Does the cross of Christ change life? If so, how, since the world is still full of trouble?

The cross indeed changes life, and in three distinct ways—

The cross changes life by addressing human problem number one—sin, that is, the spiritual brokenness and alienation from God afflicting every human being. We need to be put right with God before anything else can be put right!
The cross changes life by changing us—the cross restores us into fellowship with God, enabling us to live anew in God’s grace
The cross changes life by inspiring us to change the world—the wondrous love of God that we experience through the cross moves us to be instruments of God’s grace in the world at large!

Of course, the world as a whole still labors under the burden of sin, so troubles abound. But as we open ourselves to the power of the cross, we can be a part of the great change for good that is brought about through Jesus Christ!

We can be a part of the great change for good... Share on X

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
Matthew 13:33
John 1:10–14
Ezekiel 36:26–27
I John 4:7–11
II Corinthians 5:17–21

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.