Intro: Mathematics is a science that has four fundamental operations, namely: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. In our passage, the cross is a reference NOT to the two pieces of wood that were used as instruments of death in Roman times but rather to the suffering, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus according to the scriptures. Now if we meditate on the cross of Christ, we will see how God works through it using the four operations of mathematics. In this Bible study let us notice – The Mathematics of the Cross.
1. THE CROSS SUBTRACTS A SOUL FROM HELL
Every one of us was on his way to hell. We were by nature the children of pride and disobedience. God’s wrath and judgment was on us all. Praise God, when we believed the cross of Christ’s – i.e., His death, burial and resurrection, we were instantly subtracted from hellfire (John 5:24).
No works, religious ceremonies or rituals were involved in it but only pure faith in the perfect, once for all, and finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross (Rom. 3:24). Thus, we were subtracted eternally from Hell’s casualties (Rom. 8:1). Truly, it is only through God’s power – the preaching of the cross can mankind be able to flee the wrath of God and the punishment of hell. Thanks be to God for this subtraction!
2. THE CROSS ADDS A SOUL INTO HEAVEN
Once a sinner fully trusts in Jesus and His finished work at Calvary, he is added to the family of God (Gal. 3:26) and he knows it (Rom. 8:16). A sinner that is saved by the grace of God is also added to the protection of heaven in view of the devil and those who serve him (Psa. 34:7). So a believer is added to the heavenly dwellings promised by Jesus (John 14:2-3). Praise God for this blessed addition!
3. THE CROSS DIVIDES A SOUL FROM THE WORLD
When a person gets converted to Christ, he is divided or separated from the world because he is now a new creature before God (II Cor. 5:17). A saved man is not just reformed or improved for that is not enough in the sight of God. He must be truly transformed and reborn spiritually!
The Bible teaches that a born-again man is dead to the world but alive in God (Rom. 6:1-2, 6; Col. 3:3; Gal. 2:20). As far as God is concerned, the sinful body of flesh of the Christian has already been crucified and dead but is resurrected to live in Christ, like Christ, with Christ and for Christ! Henceforth, he should no longer live as a servant of sin but rather as a servant of God and His righteousness!
A real believer becomes divided from this present evil world that is ruled by Satan and his principalities. True believers in Christ are sealed, indwelt, filled and possessed by the Holy Spirit of God (II Cor. 1:22; Eph. 4:30; I John 4:4, etc.). The Christian is the temple and habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:22; I Cor. 6:19-20). God’s Spirit must both be RESIDENT and PRESIDENT in him! Thank God for this great division brought about by the cross of Christ!
4. THE CROSS MULTIPLIES A SOUL’S BLESSINGS
The cross does not take away anything precious from man but to the contrary multiplies both spiritual and physical blessings. It multiplies God’s love, grace, peace and inheritance that can neither be destroyed nor stolen (II Pet. 1:2; I Pet. 1:4). The cross multiplies opportunities to do well and be useful in the service of God and our fellowmen so that we bring glory to His name (I Cor. 3:9; 10:31). Brethren, we are not to be ashamed of serving God for when we were still sinners and served the devil, we were not ashamed of our wicked acts but even took pride doing such!
Conclusion: The marvelous cross of Christ is something the Christian can truly glory in (Gal. 6:14). Friend, in truth we are all responsible for the death of Jesus on the cross. Our selfish and rebellious deeds sent Jesus to the cross! Jesus willingly surrendered his life and died to pay the penalty for our sins. He took the punishment we deserve and now offers every man, woman, and child eternal life and salvation!
