On Holy Ground © 1999 by Charles Stanley APRIL 2 Eternal Benefits of the Cross SCRIPTURE READING: Romans 3 KEY VERSE: Romans 5:1 Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The self-substitution of Christ for man’s sin is the heart of the Cross. Because of His death at Calvary, Christ allows believers to enjoy the eternal benefits of these central truths: Propitiation. The wrath of God against sin was fully vented on His own Son at the cross. Christians never need to fear angering God. Our sin is forgiven, and even God’s chastisement for sinful behavior is motivated by compassion. Redemption. Christ’s death purchased us out of the slavery of sin. His shed blood paid the penalty of death and ransomed us from sin and evil. We have been delivered from the kingdom of Satan and placed into the kingdom of God’s Son. Justification. By God’s grace we no longer are guilty before God. Christ’s death secured our verdict, releasing us from the sentence of death. He declares us righteous and credits His righteousness to our account. Reconciliation. Once enemies, God and man are now friends. The Cross made a permanent change possible between formerly alienated man and God. The right Man is now on our side, and we are on His. Dear Lord, thank You for the eternal benefits of the Cross—that my sin is forgiven, I am redeemed from the slavery and penalty of sin, justified and reconciled with You.