The four Dimensions of the Cross of Christ- Part 1

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. Ephesians 3:18-19 KJV.

The Cross of Christ is more than a fashion statement or a crucifix that Christians wear. It symbolises victory over sin and death, and represents the central theme of the Christian faith — Jesus’ sacrificial love and resurrection. The ultimate expression of love and redemption for humanity, was demonstrated by Christ dying on the Cross of Calvary!

The Bible declares, “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.” Read John 3:16. The Cross, therefore, stands as a symbol for the believer — triumph, redemption, and eternal life.

Beloved, God’s love is incomprehensible. It is beyond human capacity to understand its depth, breadth, length, and height. It is too vast to be fully comprehended. The Bible says, “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” Read 1 John 4:9–10.

The Cross of Christ reminds the believer of God’s abundant grace and extravagant mercy. Scripture tells us, “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” Read 1 Timothy 1:14. The Bible further declares, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;), and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Read Ephesians 2:4–6. Listen to this, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Read 1 Peter 1:3.

The Apostle Paul personalises the power of the Cross when he writes, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Read Galatians 2:20. The Cross of Christ was more than a doctrine, it was his the centre of his identity. Listen to this, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Read Philippians 3:13–14. Beloved, do you know who you are, in Christ? What is it that defines your life?

The Apostle Paul also presents four dimensions of the Cross of Christ, describing the love of Christ revealed supremely through the Cross. Over the next few weeks, we will look in depth at these four dimensions according to Ephesians 3:18–19.

Lord, thank You for this year – fruitfulness, and diligence in serving You. Lord, thank You for the Cross. Thank You for Your immeasurable love, grace, and mercy. Lord, transform the lives of every reader, and draw hearts to You. In Christ’ name. Amen.

We write. You read. Be encouraged.