Galatians 5:11 – The snare of the cross

Now I, brethren, If I am still heralding circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? Consequently the snare of the cross of Christ has been nullified.

If it were true that Paul’s did indeed still preach circumcision, where was the trouble the Judaizers had with him? The answer is simple: Paul was persecuted for preaching that all things were accomplished on the cross. Any religious message that tells man that besides “the cross” anything else would be necessary for man’s salvation or justification, “nullifies the snare of the cross.” Regardless of whether this ‘something’ is circumcision, Sabbath keeping, baptism, church membership or ‘choosing for Jesus’. The cross does not tolerate any extras. Any message of ’the cross plus …’ is a denial that the cross is ‘all-sufficient’.

The cross represents the enmity of the world. At the same time, it demonstrates the love of God that surpasses all enmity. That is why the message of the cross is: nothing of man, everything of God. That Jesus Christ died guarantees the salvation and justification of all people (Gal.2:21; Rom.3:23,24; 5:18). As the eating of one forbidden fruit made all mankind mortal and sinner, so the cross is the guarantee of universal vivification and salvation.

Delen: