves to the cause of Christ and his cross; not counting their own lives dear unto them, not seeking for the praise or commendation of man, as their praise and commendation is from God.
 
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. (Phil. 2: 17–18)
 
 
Our love, reverence, and service for Christ must be from the heart as unto the Lord and not unto man . . . whatsoever you do, do it with all your heart as to the Lord and not unto men, Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you serve the Lord Christ (Col. 3: 23–24).
It must be the selfless service of a faithful servant.
 
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Gal. 5: 13)
 
It must be unconditional and voluntarily, borne out of appreciation and understanding of our unending indebtedness to Christ for his unequal sacrifice, selfless, unequal, unchanging, and ever-increasing love for us . . .
 
You call me Master and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. (John 13: 13–14)
 
The love of God in Christ is twofold. God and man ward; thou shall love the Lord thy God with all your heart, mind and soul and your neighbour as thyself.
If our heart is filled with God’s love, which has been shed or poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, it shall be easier to share and demonstrate it.
 
 
The proportion or measure of God’s kind of love in us and the degree of the ripeness of its fruit is the measure and extent to which we shall be able to manifest and share with others. Love must grow and the charity we’re demonstrating towards one another must increase exceedingly – brotherly love must continue, and we must be made perfect in love.
 
You can’t give what you don’t have nor can you manifest what is not in you . . . If God so loved us, we ought to love one another.
Give back the love you’re receiving from God to others; in so doing, you will be growing and increasing in divine love and thus you shall be bold and not be ashamed before him at his coming, such that as he is love so you’re increasingly loving.
Love must be without hypocrisy, from a pure and single heart . . . seeing you have purified your soul through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently (Rom. 12: 9; 1 Pet. 1: 22–23; 1 Tim. 1: 5–7).
Love is the fruit that must grow to maturity in us. The fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal. 5: 22).
Love is not an option; rather, it’s your daily obligation and the only debt to owe and to pay each passing day to all men (Jude 1: 21). Owe no man anything, but to love one another, for he that loves another has fulfilled the law (Rom. 13: 8)
Love is the street name and the only route I am allowed to take to heaven.
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. (Eph. 5: 1–2)
 
 
Love is the most beautiful garment you are expected to put on daily. ‘. . . and above all, put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness’ (Col. 3: 14).
Love must be the motive behind all your actions. Let all your things be done in charity (1 Cor. 16: 14).
Love is the motivational power of your daily duty in your relationship with God, for the love of Christ constrains us, because we thus judge that if one died and then were all dead and that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him that died for them and rose again. (2 Cor. 5: 14–15)
Love is the greatest. ‘. . . and now abides faith, hope, and charity, these three, but the greatest of these is charity’ (1 Cor. 13: 13).
If any man loves not our Lord Jesus Christ with his brethren, let him be cursed forever (1 Cor. 16: 22).
 
 
A believer’s daily cross must be borne in love and joy, not in self-pity, regrets, and sorrow of heart.
The power of a believer’s daily strength lies in his joyfulness in the Spirit, for the joy of the Lord is his strength.
A believer must walk and serve the Lord with gladness and joyfulness of heart, with thanksgiving in every situation, rejoicing in the hope of eternal life laid up for him in heaven – giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Col. 1;12.
 
From our conversion till the pitcher be broken at the fountain, our garment of praise must never be put off against the spirit of heaviness.
We must walk by this rule, namely, the joy of the Lord and of our salvation, rejoicing evermore and abounding in Christ with thanksgiving (Col. 2: 7).
It should be our greatest joy in any adverse situation that our name is written in heaven, as we set our heart on the greatest price (eternal life) without distraction from the harassments and tempting sounds of the tempter . . . whom (Christ) having not seen you love; in whom though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls (1 Pet. 1: 8–9).
 
The preaching of the cross is the power and wisdom of God unto salvation for every man that believes. The cross of Christ, despised, condemned, and esteemed a thing of naught, an unimaginable and foolish means to salvation by the men of the world, is the revelation of divine wrath and displeasure satisfied in Christ.
 
Moreover, it is the beginning of our righteousness, the non-negotiable commencement of our first step in divine walk and pilgrim journey in divine relationship which leads to heaven and eternal life.
 
Christ is the door. There is no meaningful, neither rewarding walk nor relationship with God apart from him.
It pleased God to give Christ as a substituted sacrificial burnt offering for us so that through the foolishness of preaching the cross of his crucified Christ, those that have accepted Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour might be accepted in the beloved.
 
For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (John 16: 27)
 
Christ was the Lamb slain purposely in the counsel and decree of God.
The promissory in the Word of God passed to Adam after the fall: his seed shall bruise the head of the serpent, typically in the sacrifices appointed immediately after the promise of redemption in the garden.
Had not God appointed it, the death of Christ would have had no meritorious value.
 
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the whole world.This is he of whom I said, after me cometh a man which is preferred before me; for he was before me. And I knew him not, but he that sent me to baptize with water said unto me, upon whom thou shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same baptized with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (John 1: 29–34)
 
In Hebrews 10, the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice to the elect is traced back and directly ascribed to the eternal and sovereign will of God.
In verse 7, we find Christ’s declaration as he was about to enter the world, ‘Lo, I come to do thy will, O God.’ In verse 10 we are told, ‘By which will we are sanctified [consecrated to God] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.’
 
The Lord said to Nicodemus that that which is born of the flesh is flesh . . .
Our Lord not only intimated that every man born into this world inherits a corrupt and fallen nature, and therefore is unfit for the kingdom of heaven, but that this corrupt nature can never be anything else but corrupt, so that no culture, education, reformation, or any moral background or training can fit it for the Kingdom of God.
 
Regeneration is a doctrine which is the very basis of salvation.
We should be very diligent to take heed that we really are born again, for there are many who live in a fool’s paradise (a state of happiness based on false hope) who fancy they are born again but are not. Those who will get to heaven know before they die because they’ve lived for Christ on earth, walked with him daily, kept the faith and finished their course . . . that a crown is laid up for them in heaven (2 Tim. 6–8). The spirit of God bears witness with their spirit that they are children of God (John 10: 14).
 
We should know that bearing the name of a Christian is not the nature or living the life of a child of God. Being born in a Christian family and being recognised as professing the Christian religion is of no avail or importance if we are not regenerated or born again.
 
Unless there is something more added to it, the transformation in Christ Jesus is a matter so miraculous, a miracle of grace that man’s words cannot describe it. Its effects and graces are so visibly seen, powerfully lived, and widely testified around that those in Christ are evident to all (Acts 4: 13).
 
For all designs and purposes, it is a change which is known and felt known by the works of holiness, because its life-giving vine is not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God . . . pure and holy in all manner of conversations and its fruit must be according to its seed – the seed of God.
If the seed is of God, it must bring forth fruit unto God and not to self, Satan, or the world.
It must glorify God, not self, Satan, or the world.
Its interests and cares are consciously fulfilled for the satisfaction of the new occupant and boss–the Christ within.
This great work is supernatural.
It is a birth from heaven. It is not a show which a man performs for himself, or else it won’t last.
A new principle is infused, which works in the heart, renews the soul, and affects the entire man.
It is not a change of clothes, but a change of heart, a renewal of my nature, a new nature so that I am not the man I used to be, neither for myself nor for the world, but a new man in Christ Jesus, in the world of flesh and sin, for Christ and God.
 
As a sinner turns to the Lord for deliverance from sin and salvation of soul – as he humbly receives and applies the incorruptible seed of God’s Word by faith, he shall begin to bring forth fruit unto God.
Thus the corruptible man is gradually changed (Mark 4: 26–27) and transformed back to his former state before the fall as a new creature in Christ.
 
. . . this is what the Lord Jesus has done in us; if we lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness and the engrafted word which is meant to save and change us from what we were by the fall and nature to what we ought to be in redemption and son-ship is received with meekness and mixed with faith in our hearts.
The in-corruptible seed of God’s word’s actualizing and effectuating an in-corruptible conversation or lifestyle from the corruptible man through the power of the Holy Spirit as the believer is yielding to him and mortifying daily the deeds or the works of the flesh through that helper within – the Holy Spirit. James 1;21-22. 1Pet 1;23. Rom 8; 13.
 
 
The light of Christ’s Word (whose light shall we see light) through the Holy Spirit begins to illuminate and éclair the new convert daily as he feeds and meditates on the written Word of God day and night, drinking by faith from that fountain of life and river of divine pleasure, quenching all non-desirable sinful spiritual thirstiness.
The Word gradually and increasingly fills every void and emptiness in him; diminishing and eradicating spiritual dryness on being fed each day for proper spiritual growth if he remains hungry and thirsty for righteousness.
 
