John PIper explains how Jesus' suffering for 3 hours can pay an eternal debt

this sunday we gaze upon Jesus, and Him crucified

God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Jesus

our

Wisdom,

Righteousness,

Sanctification,

Redemption!

Stand Still

“Let us stand still, and admire and wonder at the love of Jesus Christ to poor sinners; that Christ should rather die for us, than for the angels. They were creatures of a more noble extract, and in all probability might have brought greater revenues of glory to God: yet that Christ should pass by those golden vessels, and make us vessels of glory, Oh, what amazing and astonishing love is this! This is the envy of devils, and the admiration of angels and saints.”

- Thomas Brooks, Christ’s Love for us

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)

It is Christ

It is not thy hold on Christ that saves thee; it is Christ.
It is not thy joy in Christ that saves thee; it is Christ.
It is not even thy faith in Christ, though that be the instrument;
it is Christ's blood and merit. --Charles Haddon Spurgeon