The Power of the Cross is beyond scientific estimation and human reasoning. It is not given to the wise nor the knowledgeable of this world. It is given only to those whom God chooses. Luke 10:22.
The efficacy of the Cross of Jesus Christ is far above power ministry, though some misconstrue power ministry as the real essence of the cross. The truth is Jesus operated in authority and power before His death and resurrection. It was with authority and power that He performed miracles, healings, and deliverances during His lifetime, as Luke 4:36 reveals—and even till now.
“All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What is this teaching? With authority and power, he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!'”
Jesus operated in authority and power because He was endowed by God with these two attributes. God subjected all things under His power because He came from God and would return to God. John 13:3-4.
Jesus did return to God, but in what manner? We are acquainted with what Genesis 2:19 says: “For out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” But Jesus’ return to heaven differs from this pattern. Jesus is the only creature that the earth could not swallow after His death. He is the only proven creature that resurrected from death. His body knows no decay according to the scripture:
“Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.” Acts 2:31
Jesus already saw the fall of Satan long before He eventually laid down His life as a sacrificial lamb for mankind on the Cross of Calvary at Golgotha. Luke 10:18-19 reveals this: “He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
After His resurrection, Jesus was seen by the people in His crucified body, though exactly the way He was bodily before His crucifixion. He ascended to heaven in bodily form. All eyes saw Him as He went through the sky to heaven to sit with His Father.
“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight.” Acts 1:9; Acts 2:34; Luke 24:41.
The Distinction of the Cross
The Power of the Cross distinguishes Christianity from other world religions. The Cross of Jesus Christ is distinct from other crosses. Man was created with an instinct to search for the power behind nature’s wonders and its organized structure. Mankind knows the manifestation of these wonders isn’t accidental or coincidence—hence the need to search for the power or force behind them.
This quest has made many fall into worshiping lesser gods, fallen angels, and objects. But events and time have proven these lesser gods, fallen angels, and objects aren’t the powers holding the world; they can’t satisfy mankind’s spiritual thirst.
Many religious movements sprang up before and after Jesus’ death, but they faded naturally with time because they lacked the power to give everlasting life. They couldn’t solve mankind’s spiritual needs.
Despite attempts by emperors, governments, and forces of darkness to eradicate Christianity through killing and persecution, it remains ineradicable because those attempts were frustrated by The Power of the Cross.
*”But a Pharisee named Gamaliel…addressed them: ‘Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men…For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.'” *Acts 5:34-39 NIV
Christianity passed the test of time because Jesus Christ, the last Adam, is a life-giving spirit holding the key to everlasting life. If Jesus didn’t die and rise, the deaths of saints (Hebrews 11:1-40) would’ve been in vain.
*”If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” *1 Corinthians 15:19
Other religions like Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism, originated by mortal men, are shallow. They lack the ultimate Power of the Cross—the power over life and death—that defeated the arch enemy and is still active.
The Message of the Cross
The Power of the Cross is Christianity’s message—the message of salvation to unbelievers (Romans 1:16). The sacrificial work of Jesus on the cross, and the humility it inspires, is foolishness to the intellectually proud.
*”For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God.” *1 Corinthians 1:18
Those rejecting Jesus’ obedience and the cross dwell in condemnation, rejected because they reject atonement for sins. One can’t be saved by good works—disobedient people are perishing with the world. Their chance of salvation reduces daily.
But those with humble hearts, responding to God’s grace revealed on the cross, will be saved by the gospel’s power. Salvation, grace, deliverance, forgiveness rest on the Cross—not human efforts.
Purpose of the Book
This book answers why Jesus died for mankind, the efficacy of His death, and the boundless benefits of His death. Read it to avoid ignorance of The Power of the Cross.
“You are in error because you do not know the power of the cross.” Matthew 22:29
Culled From Pastor Taiye Olayemi’s book titled: The Power of The Cross
