There is nothing like the cross. There the awful sin of man met with the perfect love of God. At the cross sin rose up to the highest point of evil and was put away in its own worst act. God is above man, even in the height of his sin, not in allowing it, but in putting it away by Christ’s dying for sin in love. At the cross, sin was known for what it is, and to have a true heart, it must be known, and God was known, known in light. And the upright heart wants that. God is known in perfect love; we have no need to hide or screen our sin.
Satan’s power was fully manifested, and that over men in their passions. There we see the perfect Man as nowhere else, perfect love to the Father, perfect absolute obedience, and this in the very place of sin and the cup it had filled, and in human weakness, where Satan’s power was manifest, and the forsaking of God. At the cross God revealed His perfect righteousness against sin, and His sovereign, perfect, infinite love to the sinner — His majesty and truth were both made good. Such is the cross. In the history of eternity it stands alone. Man in God’s glory is its blessed result.
Selected from J. N. Darby r
Theme of the Issue