The manifestation and operation of Christ’s power of resurrection in a believer living a resurrected and crucified life can be seen in the fruits of the conversation of his godly and holy lifestyle that conforms to and aligns with the gospel of his Saviour.
Thus by the grace of God, the believer can serve him in righteousness and true holiness, with reverence and godly fear in a Spirit-filled fellowship which is wrought by the changes in Christ as a new creature from what he were from the inherited sin. Man was changed in Adam from what he was by a state of creation (guiltless and innocent) when he sinned and lost the image, likeness and fellowship with God.
 
The changes commence from the heart by the circumcision not made with hands in putting off the body of sins – the circumcision of Christ.
It is a miracle of mercy and grace (such as Nicodemus asked the Lord, ‘How can these things be?’) wrought by divine goodness to bring a clean thing out of an unclean and to make a new man from the old in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5: 17).
 
As the believer obeys the gospel and lives by the scriptures, God continues to work in him the good pleasure of his will.
Thus the believer’s walks, pursuits, purposes, desires, and divine destiny are positively redesigned to fulfil the will of God, as the Father works in him both to will and to do according to his good pleasure (Phil. 2: 13).
He who was once an enemy in his mind by wicked works is now exclaiming and expressing his longings for the courts of his God and communion with him – surely old things have passed away.
 
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God – For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Ps. 40: 1; 84: 10)
 
Nothing of sight, (for he doesn’t walk any longer by it, rather than by faith. 2 Cor. 5: 7) flesh and sense can satisfy him that may be presented or offered him in exchange for that precious relationship and fellowship with God in Christ Jesus. He is rooted and grounded in his understanding, love, attachment, and devotion to God. He shall not allow anything to come in between him and the source of all his comfort and relief – God.
He has tasted the sweetness of the Lord and has discovered that his love is better than wine; surely all things have become new.
 
As the guests at the marriage feast at Canaan desired the new wine provided by Christ to the old, they were served at first, so a genuine-converted believer desires the new life above the old, having compared the easy yoke and the light burden of his Saviour in comparison to the hard yoke and grievous burden of sin, the world, and the Devil he were under in times past.
 
He has just woken up to the reality and real value of life and existence.
 
Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. (Ps. 73: 25–26)
 
 
The old life we were living before conversion was not the best – the life of flesh and sin.
The new life we now found in Christ Jesus is our best life now; nothing can be compared to that life born from above, directed from above, and preserved for heaven – the life of godliness and righteousness is the life of Jesus in us.
The Lord carries out a surgical and spiritual heart transplantation in every penitent sinner that calls upon him for salvation from death to life and translation from darkness to light.
This takes place when he removes or takes away the heart of stone and replaces it with the heart of flesh by the power of his Word and of the Holy Spirit.
 
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezek. 36: 25–27)
 
 
Thus the believer’s inward to outward transformation is visible like the city set on a hill which cannot be hidden.
 
Only let your conversation (way of life or living) be as it becomes the gospel of Christ; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in the spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. (Phil. 1: 27; Matt. 5: 14–16)
 
As a believer acts on the written Word, the Spirit quickens the Word to produce life, fruit, and testimonies.
His identity is visible and his testimony speaks of itself.
 
It is the mystery of regeneration and godliness, when the word was received, not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works in them that believe. (1 Thess. 2: 13)
 
The transforming power of the applied Word becomes more visible, even to the attestation of the un-believing world of lost sinners as the redeemed shine as lights in the world.
His faith and obedience is spoken everywhere, such as were called Christians at Antioch.
As he (a believer) constantly appropriates and applies the scriptures to his circumstances and situations, (for God is beautiful for every situation) enormous growth and blessings of the gospel become his experiences and testimonies . . . his faith becomes the means of his justification and transformation – for by it he stands (2 Cor. 1: 24).
 
 
Thus the believer is constantly preserved from the paths of the destroyer through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time, upholding by the Lord, hid in his quiver and in the shadow of his hand and guided daily in the path of righteousness until he is finally taken to heaven in his death or at Christ’s coming.
 
 
The cross of Christ has its negative effects and consequences on the broad way and wide gate believers, such seekers and followers who through ignorance of the scriptures or self-will choose to embark on an inconsistent, self-convenient, smooth, spiritually dead and destructive way of life, (there is a way which is good unto men, but the end thereof is death) forsaking the way of life, truth, and light, crucifying the Son of God afresh and bringing him to an open shame.
 
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as you have us for an example. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, who mind earthly thing. (Phil. 3: 18–19)
 
 
The knowledge of the cross of Christ, the love and embracing of it is the essence.
Additional knowledge above or apart from the clear and simple knowledge of the cross of Christ shall bring or lead to bondage and destruction, instead of total liberty and salvation in the true grace of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1 Cor. 2: 2)
 
The solid ground and hope of our partaking in the promised abundance of life now and in the future eternal life is un-folded in the knowledge of Christ crucified in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2: 3).
 
