Evangelism: The Purpose of the Cross

What do you think that ninety-five percent of all Christians, if not more, misunderstand? One answer would be “what the purpose of the cross is.” This comes as a surprise to many, I’m sure, but it’s still true. The purpose of the cross is not forgiveness. It is not justification. It is not the assurance of salvation. All of these things are “a” purpose, but the cross has higher purposes than these. All things ultimately are done for the glory of God, and yet that is not what I am looking at. The purpose of the cross is to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18). It is to reconcile man to God. It is to give us a relationship with God. Forgiveness is wonderful and important, but forgiveness only makes it possible for reconciliation. When we understand this truth, it will save us from one hundred errors. It will help us understand what evangelism is. Evangelism is not leading someone to come to God for forgiveness so they can then go and live anyway they want knowing that they have a home in heaven. No, evangelism is leading someone back to God. Until a person comes back to God, that person has not become a Christian. When a person comes back to God, that person has a desire to follow the Lord and live for Him.