Comments on: What does taking up your cross daily mean?

By: Sterling

Sterling — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 03:04:24 +0000

P.S. I noticed up there that I had said that the law was the sacrificing of bulls and goats. Some people make a distinction between “the law” (Rom. 2:14) and “the Jewish law” (Heb. 7:5). Well the purpose of both is to damn the sinners, both Jew and Gentile (Rom. 3:9, 19). Interesting how the law is still alive. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth (Rom. 10:4).”

By: Sterling

Sterling — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 02:09:12 +0000

In Phil. 3:9 it says “…not having mine own righteousness, which is by the LAW”

Then if you’ll look at Heb. 9:13-17, you’ll see that the second testament wasn’t in force till the death of the testator. Until Jesus died on the cross all were under the first testament. The first testament was the law (blood of bulls and goats etc. Funny Matt. 5:23 talks about bringing gifts to the alter, Lk. 23:56 Jesus’ friends rested on the sabbath after he had died.)

Now if we look at Gal. 3:12, 14 we will see that the law and the Spirit are at polar opposites. The Spirit was given to Jesus without measure (Jn. 3:34), but had not yet been dispensed unto the likes of mankind (Jn. 7:39). The disciples would receive it a tad bit later AFTER Jesus rose again (Jn. 20:22).

So that is why Jesus told them to take up the cross. They were still under the law and had to trust in their own righteousness. When Jesus died however, he traded his righteousness for our sins in 2 Cor. 5:21- justification. But Paul also says in Gal. 6:14 “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (not his own cross), by whom the world is CRUCIFIED UNTO ME, and I UNTO THE WORLD.”

By: jeremy

jeremy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:04:11 +0000

What would have happend if all the disciples had followed Jesus to the cross?
My assumption is that your assumption is correct, they would have gone to be with God. My guess is they would have first descended to Abraham’s Bosom where they would have been ministered to by Jesus, and then they would have been set free to heaven at his resurrection.

Who would have spread the gospel?
Jesus had many disciples, not just the twelve. If you recall, the spreading of the gospel did not really begin until after the resurrection and pentecost. The disciples were all in hiding, in fear of being killed. After Jesus returned, they were set free of their fear, assured of their eternal gifts, and then given boldness to share the message through the Holy Spirit. Even if the twelve had gone to the cross that day, there were still many that followed Jesus to whom he would have appeared and then sent out. Stephen was not even one of the twelve, and he is the first recorded to have been killed for the spreading of the gospel.

Why didn’t they lose their lives if they saved their lives by not going to the cross with Jesus?
God had further purpose for them on earth. He knew what they would choose. He knew Peter would deny. One fled naked through the woods. He also knew that upon the return of Jesus their understanding would come to fruition, their spirits would be renewed, and there was no way any of them would waiver in their faith and determination to complete the task that was to be set upon them. A careful examination of scripture, church history and traditions shows that they all picked up their cross at the time God had chosen for them. All but John were killed for their beliefs. John, however, was boiled in oil but miraculously survived.

By: Matthew

Matthew — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:03:19 +0000

What would have happend if all the disciples had followed Jesus to the cross? I assume that they would have gone to be with God when they died (on the cross). Who would have spread the gospel? Why didn’t they lose their lives if they saved their lives by not going to the cross with Jesus?

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:34:49 +0000

Excellent response, Mr. Pearl. I appreciate how you put verses back into their proper context to allow the actual meaning to become clear. I am finding I have to readjust my thinking on certain familiar passages when studying the Bible now. My whole family appreciates your excellent teaching and ministry.

By: darlene

darlene — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:43:25 +0000

I love this. Mr. Pearl, once again nailed the question! I have struggled with this passage for years, many Pastors where I live teach that one must die to themselves daily, so my walk has been this needing to put to death my sinful passions and desires daily, or perhaps my selfishness. It was “I gotta deny myself mentaility”. It really STUNK! I am so thankful you clarified what this passage was saying. I have listened to your sin no more as well, and sinful nature and there has been so much fruit in my life since. I am so thankful. I also read holy sex and created to be a help meet, I wish I would have read it all before I was married. However, I am glad I was able to read them now and reap the fruit.