10.Righteousness And Peace Meet At The Cross - Zac Poonen
Kakinada Meetings - 2014
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that righteousness and peace only meet at the cross, referencing Isaiah 55:6 and Romans 3:21-22. The speaker uses the analogy of a judge who, despite his love for his son, must uphold justice by demanding payment for a crime. True reconciliation, where justice and love meet, is only possible through Jesus Christ, who took the punishment for sin on the cross.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Thinking about righteousness and peace from Isaiah 48:18The speaker introduces the theme of righteousness and peace, noting how the Lord's table continually reminds believers of Christ's death on the cross.
Righteousness and peace kissed each other at the crossReading from Psalm 85, the speaker explains that God's salvation, mercy, and truth met together at the cross where Jesus paid the penalty for human sin.
The judge analogy of justice and loveThe speaker uses an analogy of a judge whose son commits a crime to show that righteousness demands punishment, yet God provided His own life savings through Jesus to satisfy justice and extend peace.
Jesus bore the full punishment for our sinsThe punishment for sin is spiritual death and separation from God, so Jesus shed His blood completely on the cross, leaving only flesh and bone before rising again.
Walking in the way of righteousness and peaceTrue discipleship means walking in both righteousness and peace with fellow believers, as explained in Ephesians where Christ broke down dividing walls of hostility.
Examining ourselves before taking the bread and cupBelievers must not take communion while harboring unrepentant sin or refusing to forgive others, because doing so makes them guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.
Being at peace with all people as far as it depends on youWhile we cannot have fellowship with everyone, we must love everyone and seek to live at peace with all people as much as it depends on us.
Taking communion worthily with a heart for righteousness and peaceUnworthy participation in communion brings judgment, sickness, or spiritual weakness, so believers should honestly examine themselves, reject sin, and partake in humility.
