The Simple Message of the Cross

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free,
and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
- Galatians 5:1 Like the early Christians of long ago, many believers today struggle under the yoke of a performance-based gospel message, futilely striving to "earn" God's acceptance through their own efforts despite the freedom from religious legalism that Jesus secured for us on the cross. The Simple Message of the Cross seeks to guide readers to the unvarnished truth of Christ's sacrifice, helping them shed internalized feelings of unworthiness and embrace His gift of a close relationship with God and His divine power. With an emphasis on Paul's letters to the early church and insightful analysis of Old and New Testament law, Marc Baker shows that God's wrath and the old covenant have been satisfied. The new covenant Jesus established on the cross ensures that we need not constantly evaluate ourselves to determine our worth to God or follow strict religious disciplines to earn His favor. Instead, our standing with Him is based on our faith in the good news of the gospel-the ultimate exchange of our sin for Jesus' righteousness.