Return to the Cross: Examining Church Practices for Spiritual Purity, Holiness & Integrity: Anchoring Ourselves to the Cross

Placing the cross at the heart of our lives is about recognizing the central role of Jesus. He willingly bore the sins of every person throughout history—those from the past, the present, and even those yet to come. Understanding the depth of what happened during that sacrifice can be challenging for our finite minds.

In the Bible, in Isaiah 53: 3-5 (NIV), it's revealed,

"He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem."

"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted."

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed."

This verse underscores the immense scope of Jesus' sacrifice and its transformative power in bringing peace and healing to our lives. The passage describes an exchange or substitution, where Jesus takes upon himself the negative aspects of humanity (despise, rejection, suffering, pain, punishment) so that humanity can receive positive outcomes (peace, forgiveness, and healing).

It portrays the idea that Jesus bore the burden of our sins and their consequences, offering in return the possibility of peace with God, forgiveness of sins, and spiritual healing for those who believe in him.

By refocusing on the significance of the cross, we align ourselves with the profound impact of Jesus' act. It's a reminder of the boundless love and redemption available to us, inspiring a deeper connection with our faith and a clearer understanding of the grace extended to us through Christ.

The sins we've committed, the wrongs I've done, and the mistakes of every person who has ever lived—Jesus bore them all. This incredible act happened through the eternal spirit. Imagine, Jesus willingly carried the entire weight of humanity's sins, even those of people not yet born.

The Bible in Hebrews 9:14 (NIV) sheds light on this profound truth, stating,

"How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death so that we may serve the living God!"

This verse emphasizes the purity of Jesus' sacrifice and its transformative effect on our lives, cleansing us from the burden of our wrongs. Reflecting on this remarkable truth helps us grasp the immense love and grace extended to us. Jesus, through his selfless act, carried the collective sins of humanity, providing a path to redemption and a renewed connection with the living God.

We as Christians need to restore the rightful place of the cross in our thoughts and beliefs. Within our churches, there's a myriad of distractions like bookstores, jewelry shops, Starbucks, donuts, and small eateries before services.

Some churches go as far as arranging tables, resembling a meal setup, contributing to the loss of the holiness that should saturate our places of worship. Our mindset should be oriented towards pleasing God, not seeking approval from man. If our focus is on aligning with God's desires, His way, it will naturally attract the lost to His Church. 

Genuine motives paired with the right spirit eliminate the need to manipulate individuals into entering the church doors; God's spirit will draw them in. This connection operates on a spirit-to-spirit level.

Recall that God states in Galatians 6:8 (NIV) that what is initiated in the flesh must be sustained by the flesh, and what is initiated in the spirit will be sustained by the spirit. Could this possibly contribute to the decline in faith for some individuals, as the original motives may have been rooted in desires of the eyes, the stomach, or the mind rather than a sincere heart?

 "Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

The Message version of Galatians 6:8 says: "Harvest is about getting what you planted. If you plant in the soil of your corrupt nature, you will harvest destruction. But if you plant in the soil of your spiritual nature, you will harvest everlasting life."

Amid these distractions, we risk diminishing the sacredness that should characterize our churches. It's vital to treat the church as a holy space. 

Can we not dedicate one day of the week, for just 1 to 3 hours, without the need for coffee or a snack?

It's truly a blessing that many churches today provide dedicated spaces for children, sparing us the need for distracting devices during worship. While I acknowledge the intention behind using laptops and iPads to keep children calm, it's important to recognize that for countless generations before us, these devices were not available. This prompts us to reflect on the sanctity of our worship moments in God's house and appreciate the resources we now have to make the experience more accessible for families.

"Children are like sponges, absorbing not just what we tell them, but what they see us do. Our actions are the silent lessons that shape their character."

Hebrews 12:28-29 (NIV) encourages us to approach God's presence with reverence, saying,

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'"

Let's strive to create a sacred atmosphere in our churches, where we can sit, listen, worship, and be fully present, setting an example for our children to embrace the holiness of God's house.

"Children are mirrors reflecting our behaviors. To shape them positively, we must reflect the virtues we wish them to embody."

Even in Christian bookstores, a plethora of books spans topics from enhancing marriages and raising Godly children to understanding personality, managing homes, and serving the Lord. The diversity is vast, yet the true effectiveness of these insights rests on their alignment with the foundational significance of the cross of Christ. It is from the cross that all aspects of our lives should emanate and find their ultimate purpose.

The profound significance of the Cross lies in the complete embodiment of the exchange that Jesus made with humanity. It serves as the epicenter of redemption, where our sins were exchanged for His forgiveness, our brokenness for His healing, and our separation from God for reconciliation. Every subject finds its roots in the symbolism of the cross, and we must return to this foundational mindset.

In 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV), the Bible reminds us,

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God."

