May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Read Ephesians 3:18-19 (KJV).
Read more: The four Dimensions of the Cross of Christ- Part 1aSeeing God Clearly Through the Cross
The Cross of Christ teaches us how to see God clearly—through the lens of our human frailty. Scripture calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus:
“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)
The cross is not merely an event in history; it is the clearest revelation of God’s heart toward humanity. J. C. Ryle soberly warns against neglecting it:
“I declare I know no greater proof of a person’s depravity than the fact that thousands of so-called Christians see nothing lovely in the Cross.”
To understand the beauty of the Cross, we must consider its dimensions.
The First Dimension of the Cross: Breadth
The breadth (or width) of the Cross speaks of the vast reach of God’s love. The Greek word platos conveys expansion—something wide, open, and all-embracing. God’s mercy stretches beyond time and generations:
“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children.” (Psalm 103:17).
This expansive love is made unmistakably clear in one of Scripture’s most familiar declarations:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
The word world here comes from the Greek kosmos, referring to the entire human race—fallen, broken, and in need of redemption. God’s redemptive plan is not confined by ethnicity, culture, or socio-economic status. Salvation is blind to human distinctions.
Salvation Without Exclusivity
Salvation is not reserved for a select few. It is an open invitation to all. The apostle Paul reaffirms this truth:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
This generosity is vividly pictured in heaven itself:
“For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)
God’s redemptive plan spans the entire globe—reaching every race, language, and tribe. No one is beyond His reach. Through grace, all are invited.
Grace: God’s Universal Gift
Salvation is entirely the work of God’s grace:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
This grace is not only sufficient—it is exceeding and abundant:
“That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7)
All who believe are fully accepted in Christ:
“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6)
Living in the Breadth of God’s Love
To live in the breadth of God’s love is to carry Christ beyond your natural boundaries. Your office, your school, your family, and your community are all fertile fields for the gospel.
Jesus commissions us plainly:
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” (Acts 10:34-35)
Beloved, the Cross compels us outward—toward the world God so deeply loves. Therefore, the Bible counsels, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
We write. You read. Be encouraged.
The four Dimensions of the Cross of Christ- Part 1a
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