A white paper by Senior Pastor Denis Beausejour

The Cross of Jesus stands at the intersection of eternity and world history. It is the most important event in humanity, as measured by the ubiquity of Bibles, churches, Christian art, literature and changed lives. Yet it is also the supreme problem in higher criticism, philosophy, and the most misunderstood event in human history. As Paul wrote: “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” (1 Cor. 1:18).

This essay (part of my seminary work in 2001) seeks to understand more about the purpose and design behind the Cross of Christ. The thesis of the paper is that the Cross of Jesus Christ represents an unmerited, perfect, timeless, and completely unique solution to the problem of how a loving Father in heaven would bring His rebellious creatures back into fellowship with Himself, consistent with His loving, righteous character.

We will look at man’s depravity (easily seen in times when our restraints are stripped away, like the opportunistic acts of violence in New Orleans), and the resultant pervasive sin that has the world trapped. We will then consider the plan God has to correct the situation. We will investigate the solution He gives us, and show how it is a perfect design, completely unique, and timeless in nature. We will then review how the application of this truth is central to living right now, and how it will apply in heaven to allow us to live sinless lives in submission to God, which we were incapable of in Eden.