The Purpose Of The Cross (video)
David Ravenhill passionately reveals that the true purpose of the cross is to restore humanity to God's original design by understanding spiritual maturity from regeneration to consummation.
This sermon emphasizes the deeper purpose of the cross beyond just forgiveness of sins, highlighting the need for believers to surrender their lives to God and live for His glory. It warns about the danger of false teachings that can subtly infiltrate the church and lead people astray, emphasizing the importance of discernment and staying true to the true teachings of the Bible.
Sermon Outline
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I. Introduction and Context
- Personal background and ministry journey
- The significance of the cross as the foundation of faith
- The church's misunderstanding of the cross
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II. Spiritual Maturity According to 1 John 2
- Three levels: children, young men, fathers
- Characteristics of each level: regeneration, maturation, consummation
- The importance of growth beyond salvation
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III. Understanding the Beginning to Grasp the Cross
- Need to know God's original purpose for man
- Analogy of rebuilding without knowing the original design
- Reference to Genesis and the original state of man
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IV. The Cross as God's Medicine for Man's Sickness
- Jesus lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness
- The necessity of the cross due to sin and rebellion
- The transformative power of looking to the cross
Key Quotes
“There is no Christianity apart from the cross.” — David Ravenhill
“We will never really understand the cross until we understand the beginning of things.” — David Ravenhill
“The cross is God's medicine for man's sickness.” — David Ravenhill
Application Points
- Seek to grow beyond spiritual infancy by immersing yourself in the Word of God to become strong and overcome challenges.
- Understand God's original purpose for humanity to fully grasp the transformative power of the cross.
- Build your life on the complete truth of the gospel, not on fragmented or partial teachings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does David Ravenhill emphasize the cross as the foundation of Christianity?
He believes the cross is the core of the Christian faith and without understanding its true purpose, the church and world remain in spiritual confusion.
What are the three levels of spiritual maturity mentioned in 1 John 2?
They are children (regeneration), young men (maturation), and fathers (consummation or culmination).
How does understanding the beginning help us understand the cross?
Knowing God's original design for man helps us appreciate what the cross restores and the full purpose of Jesus' sacrifice.
What is the significance of the analogy of the two houses built on rock and sand?
It illustrates the importance of building one's life on the full truth of God's Word rather than partial or fragmented truths.
How does the sermon describe the church's current condition?
The church is struggling because it lacks a full understanding of the cross and spiritual maturity, leading to ineffective ministry and incomplete gospel proclamation.