In his Heidelberg Disputation of 1518, Dr. Luther wrote in thesis 21:A theology of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theology of the cross calls the thing what it actually is.
Today is a day that only a theologian of the cross will call good.
The theologian of glory will look at his Lord nailed naked, beaten, dripping blood and say that what they see is a very bad thing, an evil thing. The theologian of glory will want to skip ahead two days to avoid the ugliness and scandal of the cross.
The theologian of the cross however, looks at the cross and immediately recognizes that it is he that deserves to be on the cross. He understands that all he does falls short of God’s perfect law and that it is he that justly deserves God’s wrath for every transgression committed. The theologian of the cross looks at the cross and at Christ and sees God’s perfect love given as an atoning sacrifice. The theologian of the cross looks at his Lord, acting as high priest and offering himself as the sacrifice for the entire world. The perfect Lamb is slain for those who are fallen and sinful.
A theologian of the cross calls Good Friday good. Thanks be to God for Good Friday!
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