Written by Sean C. Harrison (c) 2019

Through the years the doctrine of the cross has enjoyed mixed views and reactions. To some it is the savor of life unto life and to others it represents an anathema and a fantastic fabrication. But the truth is, the power of the doctrine of Calvary has served as an inspiration to millions and this is what we will focus on here.

When Christ faced the cross, the journey seemed endless and when we saw what He had to face, for those who do believe, each time you read it deepens or should, our appreciation of His wondrous sacrifice. Easter is a time when we see in sharper relief what exactly was procured for us on that journey. To commemorate the sacrifice, some take special diets, some deprive themselves of regular pleasures, some even may re-enact the awesome scenes of Golgotha and Gethsemane with self-flagellation.

The question however is, is the doctrine of Calvary supposed to be a seasonal focus? Should we reserve our attentions for this time only? The truth is, for the doctrine of the cross to continue to bear relevance, we have to see it as much more than a focus of Easter. It has to pervade every aspect of our living and being. It is what was done at the cross that should transform every area of the Christian’s life- his relationhips, his outlook, his abilities in terms of how they are used, his possessions and how they are apportioned among other things. The whole message of the life and ministry of Christ leading up to His death should bear such a weight that we become willing subjects of His. The Gospel’s transforming power reaches to even the most insignificant.

And for the youth who oftentimes are lost as to how important their lives are in God’s grand scheme of things, when the apostle John wrote and said, “young man I write unto you because you are strong”, he makes the Gospel even more inclusive. So much so, that you as youth will see how important your contribution to The Kingdom is. The

doctrine of Calvary is also for you. The Bible says- “remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth…” Even while that young man was able to contribute greatly to Christ’s ministry by giving his loaves and fishes, we learn a great lesson that the Gospel is just as much for you the youth.

So, as you come into another celebration of the death of Christ, may it come in all its power to your spirits to let you know the call is for you as well. Calvary was, still is and will ever be the refuge for every believing soul: rich or poor, old or young. The call to you today is to make the sacrifice of Calvary count for yourself everyday of your life, young person. Start thanking God as much as you can for the sacrifice of His son. Tell others about what that did and does for you and it will deepen in significance to you.

Let Easter be His time, His focus. But let the rest of your lives become your celebration of just what that did for you. Your personal testimony holds more power than you could ever imagine and the most important, if not one of the most important doctrines of the ages should be your chief testimony. Hold it dear to your heart and show the world why the most important thing was for Jesus Christ to die.