Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily — Reason 19: Exposed by the Cross (Part 2)

June 19th. Day 19 of walking through “Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily” — Part 1 of “A Gospel Primer for Christians” by Milton Vincent.

Today’s reason — Exposed by the Cross, Part 2.

Vincent continues this reason by saying...

“The cross also exposes me before the eyes of other people, informing them of the depth of my depravity. If I wanted others to think highly of me, I would conceal the fact that a shameful slaughter of the perfect son of God was required that I might be saved. But when I stand at the foot of the cross and I am seen by others under the light of that cross, I am left uncomfortably exposed before their eyes. Indeed, the most humiliating gossip that could ever be whispered about me is blared from Golgotha’s hill; {John 19:17-18} and my self-righteous reputation is left in ruins in the wake of it revelations. With the worst facts about me thus exposed to the view of others, I find myself feeling that I truly have nothing left to hide.”

Vincent concludes by saying...

“Thankfully, the more exposed I see that I am by the Cross, the more I find myself opening up to others about ongoing issues of sin in my life. (Why would anyone be shocked to hear of my struggles with past and present sin when the Cross already told them I am a desperately sinful person?) And more open I am in confessing my sins to fellow-Christians, the more I enjoy the healing of the Lord in response to their grace-filled counsel and prayers. {James 5:16} Experiencing richer levels of Christ’s love in companionship with such saints, {Ephesians 3:14-19} I give thanks for the gospel’s role in forcing my hand towards self-disclosure and the freedom that follows.” {Ecclesiastes 4:9-12}

Once exposed, always exposed. Our sin condition, the separation is causes, and our need for a Savior can never be concealed, and once it has been revealed personally to us, the only right response is surrender to the Cross of Christ to make it right. His righteousness for our filthy rags.

The cross exposes us. Jesus’ blood covers us. The exposure does not leave me shameful, but rather grateful for the covering in Christ we receive when we believe.