The Rod and the Cross
The cross and the rod are distinct concepts in Christianity, with the cross being a voluntary act borne by choice, while the rod is imposed without consent.
The preacher delves into the concept of 'Footstool' as mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing God's authority and power over all things. The footstool represents a place of worship and reverence, emphasizing God's holiness and sovereignty over heaven and earth. Through various verses in the Old and New Testaments, the footstool is associated with the exaltation of the Lord, the defeat of enemies, and the eternal reign of Christ. The sermon highlights the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, emphasizing its eternal significance and the victory over sin and death, leading believers to a life of unbroken fellowship and victory.
Text
For the Christian cross carrying and chastisement are alike but not identical. They differ in a number of important ways. The two ideas are usually considered to be the same and the words embodying the ideas are used interchangeably. There is, however, a sharp distinction between them. When we confuse them we are not thinking accurately; and when we do not think accurately about truth we lose some benefit that we might otherwise enjoy. The cross and the rod occur close together in the Holy Scriptures, but they are not the same thing. The rod is imposed without the consent of the one who suffers it. The cross cannot be imposed by another.
Even Christ bore the cross by His own free choice.
He said of the life He poured out on the cross, ?No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself? (John 10:18). He had every opportunity to escape the cross but He set His face like a flint to go to Jerusalem to die. The only compulsion He knew was the compulsion of love.
Sermon Outline
- The Distinction Between the Rod and the Cross
- The Cross is a Voluntary Act
- The Importance of Accurate Thinking
- Consequences of Confusion
- Benefits of Accurate Understanding
Key Quotes
“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself (John 10:18)” — A.W. Tozer
“He had every opportunity to escape the cross but He set His face like a flint to go to Jerusalem to die.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must understand the distinction between the rod and the cross to accurately apply biblical truth to our lives.
- Our relationship with God is affected by our understanding of the cross and the rod.
- The cross is a powerful example of the compulsion of love, motivating us to make sacrifices for others.