Sermon: The Christian Journey from the
Cross to Eternity
Good afternoon, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to reflect on the
sacred path a Christian walks from the moment they encounter the Cross of Jesus Christ to
the day they enter eternal glory. This journey is not a fleeting moment but a lifelong
pilgrimage marked by repentance, baptism, new birth, forgiveness of sins, sanctification, and
steadfast faith until death. Let us explore this path, grounded in Scripture, to understand the
steps a Christian must take to live a life pleasing to God.
The Starting Point: The Cross and Repentance
The Christian journey begins at the foot of the Cross, where we confront the reality of our sin
and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short
of the glory of God." Our sins separate us from God, but the Cross bridges that gap. Jesus, the
sinless Lamb, took upon Himself the penalty for our sins, as 1 Peter 2:24 declares: "He
himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to
righteousness."
The first step on this journey is repentance. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for our
sins but a heartfelt turning away from them and toward God. In Acts 3:19, Peter exhorts,
"Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out." Repentance requires
humility, confession, and a commitment to change. It is a surrender of our will to God’s,
acknowledging that only through Christ can we be made whole. Without repentance, we
cannot begin the journey, for it is the doorway to salvation.
The Covenant of Baptism
Following repentance, the next step is baptism, a public declaration of faith and obedience to
Christ’s command. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs, "Go therefore and make disciples
of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit." Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a profound act of identification with Christ’s death,
burial, and resurrection.
Romans 6:3-4 explains, "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ
Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into
death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we
too might walk in newness of life." Through baptism, we symbolically die to our old selves
and rise as new creations, united with Christ. It is a covenant moment, sealing our
commitment to follow Him.
The New Birth: Becoming a New Creation
Baptism leads to the miracle of the new birth, where we are born again by the Spirit of God.
Jesus taught Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he
cannot see the kingdom of God." This spiritual rebirth is the work of the Holy Spirit, who
transforms our hearts and empowers us to live for God.
The new birth is not a mere change of behavior but a transformation of our very nature. 2
Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old
has passed away; behold, the new has come." This new life is characterized by a hunger for
righteousness, a love for God’s Word, and a desire to live in obedience. The Holy Spirit
indwells us, guiding us and convicting us of sin, as Jesus promised in John 16:13: "When the
Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
Forgiveness of Sins: The Gift of Grace
Central to the Christian journey is the forgiveness of sins, made possible through Christ’s
atoning sacrifice. Ephesians 1:7 assures us, "In him we have redemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." Forgiveness is not
earned but received by faith, as we trust in Christ’s finished work on the Cross.
However, forgiveness is not a license to sin. As Christians, we are called to live in ongoing
repentance, confessing our sins and seeking God’s cleansing. 1 John 1:9 promises, "If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness." This ongoing forgiveness keeps us in right relationship with God, allowing
us to walk in the freedom of His grace.
Sanctification: Growing in Holiness
The Christian journey is not static; it is a process of sanctification, where we grow in
holiness and conformity to Christ’s image. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 states, "For this is the will of
God, your sanctification." Sanctification is both an instantaneous act at salvation, where we
are set apart for God, and a progressive journey, where we daily surrender to the Holy Spirit’s
work in our lives.
This process involves renewing our minds through Scripture (Romans 12:2), cultivating
spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-
23). It also requires perseverance through trials, as James 1:2-4 encourages: "Count it all joy,
my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith
produces steadfastness." Sanctification prepares us for eternity, refining us to reflect Christ’s
character.
Perseverance: Faithful Until Death
The Christian journey is a marathon, not a sprint. We are called to persevere in faith until the
end. Revelation 2:10 encourages, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of
life." Perseverance requires trusting God through life’s storms, resisting temptation, and
remaining steadfast in our commitment to Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us, "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to
Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." We are not alone in this race; Christ sustains
us, and the Holy Spirit empowers us. Fellowship with other believers also strengthens us, as
Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, "A threefold cord is not quickly broken."
The Destination: Eternal Life
The Christian journey culminates in eternal life, the promise of dwelling with God forever.
John 14:2-3 records Jesus’ words: "In my Father’s house are many rooms... I go to prepare a
place for you." Death is not the end for the Christian but a transition to glory, where we will
see Christ face to face and receive our eternal reward.
Until that day, we live with hope, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1
Corinthians 15:58). We press on, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is both the author and
finisher of our faith.
Practical Steps for the Journey
To walk this path faithfully, consider these practical steps:
1. Daily Repentance: Examine your heart and confess sins promptly, trusting in God’s
forgiveness.
2. Immerse in Scripture: Let God’s Word guide your decisions and renew your mind.
3. Prayer and Worship: Cultivate a vibrant prayer life and worship God in spirit and
truth.
4. Community: Engage in fellowship with other believers for encouragement and
accountability.
5. Serve Others: Reflect Christ’s love by serving those around you, as He taught in
Matthew 25:40.
6. Stay Vigilant: Guard against temptation and rely on the Holy Spirit’s strength.
Conclusion
Beloved, the Christian journey from the Cross to eternity is a sacred pilgrimage of faith,
obedience, and transformation. It begins with repentance and baptism, is sustained by the new
birth and forgiveness of sins, and is marked by sanctification and perseverance. As we walk
this path, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who walked it perfectly and now calls us to follow
Him. May we live each day with the assurance of His grace and the hope of eternal life, until
we hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, guide us on this journey from the Cross to eternity. Strengthen
us to repent, walk in newness of life, and persevere in faith. May our lives glorify You until
we see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
