influence on the people. It seemed the whole world had gone after Him. The Creeks were even seek ing an audience with Him (vrs. 22). They inquired as men should to day, "Sirs, we would see Jesus.' This excited the disciples, too. Jesus realized what His prospects were. He knew that the cross was the only answer to man's needs. In co n s id e rin g how Ch ris t looked at the cross we should ex amine it from heaven's standpoint. What do you think Cod saw? Here our finite minds are completely in adequate to show us our real need. The atonement was for the honor of the Father in heaven. This was the hour in which He would bring to light His full purpose for man's redemption. In John 17 we have the preview of this as Christ prays, "Father, the hour is come. Glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee." So, from heaven's standpo in t, when Ch r is t ap proached this hour, it was the very moment for which He came into the world. Bethlehem, the mira cles, all the earthly ministry of Christ would have meant nothing at all unless they had culminated in this important hour. Looking at the cross from earth's standpoint we discover inestim able benefit. The message of the cross has been the powerful in fluence which has attracted men through the ages. The love of Christ and the confirmation that came as a result of His death and resurrection are the attractive in fluences which draw us to Jesus. Satan, the prince of this world, had his doom sealed as a result of the cross. Page 36
Our Lord's death provides the perfect example for every person. If you want to make your life count you can only do so by committing yourself, by faith, to the Redeem er. Christ gave His life on the cross that He might have our fellowship. In return He asks us to give our lives in loving obedience to Him. When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Dr. Glenn O'Neal is Professor of Practical Theology at Talbot Theo logical Seminary, Graduate School of Biola College. He is presently the Interim Pastor for the Mariner's Church of Newport Beach, Cali fornia.
NEXT MONTH: We will feature a "Study in Colossians” by Dr. O’Neal.
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