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  THE ROD AND THE CROSS
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: The cross and the rod are distinct concepts in Christianity,
with the cross being a voluntary act borne by choice, while the rod is
imposed without consent.

Topics: "Gods Sovereignty", "The Cross"
Scripture References: Psalm 99:5, Isaiah 66:1, Lamentations 2:1, Matthew 5:35, Hebrews 1:13, Hebrews 10:11, Hebrews 10:13, James 2:3

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DESCRIPTION
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The preacher delves into the concept of 'Footstool' as mentioned in the
Bible, symbolizing God's authority and power over all things. The
footstool represents a place of worship and reverence, emphasizing God's
holiness and sovereignty over heaven and earth. Through various verses
in the Old and New Testaments, the footstool is associated with the
exaltation of the Lord, the defeat of enemies, and the eternal reign of
Christ. The sermon highlights the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus
Christ, emphasizing its eternal significance and the victory over sin
and death, leading believers to a life of unbroken fellowship and
victory.

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CONTENT
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For the Christian cross carrying and chastisement are alike but not
identical. They differ in a number of important ways. The two ideas are
usually considered to be the same and the words embodying the ideas are
used interchangeably. There is, however, a sharp distinction between
them. When we confuse them we are not thinking accurately; and when we
do not think accurately about truth we lose some benefit that we might
otherwise enjoy. The cross and the rod occur close together in the Holy
Scriptures, but they are not the same thing. The rod is imposed without
the consent of the one who suffers it. The cross cannot be imposed by
another.

Even Christ bore the cross by His own free choice.

He said of the life He poured out on the cross, ?No man taketh it from
me, but I lay it down of myself? (John 10:18). He had every opportunity
to escape the cross but He set His face like a flint to go to Jerusalem
to die. The only compulsion He knew was the compulsion of love.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/the-rod-and-the-cross/
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