This verse underscores the singular importance of the cross as the source of grace and power, making all the other advice and wisdom in those books truly impactful. It's high time for the Church to reassert the centrality of the cross in our lives.

God provided clear instructions to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the promised land.

In Exodus 20:24-25 (NIV), it is stated,

"‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it.'"

The command emphasized the importance of maintaining the altar in its natural state, untouched by human modification.

Even in constructing their altar, God directed the Israelites to avoid adding anything fashioned by human hands, emphasizing the sanctity and purity of the space dedicated to Him. 

This instruction highlighted the significance of preserving the holiness of the altar as a symbol of reverence and devotion to God. The divine guidance given to the Israelites concerning their altar echoes a timeless principle. In Exodus 20:24-25 (NIV), God instructed them to create an altar in its pure, unaltered form, free from any human art or ingenuity. The emphasis was on maintaining the raw and simple nature of the altar, devoid of distractions that could divert attention.

This principle holds even today. Just as the Israelites were instructed not to surround their altar with anything, we are similarly urged not to obscure the cross with human additions. The cross, central to our faith and unique to Christianity, should stand prominently without anything that might distract from its profound significance. This reminder encourages us to preserve the purity and simplicity of the symbol that holds the essence of our Christian faith.

The cross stands unparalleled in Christianity; no other religions or countless cults possess anything remotely resembling it. This unique symbol not only anchors our faith but ties it to a specific incident in human history.

However, in today's services, we find ourselves surrounded by luxuries—musical performances, bands, screens, audio systems, the internet, and various comforts. The question arises: If we were stripped of these modern amenities, could we still worship? Could we still receive the message? 

Maybe the impact and significance of the message would be stronger, more profound, and more sacred. God might see pure hearts driven by love and a genuine desire to seek Him. Perhaps, in response, the Spirit of God would bring greater glory, leading to transformative changes in our lives.

It's time to reevaluate. What if we removed the coffee and donuts? What if we returned to pure hearts, being fully present with God, and open to receiving His message without the distractions of the world?

The church is meant to be set apart, a sacred space. We must resist the temptation to mimic the world and its distractions. Let's break free from imitating the world in our worship. Satan does that; let's not cheaply imitate the world but instead create a space where true worship and connection with God can thrive.

The cross, a profound symbol, encapsulates the transformative truth of Jesus' journey. It begins with the miraculous conception—Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, took on human form. His life unfolded, marked by profound teachings and miracles, demonstrating divine wisdom and power.

As Jesus approached the cross, he bore the weight of our sins, willingly sacrificing himself for humanity. The crucifixion represents the ultimate act of love and redemption. Through his death, Jesus bridged the gap between God and humanity, offering forgiveness and eternal life.

Yet, the cross is not the end. The resurrection embodies unparalleled victory. Jesus triumphantly emerged from the tomb, conquering sin and death. The cross and the empty tomb together declare a powerful truth—the transformative journey of Jesus, from conception to resurrection, brings salvation, grace, and eternal hope to all who believe.

Father God,

Forgive us for allowing the influences of the world to muddy the sanctity of Your house. I commit to worshiping You in any circumstance—under the rain, in a storm, beneath a tree. I acknowledge that my praise can exist in joy and suffering alike. What my soul truly craves is Your presence, not the comfort of a soft chair or a warm coffee.

I long for an increased connection with Your Word and a reduced attachment to worldly distractions. I reject the inclination to bring the comforts of the world into Your sacred space, mirroring the worldly desires evident in other places. My attention is solely on You. I aspire for my children to hold deep respect for You. Together, we aim to revive purity and holiness at the altar.

Help us return to the basics, to the simplicity of Jesus' yoke—easy and light. Guide us to fix our churches, steering them away from the mixture and mud of the world. May people be drawn not by conveniences and luxury but by the strong presence of the living God in our midst, as we set aside our lives for the honor of Your house.

Leviticus 19:2 (NIV):

"Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.'"

Holiness is a state of moral and spiritual purity, often associated with a set-apart or consecrated life devoted to God. It involves striving to reflect divine virtues, seeking righteousness, and maintaining a sanctified character. Holiness is about the internal transformation of character and alignment with God's principles, while a religious spirit may emphasize external rituals and practices without necessarily embodying the deeper spiritual qualities.

God's summons for His people to embody His holiness must not only be preached but also practiced. Turning the church into a spa or salon experience is misguided. Does it align with biblical and spiritual principles? Reflect on whether your actions harmonize with God's word, or if you are bringing the ways of the world into His sanctuary. Consider if you are defiling not only God's house but also your own. Take a fresh perspective on the House of God, your physical home, and your personal temple. The standard set for the Israelites emphasizes the divine expectation for moral and spiritual purity, urging them to reflect the holiness of God.

Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.