The death of Christ Jesus on the cross partially marks the end to man’s misery on earth. According to John 16: 33, ‘In the world you shall have tribulation, in me, you shall have peace; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ We shall finally triumph out of our different trails and great tribulations, crossing over our Jordan to the place where we shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike us, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed us, and shall lead us unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes (Rev. 7: 16–17).
Christ’s death is unique as it stands for the only answer to all of life’s questions, troubles, and evils.
It is the only means to man’s earthly peace and way to his eternal bliss – I am come that they may have life; and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10: 10).
 
 
Messages from our pulpit and public witnessing must only and always be centralised on the cross, directing the hearers each time to look up unto him who was pierced.
We must seek daily to increase in the excellence of the unfathomable knowledge of Christ crucified, for therein lies the love of God and of Christ which passes all knowledge.
Such is the labour of love we must be involved in, engaging and aiming to attain to its perfection, fullness of understanding and services as we’re contemplating and sharing each day of Christ’s amazing love and grace.
 
We must endeavour to make manifest of no other knowledge above the divine love and knowledge of our redeemer’s redemptive sacrificial work and endless life.
His amazing grace and redeeming love songs must be proclaimed loud and clear in all our ways and throughout the universe as long as we have our being . . . Christ has triumphed over death and grave; we must therefore shout unto God with the voice of triumph!
 
The proclamation, worthiness, and glory of Christ’s exceeding grace and goodness in the redeemed must be fully ascribed to him in our low state, high places, and excellence.
We must constantly remind ourselves of our former low state (if not the Lord) and be ever grateful for our undeserved present divine exaltation in Christ, our undeserved privilege to be raised up with him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus – for man that is in honour and understands not is like the beasts that perish.
 
 
Our Lord Jesus Christ was purposely born to die on the cross.
The cross was his mission, purpose, and priority on earth.
If the prophecy in the garden to bruise the head of the serpent must be fulfilled, it must be on the cross.
Christ must not die prematurely before he got to the cross where he was meant to die, or else, he shall be counted a failure not fulfilling his life objective and destiny.
He escaped or was spared from traps and attacks of untimely death until his day and time to get to the cross dawned.
 
Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death (cross death) he should die. (John 8: 59; 12: 31–32; 18: 31–32)
And he straightly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that saying, the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and the scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.(Luke 9: 21–22)
 
The ultimate showdown with the Devil, fulfilment of the divine promise to redeem man, battle and demonstration of power and declaration of victory to reclaim the stolen glory and lost inheritance was venue and reserved for the cross.
It was Christ’s end game, focus, target, and the means of his and our eternal glory.
 
. . . who (Christ) for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be weary and faint in your minds. (Heb. 12: 2–3)
 
 
Christ never gave in for any demonic uprising and persecution, neither yielded to man’s distractive proposition to make him a premature worldly king.
It’s a pity seeing and hearing so-called born-again believers contending and labouring for worldly titles, praises, and commendations.
It’s pathetic when a soldier runs back home for fear of his life as many believers backslide in the faces of difficulties.
Our Lord did not try to escape from any shameful treatment, mocking gestures, or any other suffering.
 
I gave my back to the smiters, and my checks to them that plucked off the hair; and I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. (Isa. 50: 6–7)
 
 
Apostle James writes that the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable and gentle . . .
Thus our Lord (Christ the wisdom and power of God) was as pure as to be qualified for the sacrificial Lamb, peaceful as the Prince of peace, and so gentle as he humbled himself as a lamb to the slaughter; and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, he does not open his mouth.
Christ could have asked for the legions of celestial armies to come for his aid and rescue against the bands of men which came for his arrest in the garden; nonetheless, he denied himself of the protective and defensive services of his ministering spirits and on the contrary sought and opted for the painful death on the cross.
 
If Christ died not, we shall not live unto God, and there shall be no salvation. He died to restore us back to the spiritual life lost by Adam through the ultimate price paid for sins – his precious, spotless and unblemished blood.
 
