Back to the Cross
The Church must return to the cross to find cleansing, self-deliverance, and the power of resurrection in order to resist the Enemy and proclaim the victory of Christ.
Watchman Nee emphasizes the urgency for the Church to return to the cross of Christ as the only source of light in the current darkness of apostasy and spiritual decline. He warns that the power of darkness is intensifying, leading to deception and oppression among God's children. Nee calls for believers to stand firm in the victory of Calvary, reminding them that the resurrection power is available to overcome the enemy. He urges the Church to rededicate itself to its calling as a witness of Christ and to prepare for the imminent return of the King. The message serves as a timeless reminder of the need for spiritual awakening and commitment to the foundational truths of the Gospel.
Text
We today are at the terminal period of the dispensation of grace. The hand of the clock is pointing at the midnight hour. Now is the darkest of the night. Soon, following the gloomiest hour, the day shall dawn. Meanwhile, the Church rushes swiftly toward apostasy, moving farther away from God: the power of darkness is unleashed; its evil influence is as damaging in the Church as in the world. The cross of Christ is the sole light that enlightens the current darkness. It is therefore time for the Church to go back to the cross, to the firm foundation of God. There, sins are cleansed and self is delivered. There, the redemptive facts of God are revealed for us to believe and enter in. There, the power of resurrection is experientially known so that the Church may once again be the true witness of Christ on earth. It is time for God's children to seek for high life and service, time to review the past and rededicate themselves for the days ahead.
At the closing of this age, the activities of Satan are intensified. How greatly are the children of God being attacked, oppressed and especially deceived. Now is the time for the saints to rise up and exercise the victory of the cross to resist and counterattack the Enemy. How fierce is the battle. Can the saints overcome without being fully armed? Saints of God, arise, stand on the victory of Calvary, and proclaim the victory of Christ. Your King is coming, and the days of the Enemy are numbered.
This present volume is a compilation of various writings and addresses given by Watchman Nee in the early days of his ministry. The passage of time, however, only increases the urgency of these messages which are as relevant today, perhaps even more so, than at the time of their first delivery. Would that God's children might return to the cross and be true followers of Christ crucified. May the Church of God be re-awakened to her calling as the light in the world, holding forth the word of life. May she stand in the victory of Christ and bring back the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Sermon Outline
- The Current State of the Church
- The Need for the Church to Return to the Cross
- The Importance of Standing on the Victory of Calvary
- The Urgency of the Church's Return to the Cross
- For the sake of the saints
- For the sake of the world
- For experiential knowledge of the power of resurrection
Key Quotes
“The cross of Christ is the sole light that enlightens the current darkness.” — Watchman Nee
“It is time for God's children to seek for high life and service, time to review the past and rededicate themselves for the days ahead.” — Watchman Nee
“Your King is coming, and the days of the Enemy are numbered.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- The Church must return to the cross to find true life and service.
- Individuals must review their past and rededicate themselves to following Christ.
- The Church must stand on the victory of Calvary to resist the Enemy and proclaim the victory of Christ.