Understanding the Heart of the Gospel
For many, the Cross is just a religious symbol—something worn as jewelry or displayed in churches. But the Cross is far more than that. It is the central event of human history, where God’s justice and mercy met in perfect harmony.
So, why the Cross? Why was it necessary? The answer is found in three fundamental truths:
- Because God is righteous.
- Because we are not.
- Because only Jesus could justify us.
Let’s explore each of these.
1. Because God Is Righteous
Romans 3:21-22 tells us:
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”
At the core of God’s nature is righteousness. He is holy, perfect, and just. His law reflects His character, revealing what is right and just.
Isaiah 6:1-5 gives us a powerful glimpse of God’s holiness:
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
God’s righteousness was first revealed through the law, which showed His standard of justice. But there was a problem—no one could perfectly keep the law.
This is why Jesus came. He fulfilled the law perfectly, showing the world what true righteousness looks like.
Imagine a perfectly balanced scale:
- On one side is God’s perfect law.
- On the other side is everything we do—our best efforts, our good deeds.
No matter how hard we try, nothing we do can balance the scale. God’s righteousness demands perfection, and we fall short.
This brings us to the second reason for the Cross.
2. Because We Are Not Righteous
Romans 3:23 makes it clear:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
No exceptions. No loopholes. Every single person has missed the mark of God’s perfection.
The law revealed what God requires, but it also exposed our inability to meet His standard.
Jesus came and perfectly fulfilled the law, making it even clearer how far we fall short. He revealed that righteousness isn’t just about actions—it’s about the heart:
- Hatred is like murder (Matthew 5:21-22).
- Lust is like adultery (Matthew 5:27-28).
- Perfection is required (Matthew 5:48).
The more we understand God’s righteousness, the more we realize our sinfulness.
A Great Chasm Between Us and God
Picture a vast canyon:
- On one side is God’s holiness—pure, radiant light.
- On the other side is us—broken, sinful, and unable to reach Him.
No amount of good works, religious rituals, or moral efforts can bridge that gap.
If God is righteous and we are not, then how can we ever be made right with Him?
That’s where the Cross comes in.
3. Because Only Jesus Could Justify Us
Romans 3:24-26 gives us the answer:
“…and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins.”
God’s justice demands that sin be punished. If He simply ignored sin, He would cease to be just. But God is not only just—He is also merciful.
So, in love, He provided a solution: Jesus took the punishment we deserved.
- Jesus perfectly upheld the law’s requirements.
- Jesus also upheld the law’s penalty—He took our punishment.
On the Cross, God’s justice and mercy met. Sin was punished. Grace was offered.
The Cross: God’s Justice and Mercy in One Act
Imagine a courtroom where a guilty criminal stands before a judge. The evidence is overwhelming. The verdict is clear.
But then, something unexpected happens—the judge steps down from his bench, takes off his robe, and offers to take the punishment himself.
That’s what Jesus did for us.
- We were guilty.
- The punishment was death.
- Jesus took our place.
Romans 3:26 tells us that through the Cross, God remains both just and the justifier:
“…so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
- Just—because sin is punished.
- Justifier—because He took the punishment Himself.
So, Why the Cross?
Because God is righteous, and His justice demands payment for sin.
Because we are sinful, and we deserve judgment.
Because only Jesus could bridge the gap, taking our place and offering us grace.
The Cross is not just an event in history—it is our only hope.
Have you placed your faith in Christ?
The Cross is the only bridge between us and God. If you have never trusted in Jesus for salvation, don’t wait. Repent, believe, and receive the grace He offers.
That’s why the Cross matters.
Tim Carter graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 2010 with a B.S. in Economics and Finance. He began serving at Cornerstone Baptist Church in June of that same year as the Student and Administrative Pastor, a role he held full-time until 2019. During that time, Tim transitioned to serve as a Lay Elder and Executive Pastor, continuing his dedication to Cornerstone in a volunteer capacity. In 2022, he returned to full-time ministry as the Executive Pastor.
Tim holds a Master’s degree in Christian Apologetics from Columbia Evangelical Seminary and has actively engaged in defending the Christian faith through moderated debates, academic presentations, and apologetics conferences. He enjoys deep theological discussions and interacting with cults and speculative theologies, driven by a passion for equipping believers and fostering a deeper understanding of the Christian worldview.