The Depths of the Cross
E.A. Johnston passionately explains that the cross reveals both God's justice and love, calling sinners to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation.
In 'The Depths of the Cross,' E.A. Johnston delivers a powerful evangelistic message revealing how the cross embodies both God's justice and love. He calls listeners to recognize their sinfulness, understand the necessity of Christ's sacrifice, and respond with repentance and faith. This sermon challenges all to consider their standing before God and the hope found only in Jesus.
Full Transcript
When I sin, I break the heart of God. When I sin, I transgress His holy law. When I sin, I deserve punishment for sin.
For God is a God who must punish sin because God is a God of justice and the sentencing of the law must be carried out upon all guilty sinners. Judgment carried out is a sinner cast into hell for punishment for sin. Between hell and heaven stands a bloody cross on which the Savior died and my sins nailed unto that tree.
He died for me so I could live, live with Him for all eternity. The love of Christ toward sinners is seen in the depths of the cross, that bloody cross on which my Savior died. I know I am a sinner and I need a substitute for sin in the person of Jesus Christ.
And so do you, friend, so do you. To be saved, one must exercise repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Friend, are you washed in the blood? Have you been born from above? Have you ever taken your place at the foot of the cross as a lost and guilty sinner who deserves hell but who seeks mercy? Christ is salvation.
Have you found Christ? Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me. Repent and believe before it's too late.
The depths of the cross displays the love of God and the justice of God. For my Bible declares, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. And he that believeth not the Son shall not see life.
But the wrath of God abideth on him. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Sin and God's Justice
- Sin breaks God's heart and violates His holy law
- God must punish sin because He is just
- The consequence of sin is eternal punishment in hell
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II. The Cross as the Bridge Between Hell and Heaven
- Jesus bore our sins on the cross
- The cross reveals God's love and justice
- Christ's death provides a substitute for sinners
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III. The Call to Repentance and Faith
- Salvation requires repentance toward God
- Faith in Jesus Christ is essential
- Believers receive eternal life, unbelievers face God's wrath
Key Quotes
“Between hell and heaven stands a bloody cross on which the Savior died and my sins nailed unto that tree.” — E.A. Johnston
“The depths of the cross displays the love of God and the justice of God.” — E.A. Johnston
“Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Recognize personal sinfulness and the need for a Savior.
- Respond to God's call by repenting and placing faith in Jesus Christ.
- Understand the significance of the cross as the foundation of salvation.