“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The cross represents a sacred covenant that transforms our lives through faith in Christ’s sacrifice, calling us to active participation in His redemptive mission. This covenant demands a renewed mind, self-denial, and an unwavering commitment to glorify God and save souls, as exemplified by Christ’s love and sacrifice.

TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF THE CROSS

When we accept Christ and come to the cross, we enter a solemn covenant that transforms our lives. This transformation begins with the renewal of our minds, as the Apostle Paul urges in Romans 12:2, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind; that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” The cross is not merely a symbol of salvation; it is the cornerstone of a life committed to Christ. Sr. White emphasizes that this commitment involves a deep sense of responsibility: “Christ died on the cross to save the world from perishing in sin. He asks your cooperation in this work. You are to be His helping hand” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 9, 1902). Scripture affirms this calling in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (KJV), and in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (KJV). Sr. White further states, “The work of God in the earth is to be carried forward by those who are connected with the Redeemer” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 148, 1905), and “Through the grace of Christ we are to be transformed into His image” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 67, 1900). The cross establishes a covenant that reshapes our purpose, aligning our lives with God’s redemptive plan. How does this transformation manifest in a life of self-denial and sacrifice?

LIFE OF SELF-DENIAL AND SACRIFICE

The cross compels us to a life of self-denial and sacrifice. Sr. White asserts that the “transforming power of Christ’s grace molds the one who gives himself to God’s service” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, pp. 9-10, 1902). This transformation is evident in the readiness to deny self and to make any sacrifice for the Master. Once imbued with the Spirit of Christ, we can no longer be indifferent to the suffering souls around us. The cross ignites an intense desire to save others, reflecting the same fervor that marked Jesus’ life. Sr. White challenges us with a probing question: “Have you so deep an appreciation of the sacrifice made on Calvary that you are willing to make every other interest subordinate to the work of saving souls?” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 10, 1902). Scripture supports this in Matthew 16:24, “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (KJV), and in Luke 9:23, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (KJV). Sr. White adds, “The true follower of Christ will not be content with a mere profession of faith” (The Desire of Ages, p. 315, 1898), and “Those who have a true appreciation of the sacrifice of Christ will reveal it in their daily life” (Steps to Christ, p. 45, 1892). This sacrificial life reflects Christ’s love and advances His mission. What does it mean to measure our commitment through sacrifice?

MEASURING COMMITMENT THROUGH SACRIFICE

The degree to which we are willing to sacrifice for Christ measures our commitment to the covenant made at the cross. Sr. White poignantly asks, “How can I best glorify Him whose I am by creation and by redemption?” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 10, 1902). This question underscores our responsibility to live a life that honors Christ. The truly converted individual is characterized by a deep concern for those still ensnared by Satan. This concern begins at home, where we strive to ensure our children are aligned with the Lord’s side. Sr. White explains that such a person “puts forth patient, untiring effort so to train his children that they will never be hostile to the Saviour” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 10, 1902). Scripture reinforces this in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (KJV), and in Deuteronomy 6:7, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (KJV). Sr. White further notes, “The work of saving souls begins in the home” (The Adventist Home, p. 318, 1952), and “Every act of life is to be a means of glorifying God” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 360, 1900). This total surrender shapes every aspect of our lives for God’s glory. How does this covenant guide our daily decisions and actions?

LIVING THE COVENANT DAILY

The covenant we enter at the cross is a profound and life-altering commitment that demands our entire being. It is not merely about accepting salvation but about actively participating in the work of redemption. This covenant requires a transformation of mind and heart, leading to a life of self-denial, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the mission of Christ. Sr. White’s writings remind us that this commitment is serious and involves a daily decision to live for Christ and others. The cross is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling us to embody the love and sacrifice of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. It is essential to understand that this responsibility is not a burden but a natural outgrowth of our covenant with Christ. Scripture affirms this in Philippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (KJV), and in Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (KJV). Sr. White states, “The life of the true Christian is a life of constant prayer and consecration” (Steps to Christ, p. 70, 1892), and “The cross of Calvary is to be lifted up before the people” (The Desire of Ages, p. 341, 1898). This covenant shapes our actions and decisions, guiding us to glorify God and save souls. How can we live out this covenant in practical ways?

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of the covenant at the cross in my daily devotions, allowing it to transform my character and priorities?

How can we present the transformative power of the cross to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and relevance without compromising its theological depth?

What common misunderstandings about the cross and its covenant exist in my community, and how can I address them with Scripture and Sr. White’s writings?

In what practical ways can we, as a community, embody the love and sacrifice of the cross, becoming vibrant witnesses of Christ’s redemptive mission?