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause (death on the cross) came I unto this hour . . . then Simone Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear . . . Then said Jesus unto Peter, put up thy sword in the sheath; the cup (suffering, humiliation and death) which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (John 12: 27; John 18: 11)
 
 
Note: There shall always be a conscious or unconscious obstructive sentimental, sensual, and carnal comforter and defender assigned or unconsciously influenced by the enemy to stand on our way from partaking in the fellowship of Christ’s suffering, to the end that we might compromise or to prevent us from reaching or attaining the ultimate goal set before us, namely to reign with Christ in glory, for if we suffer with him, we shall reign with him (2 Tim. 2: 12).
It is our absolute duty to pray, make up our minds and guard against such demonic influences and carnal sentiments of sensual brethren or the ungodly relatives meant to divert us against the perfect will of God as we’re rejoicing daily in hope, gratitude to God for partaking in Christ’s suffering that when his glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy.
 
 
Dear heavenly Father, ignite our hearts with the fire of your love which is stronger than death, which neither waters nor evil floods of the wicked and of the ungodly world can quench, that our hearts and minds be made stronger, not counting our lives dear unto us.
In each passing day, grant us courage with selfless love and a determinant heart to do your will and finish our course with joy, overcoming all ungodly sentiments, ungodly actions, and ungodly hard speeches aimed against us by the enemy and his human agents.
Strengthen us in you and in the power of your might to be steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the works and will of the Lord, satisfying and accomplishing your pleasures here on earth even before we see you face to face in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!
 
If you are genuinely converted, outspoken for the Lord, and your relationship with Christ is un-compromising, don’t be surprised if your right gospel applications and biblically principled lifestyle be met with fierce resistance, destructive and envious critics, and opposition from the Devil and his children in the world.
 
An unjust man is an abomination to the just; and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked. (Prov. 29: 27)
 
 
Narrow way and straight gate believers should not be caught unawares, neither be faint-hearted because of the tumults of the heathens and ungodly brethren round about them.
This is a normal experience for those who choose to walk in the Spirit and live by every Word of God. They should expect persecution and opposition and many such things from the carnal and worldly Christians, much more from the people of the world – the sinners.
They should never count the contradiction of sinners and the tribulations in the world as some strange things happening to them.
Such is their share or portion in the affliction of the gospel of Christ which must be endured.
Suffering for Christ’s cause serves as a positive sign and mark of the believer’s genuine conversion.
It shows the displeasure, war, and wrath of the old serpent against them that keep the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
 
It is the sign of divine approval, positive testimony, and effectiveness in the gospel and Kingdom of God.
 
We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure,which ismanifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. (2 Thess. 1: 3–5)
 
The offence of the cross cannot cease, neither should we be excused from it or seek to avoid it.
Though he is the Prince of peace, yet Christ is not extending peace to all and sundry.
He’s as a stumbling stone and a rock of offence to them that stumble at the Word.
He came for the fall and the rise of many in the world.
His peace is one-sided.
 
When you accept Christ in your life: a. you declare yourself to be public enemy no 1 to the Devil and hosts of hell as they set in battle against your new-found freedom and salvation; b. it brings contentions and divisions into your life between you and your un-regenerate blood relatives as Christ came to set a man against his son, mother against daughter, son-in-law against his father-in-law (Eph. 6: 10–12; Matt. 10: 34–39)
 
 
Tooth and nail, by and large, the old serpent must fight the remnant of the seed of the woman which keep the Word of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
 
They shall be afflicted and tried, yet to them the Lord said, fear none of those things which you shall suffer, behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation for ten days, be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life. (Rev. 1: 10)
 
 
If we have received the Word and the gospel of Christ wholeheartedly with sincere application of the same, it must bring affliction and persecution.
There is a price to pay for such godly life in an ungodly world.
The Word of peace and eternal life must bring problems and hatred from the world of lies and darkness to the receiver who ought to stand his ground, be bold and strong in the Lord.
 
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath no root in himself, but dureth (lasted) for a while; for when persecution arises because of the word, by and by, he is offended. (Matt. 13: 20–21)
 
 
Simon Peter having a sword drew it . . .
Though this gesture seems a normal thing to do as self-defense for the natural man, such action is a spiritual crime and a sign of rigidity in the place of brokenness for a child of God.
We are not to resist evil.
 
Ye have heard that it hath been said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth, for a tooth; but I say unto you, that ye resist not evil; but whosoever smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also . . . (Matt. 38–42)
 
Oh, for grace to be more like him, who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth; who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously. (1 Pet. 21–23)
 
 
 
Our weapons are not carnal – believers should never fight like the people in the flesh or of the world.
 
