To the Hebrews, one being hung was viewed as accursed. To the Romans, one being crucified was an object of shame. Death on a cross was horrible, brutal, and despicable. It was in no way beautiful, and certainly was not befitting the man named Jesus, who had done nothing wrong.

So why do we call it The Beautiful Cross? Because God took this ugly form of torture and death, and used it to do something wonderful for us.

Every one of us deserves to hang on a tree, as Jesus did - to be nailed to two posts - because every one of us has sinned. We haven't listened to God. We have lived life as we wanted to and disobeyed Him. Every one of us has done something wrong. The Bible says...

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."  

~Romans 3:23

But God found a way to pay the penalty for us, a way that we can be forgiven and cleansed of our sin. He sent Jesus, his only Son, to die in our place. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took our sin upon Himself and became the sacrifice for us. God did this because He loves us so much. Jesus told us...

For God so loved the world, that He sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 

~John 3:16

God redeems us from our sinful state. It is His free gift, but we must choose to accept it. John, one of Jesus' disciples, wrote...

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 

~1 John 1:9

So, if you believe in Jesus Christ, confess your sins, and accept Jesus into your heart, you will be what Jesus called, "born again." Jesus said,

"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

~John 3:3

You can make this decision on your own today by praying to God. If you would like some guidance in making this decision, or have more questions about it, call the First Baptist Church of Memphis office at 901-454-1131 or e-mail Rev. Ray Hatton at rhatton@fbcmemphis.org.