The Cross Has the Final Say

“Jesus died so that I could live.
He rose so that we could be wed.”

This thought popped in my head in the midst of worship Tuesday night. In the middle of a song, whose lyrics include the phrase “the cross has the final say”, I found myself staring at my beloved covenant ring (pictured below). I wear this ring as a reminder to myself that I am my Beloved’s and He is mine. The only reason why I wear this ring on my middle finger is because it’s too big to fit on my ring finger. If it could, I’d imagine it would look more like an engagement ring.

Engagement. Proposal. That’s what the Cross was. And if the song lyrics are true and the Cross does, indeed, have the final say, then there are several important implications to take note of:

1. There is no amount of shame, guilt, brokenness, or feelings of unworthiness that could superceed the power and beauty of the Cross. (If you don’t believe me, check out Romans 5:8.)
2. There is, likewise, no amount of intellectual doubts or questions, intelligence, or perceived wisdom that could undermine the grace and need of the Cross.
3. When Jesus died, you died with Him. Likewise, when He rose from the dead, you also rose in Him. You are a new creation who, because of Christ, is now made worthy and righteous. Ergo, self-flagellation and self-hatred due to a feeling of unworthiness (or someone telling you that you are such) have no place here anymore.
4. The Cross does more than save you from Hell and/or the bondage of sin; it gives you a new direction. As the writer of Psalm 40 writes in verses 2 and 3, he says this of God: “He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” Because of the Cross, we who have said “yes” to Christ are given a new song and hope.
5. The Cross is not a place for you to declare “I killed Jesus!” and then hide your face from Him. Rather, it is a place to cry out “I am in need of grace. Please save me,” and receive grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, and love unconditionally.