Why the cross is crucial in Worship
I touched a bit on this on Sunday morning and the post but here is a little more detail.
The cross gives access.
The cross stands for all that was accomplished through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It focuses on the substitutionary death at Calvary but includes everything that gave that act meaning. His preexistent state of glory. His incarnation. His sinless life of obedience. His suffering, His resurrection. His ascension. His intercession on our behalf and His triumphant return.
Without the cross, access to God would be limited to the High Priest and only in the holy of holies. Because of the cross Jesus became our great High Priest and gives us access to the Father. Only through His blood are we made perfect in God’s sight. Many worship leaders feel the pressure of leading people into the presence of God. If you are a worship leader who feels this way, STOP IT! If you are a pastor who feels this way about your worship leader, STOP IT! Jesus is the only one who can lead us to God.
I’ll put it this way. Sometimes as worship leaders we think or feel that just the right songs, arrangements, lights, or scripture reading will usher in “great worship.” It doesn’t. What does is hearts that are surrendered to God. Sometimes the elements I mentioned above help and can play a role but by no means is it a primary function of worship. Our hearts and God are the two key pieces to worship and without the cross we would be consumed by his glory. Thank you Jesus for the cross.
Never lose focus of the cross in your worship services.
Also, feel free to comment on any areas you might disagree with my theology. I love a good discussion.