By Dan Eakin
It was not by coincidence that the the cross of our Redeemer did not stand alone on the hill of Calvary.
There were two other crosses also there, to typify two distinct attitudes that all of the world would have toward the cross in the middle.
On one side of the cross of our Redeemer was the cross of the rejector. This is the one who said, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” Luke 23:39. The word if often expresses doubt. He did not believe Jesus was the Christ.
On the other side of our Redeemer’s cross was the cross of the receiver. He said to the rejector, “Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds. But this man hath done nothing amiss.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” And Jesus answered, “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:40-44.
The receiver did three things that brought him salvation. 1. He admitted he was a sinner (we indeed justly or we’re getting justice). 2. He confessed Jesus as Lord (He didn’t call him master as unbelievers did in the gospels). 3. He called upon the Lord. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.
Today, reader friend, you are on one side of the cross or the other. You are either a receiver or a rejector of Jesus Christ. You are either a believer or an unbeliever. You are either saved or lost. You are either heaven bound or hell bound. There is no such thing as half a Christian. Which side of the Redeemer’s cross are you on?
We could also note some other truths about this dramatic scene of Calvary.
1. The rejector died on a cross of sin and shame. A cross of sin because he was a sinner whose sins were never placed on Jesus because he did not believe. What a shame. To be so close to the only one who could save him, forgive him and give him eternal life, and to miss that opportunity.
2. The receiver died on a cross of salvation and security. A cross of salvation because he had done the three things mentioned above. But also on a cross of security because he had the word of Jesus that he was going to paradise. He had no baptism to offer. No good works. His security rested completely in the Lord. Ours should also. An old song says, “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling…:” Another says, “Naught of good that I have done, nothing but the blood of Jesus.” Still another says, “My hope blessed Jesus is anchored in thee. Thy righteousness now only covereth me. Thy blood shed on Calvary now is my plea, My hope, my hope is in thee!”
3. The Redeemer died on a cross of sacrifice and surrender. Christ was the sacrificial lamb. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things……but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” I Peter 1:18, 19. In Old Testament days, believers brought a lamb without blemish and without spot for the priest to sacrifice in the Holy of Holies. John 3:14: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” Christ was sacrificed for our sins. “God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Our Redeemer also died on a cross of surrender. No, not primarily to the Roman soldiers. When the band of 500 Roman soldiers came to Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of one who came. Jesus picked up the ear, put it back on the man and asked Peter, “Knowest thou not that I could call 12 legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53. It was like he was saying, “Peter, I don’t need your help.”
It was a cross of surrender primarily to the perfect will of God. Only a few minutes earlier, he had knelt in the garden and prayed, when like as sweat drops of blood fell down his face, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.” Matthew 26:39.
As our Redeemer hung on the cross that day, the sun refused to shine. There was a great earthquake. Dead people came out of their graves and went into the city and appeared to many. Matthew 27:53.
And some of the Roman soldiers who stood by declared, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54.