This Side of the Cross

     I have heard that phrase from time to time in my life, "this side of the cross", however I never really took time to think about what it meant.  Recently, I participated in a Bible study where the author challenged me to think about what would it have been like to live before Christ died on the cross.  How would I feel knowing that the sacrifices made were not quite enough and God's presence was reserved for the men who were part of the priesthood and even that access was limited.  I know for me, it would only lend for me to live quite helplessly under a cloud of condemnation.  Because I have a propensity to negativity and bitterness, would those two things have taken root and snuffed any hope for joy out of my life, the cold hard truth is, probably yes.  

     As I celebrated Easter this year I was renewed with a sense of sheer and utter gratitude for ALL the things Christ accomplished by dying on the cross, not just my forgiveness.  Hebrews 10:10 says, "we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."  Once for all.

Before the cross the law foreshadowed what was to come, it was not a reality. (Hebrews 10:1)    As well, the shedding of the blood foreshadowed what was needed for forgiveness.  (Hebrews 9:7-10)  The old covenant practices were external.

After the cross, as believers we enjoy the benefits of the new covenant, where now God's law is written on each individual believer's mind and heart.  (Hebrews 8:8-12)  Under the new covenant God's work is internal.

  Finally, I was challenged by Hebrews 10:22-25 where it lists five things:

Let us draw near to God.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Let us not give up meeting together.

Let us encourage one another.