by Shibu Podiyan, Washington D.C

[Editor's Note: Two versions of the bible are provided for easy reference and understanding.]

The cross has four scriptural expressions - the Death on the Cross, the Blood of His Cross, the Word of the Cross, and the Offense of the Cross.

1. The Death on the Cross (Phil. 2:8) speaks of the SHAME the Lord suffered. His grace in humbling Himself and despising the shame (Heb. 12:2), and man's sin in putting Him there.

Philippians 2:8 (King James Version)

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:8 (Contemporary English Version)

8 Christ was humble.
He obeyed God
and even died
on a cross.

Hebrews 12:2 (King James Version)

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who 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.

Hebrews 12:2 (Contemporary English Version)

2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne!

2. The Blood of His Cross (Col. 1:20) speaks of the PEACE through the finished Work of Calvary.

Colossians 1:20 (King James Version)

20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:20 (Contemporary English Version)

20 And God was pleased
for him to make peace
by sacrificing his blood
on the cross,
so that all beings in heaven
and on earth
would be brought back to God.

3. The Word of the Cross (1 Cor. 1:18) speaks of the GOSPEL message.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (King James Version)

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 (Contemporary English Version)

Christ Is God's Power and Wisdom

18 The message about the cross doesn't make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God's power at work.

4. The Offense of the Cross (Gal. 5:11) speaks of the REPROACH of those who take up His cross, who refuse to compromise with the world and its religion.

Galatians 5:11 (King James Version)

11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Galatians 5:11 (Contemporary English Version)