The Offense of the Cross

The Offense of the Cross

I’ve never really understood what is meant by the “offense of the cross,” (Gal 5:11) but I do now. I listened to a rare and short video, an interview of a professed pedophile. He was in prison, not once but twice for child porn. He got into it in his 50’s, saying it just popped up while watching regular porn. In other words he didn’t seek it out, it came to him. He went on to say that his girlfriend stayed with him because she knew he was a “good person.”

This is where the Cross is offensive. For anyone to be saved, given a new heart for their heart of stone, one must come to the realization that they really are NOT good. They must realize they are separated from God and can do nothing to get right with Him. Really, what could a pedophile do to make it up to God for exploiting God’s innocent little ones? I don’t think “I’m sorry God, I’m really a good person,” will do the trick, do you?

The offense of the Cross is the realization that there is NOTHING you can do to gain favor with God. NOTHING! And this is very offensive to the flesh. We all want to think, “But I’m a good person!” Any goodness that we think we have is like filthy menstrual rags to God (Is 64:6).

Surrender today and don’t be offended! Face it. You’re a fake and a phony like everyone else. The only good comes from the goodness of knowing God through Jesus Christ. It may offend your flesh, but it brings life. The only True life you can ever know.

Blessings