The Focus & The Fuel of Worship

The Cross of the Jesus Christ

A. The cross is our means of access. We could not draw near to God apart from the atoning sacrifice of Christ.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)

B. The cross is our means of acceptance. We are completely forgiven because of the cross.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight. Ephes. 1:7-8 (ESV)

C. Our Savior’s work on the cross is the object of our adoration.
“In Christ we behold the wisdom, goodness, love, grace, mercy and power of God all working together for the great work of our redemption and salvation. The wisdom and love of God are in themselves infinitely glorious. But we cannot see how glorious they are except in the redemption and salvation of the church which is achieved only in and by Christ.” (John Owen, The Glory of Christ, p25)

4. A knowledge of the effects of the Gospel produces a humble, grateful, and secure people.

(adapted from Bob Kauflin's great little PDF Why the Cross is Crucial in Corporate Worship, get it HERE)