February 7th - Enemies and Friends of the Cross

"For many are walking, of whom I often told you, yet now am lamenting also as I tell it, who are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose consummation is destruction, whose god is their bowels, and whose glory is in their shame, who to the terrestrial are disposed." (Philippians 3:18-19)

So who are “enemies of the cross”?

The “enemies of the cross” are those who insist it takes the cross of Jesus PLUS something else to be saved. To me, it is this doctrine of limited salvation that will meet its "destruction" when the cross is shown to have “accomplished” the salvation of all humans.

"...for we ourselves have heard Him, and we are aware that this truly is the Savior of the world." (John 4:42)

"And I, if I should be lifted out of the earth, shall be drawing all to Myself." (John 12:32)

"Jesus is saying to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one is coming to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

"Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they nailed Him to the cross...After this, Jesus, being aware that all is accomplished, that the scripture may be perfected, is saying...It is accomplished. And reclining His head, He gives up the spirit." (John 19:16-18, 28-30)

Humanity was saved by our Savior on that cross, that was the will of His Father, and all are destined to become friends of the cross when God's plan is consummated.

"For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Savior also, the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who will transfigure the body of our humiliation, to conform it to the body of His glory, in accord with the operation which enables Him even to subject all to Himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21)

Friends of the cross believe in the salvation of all.