In the Old Testament, it was a mixed battle – fought in both ways – physical and spiritual.
In the New Testament, the battle is only spiritual and must be fought spiritually.
Our weapons are spiritual and are mighty in God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God . . .
Spiritual violence and not physical combat or violence is the rule of our engagement; those who live by the sword shall die by the sword.
 
Our Lord sprang out of Judah. . .. all the household of Judah were saved, not by their bow, nor by their sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen – but were saved by the Lord their God (Hos. 1: 7).
The Lord hates to see strife and physical violence in his children (Ps. 11: 5).
We should never resolve to the use of physical roughness, toughness, and bloodshed to fight our battles of faith in the Lord.
 
For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. (Ps. 44: 6)
 
Physical violence is never for self-defense. It is carnality and out of combat rule . . .
 
Of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Heb. 11: 38)
 
 
The believers must go away from the people who refuse to receive them as Christ’s ambassadors.
They should vacate the communities and places where they are not wanted for the gospel.
If otherwise, they should choose to die for their faith in Christ Jesus if it is the will of God.
When they persecute you in one city, flee ye to another; for verily I say unto you, ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man is come. (Matt. 10: 23)
 
 
Recently, I read an article from a Nigerian newspaper concerning the response of the country’s Christian associations in their protests against the inappropriate killings of their fellow believers in Christ in the northern part of that country.
They appealed to the government to intervene and stop the arbitrate killings of their fellow Christians by the Boko Haram terrorist group or else they would take up arms to defend themselves.
In persecution, the believer must pray for more boldness and power to witness the gospel of Christ’s grace and salvation. Acts 4; 21-31.
If not, they should run away from the places where they are not welcome.
 
A prudent man foresees the evil, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished. Prov. 27: 12.
If the Nigerian government is inadequate and militarily impotent to protect her citizens’ rights to peaceful and free religious assemblies and worships, the Christians should leave the northern parts of the country as the Muslim terrorists are demanding.
 
Our citizenship is from above, from whence we look for the Savior, who shall change our vile body to be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. (Phil. 3: 20–21)
 
When you engage out of the rule of combat, you become a criminal or an offender. Our defense is from and of God, which saves the upright in heart (Ps. 7: 10).
Many may trust in their spears, shields, arrows, javelins, enchantments, divinations, and whatsoever; the name of the Lord should be our weapon, habitation, strength, refuge, and trust.
 
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him up on high, because he hath known my name. (Ps. 91: 14)
 
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it and is safe. (Prov. 18: 10)
The gentleness of a dove should be a believer’s code of conduct.
 
If Daniel stopped the mouth of the lions by his faith in God and Ezra was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help them against the robbers and enemies in the way: for he had spoken unto the king, saying, the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him (Ezra 8: 22), the God of Daniel and Ezra can do the same on our behalf if we ask for such faith and trust in him, not resolving to the use of physical force, iron weapons, or any other unscriptural means apart from prayer and services of his angelic ministering spirits to defend and protect us.
 
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.
They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord, I will destroy them. They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord, I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me. (Ps. 118: 10–13)
 
If we are listed or privileged to suffer and to bear persecution for our faith in Christ, we should be happy to suffer shame for his name’s sake.
If it is written of us to be numbered among his martyrs, why should we shrink from death?
 
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or death, for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1: 20)
 
 
Jesus instantly rebuked Peter, warned him not even to think of opposing or breaking the contract of redemption agreed upon and sealed from heaven – the cup (sinner’s punishment) which my Father has given me, shall I not drink (bear) it?
 
Note, this is the second time that Peter, as close as he were to the Lord, was used by the Devil to influence and to breach the contract of redemption between God, Christ, and the lost sinners.
We must be very prayerful, discernible, and careful against every associate’s and partner’s counsels which seem to protect us but are really meant to divert or hold us back from fulfilling the divine counsel. No earthly or carnal relationship should influence or override the will and perfect purposes of God in our life (Mark 8: 31–33).
 
Christ our Passover Lamb was slain to drink the cup of the Father’s wrath in divine exchange for our cup of salvation. I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.
 
Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
He shall see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. (Isa. 53: 10–11)
 
 
How soon and swift the Lord of creation fixed back the ear of Malchus to prevent escalation of the situation, thus bargaining and securing the safety and life of his disciples as he had determined to lay down his life for them that the scriptures might be fulfilled, which say, those that thou gives me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition (John 17: 12).
 
Extract from the book-The Purposes of the cross. With your seed gift of 100 Euros or more into the minstry, you can have this book full of power, life and revelation in a volume of 380 pages. Write to contact@yemiadebiyiministries.com for your copy.