The meaning of the cross symbol in the language of the ancient world meant settlement of debt or taxes and sacrificial offerings required as settlement with God for wrongs done. The cross of the crucifixion of the Son of Man made settlement in three ways.
1. We need to repent to be absolved of sinful status by God but even with repentance there is a debt to pay by blood sacrifice for forgiveness from God to be complete and the repented sins to be considered settled. The cross is the symbol from God that His Son’s death actually is that settlement blood sacrifice. This is our settlement with God.
2. However, the repentance is not a guarantee of ceasing from sin - for a real prospect of major sin ceasing in this life it takes the ongoing work of the living Jesus and ongoing faith that He ever lives by God’s power - then holding to His teachings as a true disciple so He continues to set free from sins. Part of this holding to His teachings is the matter of forgiving others so that God can forgive us. This involves settlement between each other.
3. Especially life-giving faith is the belief that Jesus has flesh and has been just as human as us and died in that weak state - belief that the only life He now has is by resurrection given Him by God the Father (John 6:57). This is God settling things with us by making us righteous and giving us life through this belief in the reality of what Jesus is and was and will be forever.
CHRIST DIED FOR YOU
CHRIST DIED FOR YOU
