From the pen of Dr. Sam Jones 

When you think life is hopeless, remember the cross.

On yesterday, the Spiritual Moment highlighted one of the truths the preaching of the cross conveys. Today, let’s look at a second truth about the cross. The cross reveals the hope of forgiveness of sins. I have sinned; you have sinned. All of us, in this life, eventually transgress God’s will; it’s then we become sinners (Rom. 3:23; 1 Jo. 3:4).

Sin is horrible because it separates us from our Father. It separates us from God and puts us in a state of hopelessness (Eph. 2:12-13). We have a Father who loves us and desires deeply to have a relationship with each of us (1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). From Genesis 3 through Revelation 22, one truth that should be clearly seen is the Father’s desire to have a relationship with us. The cross permits this relationship to exist again. Those who surrender or obey the gospel of Christ can enjoy the “forgiveness of sins” and enjoy fellowship with God (I Jo. 1:7-9). By obeying the gospel of Christ, one comes into contact with the grace of God (2 Tim. 2:1).

God’s grace provides hope; it allows Christians to live each day with the hope of one day rejoicing eternally in God’s presence. This is made possible by the cross (2 Tim. 1:8-10). But because of the cross which includes God’s grace, we can live in the hope of a home in heaven (Tit. 1:2).

So, when I think things are hopeless, I remember the cross! I smile today because of the cross; I rejoice today because of the cross. The cross enables me to live with the hope that my sins have been forgiven. Thank you God for the cross!