Returning to the Simplicity of the Cross

Was the Cross enough? If you have been a Christian for a while, your immediate answer is probably, “Of course it is.” But if we could sit down over coffee and talk honestly, many of us would admit that somewhere along the way we have complicated the Gospel.

Think back to when you were first saved. It was all about what Jesus had done, wasn’t it? Maybe you remember feeling free, light, and truly born again. Or maybe you were more like me. I came to the Lord very early in life and cannot remember a time without Him. But there was a moment when I grew old enough to really understand what He had done for me. My faith became rooted in the Gospel and in the finished work of Christ.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19

Now imagine again that we are sitting down together over coffee. The conversation would probably turn to the things we are struggling with, the prayers we are waiting to see answered, and how busy life has become. We might talk about what Scripture says, but we would likely also mention all the information we have heard on the topic. The advice. The strategies. The things we have tried.

Somewhere along the way, the wisdom of man begins to mix with the simplicity of the Gospel.

"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." 2 Corinthians 11:3

The truth is that everything was accomplished at the Cross. Yet little by little we begin adding to it, feeling as though we need to take things into our own hands. We mix the knowledge of man with religion and end up frustrating the very freedom we were given in Christ.

Lately I have felt a strong pull to strip things back and return to the simplicity of Christ. If Jesus died on the Cross for my peace, my healing, my provision, and my forgiveness, then what more do I need to do to receive it other than to receive Him?

That is the Gospel.

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2

Everything else flows from knowing Him more deeply and walking in relationship with Him. From that place we live. From that place we grow. From that place we trust.