Dear Editor,

Marked indelibly into the Filipino soul is the Cross of Christ. Without the resurrection, Christianity is just another religion — lifeless, powerless, numb.

But the power of the Cross makes resurrection real — and the Christian life possible. “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10)

Oh, the marvel of God’s love! From Creation to Bethlehem to Calvary — mercy poured out for sinners. (Isaiah 53:5-6). The Cross was in the heart of God long before it was placed on His shoulder. “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)

Salvation is by grace alone. “For by grace are ye saved through faith…” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Nothing we have done or promised to do adds to it. But after salvation, there is a Cross to bear. “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself…” (Matthew 16:24)

Jesus did it all. But what about your part — after repenting, believing, and surrendering? None, except to live daily — by grace — in all things, all places, all times, proving you are saved. “Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)

Salvation is free, not cheap. “Faith without works is dead…” (James 2:17). Christianity is not rituals, traditions, culture, series, events, blessings, or success. It is Cross-bearing.

Many of us fail here. The Cross is not what life imposes — it is what we choose to carry. As Jesus did, in Gethsemane: “Not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39)

He chose to love and suffer — for us, still, despite our rebellion and unworthiness. Love, true love, is a choice — proven by the Cross.

All is vanity, no matter how “blessed” the good life seems. Without Christ, we are nothing. “Without Me, ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

We are nothing without Christ — and the Cross, on our shoulders, daily. “Take My yoke… For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Find your cross. Take it up. Prove you are saved.

Reni M. Valenzuela

renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com