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.

June 18th. Day 18 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 1.

About this first part of this reason to rehearse the gospel daily Vincent says this...

“It was while rehearsing gospel truths in Romans 5-8 that the Apostle Paul was moved to speak of his struggle with sin and exclaim, ‘O wretched man that I am!’ {Romans 7:19-24} While reviewing God’s abundant saving grace on another occasion, Paul was prompted to confessed that he was ‘the foremost’ sinner of all.” {1 Timothy 1:15}

Vincent goes on to say...

“Likewise, the deeper I go into the gospel, the more I comprehend and confess aloud the depth of my sinfulness. A gruesome death like the one that Christ endured for me would only be required for one who is exceedingly sinful and unable to appease a holy God. Consequently, whenever I consider the necessity and manner of His death, along with the love and selflessness behind it, I am laid bare and utterly exposed {Hebrews 4:13} for the sinner I am.”

Vincent concludes with this...

“Such an awareness of my sinfulness does not drag me down, but actually serves to lift me up by magnifying my appreciation of God’s forgiving grace in my life. And the more I appreciate the magnitude of God’s forgiveness of my sins, the more I love Him and delight to show Him love through heartfelt expressions of worship.” {Luke 7:37-47}

For a true believer, there is no way around the work of the cross to expose my sin. If I am to accept the result of that work (my salvation) I must also reject that any other work (of my own or some other “way” or religion) is capable of exposing my sin. I must also believe and receive the work of the cross as the only way worthy enough and powerful enough to save me from my sin, cleanse me from within, and reconcile me back to Him.

The cross exposes me. Jesus’ blood covers me. It is the only way to truly be set free.