Forgiven at the Cross

The foundation of the simplicity in Christ.

In our introduction, we saw that simplicity in Christ means resting in what Jesus already accomplished — not striving to earn what God has freely given. This page continues that truth by showing what God actually did at the Cross to make such simplicity possible.

The message of grace begins at the Cross. There, God settled the sin question once for all — not by asking for our works or repentance, but by putting away sin through the sacrifice of Christ.

Religion says we must ask for forgiveness over and over, but Scripture says that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. The world’s sins were forgiven at Calvary — long before we were even born.

That forgiveness is not automatically salvation. It means the barrier of sin is gone.
Now God can freely offer eternal life as a gift to all who simply believe the gospel.

What happened at the Cross?

- Every sin was judged in Christ. - God’s justice was fully satisfied. - Forgiveness became the world’s new standing before God.

Because the Cross removed sin as the issue, the only issue left is belief. Paul calls this the ministry of reconciliation — proclaiming to the world, “Be ye reconciled to God.”

So what must I do?

Believe the record that God gave of His Son. Trust that Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again.
You were already forgiven, but the moment you believe — you are, also, made righteous and reconciled to God forever.

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” — Ephesians 1:7

Next: Righteous and Justified

"...but now once ... hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."
"...God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures"
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast."

* All Scripture quotations are from the King James Bible. For related studies, see 2 Corinthians 5:14-21, Romans 3:21-26, and Colossians 2:13-14.