—they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. – Philippians 3:18
The cross of Christ is the Christian’s glory, and few things would give him more pain, than to be considered its enemy.
It embraces the whole doctrine of salvation by grace, and is viewed by the Christian as the foundation of his hope, and the object of his faith; as the end of the law, and the antidote of misery; as the centre of truth, and subject of the church’s song; as mercy’s sceptre, and the Saviour’s throne; as the mirror, in which Jehovah displays all the perfections of His nature; and the key that opens the gates of the celestial paradise; as the glory of eternal wisdom, and the mystery of incarnate love; as the destruction of death, and the gate to everlasting life; as the object of the angels’ wonder, and the cause of the devil’s everlasting confusion.
Beloved, let us fix our eyes and hearts upon this glorious, this surprising object; and never, never let us, by our conduct or conversation, bring a disgrace upon it; but let us endeavour to advance its triumphs, spread its glories, and bring sinners to admire, love, and trust in it. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ; by which the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
Oh, may my single aim be now,
To live on Him that died,
And nought on earth desire to know
But Jesus crucified. –James Smith
