The Cryptology of The Cross | Bishop T.D. Jakes

In Christian theology, the cross stands as the most significant symbol of faith—a symbol that represents the intersection of humanity's sin and God's love. Bishop T.D. Jakes, a renowned preacher and teacher, delves deep into the mysteries of the cross, often referring to its profound symbolism as "The Cryptology of The Cross." This phrase captures the intricate and hidden truths that the cross embodies, truths that are not always immediately apparent but are revealed through spiritual understanding and divine revelation.

The Cross - A Paradoxical Symbol

At first glance, the cross is a symbol of death, pain, and humiliation. It was a Roman instrument of execution, reserved for the worst of criminals. Yet, in the context of Christianity, the cross is paradoxically transformed into a symbol of hope, redemption, and victory. This paradox lies at the heart of its cryptology—the idea that what seems to be an instrument of defeat is, in fact, the very tool through which God accomplishes His greatest victory.

Bishop Jakes often emphasizes that to understand the cryptology of the cross, one must look beyond the surface. The physical act of crucifixion was brutal, but its spiritual implications are profound. On the cross, Jesus bore the weight of humanity’s sin, not as a defeated man, but as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The cross, therefore, is not just a historical event but a divine strategy that defies human logic and expectations.

The Hidden Wisdom of God

In his sermons, Bishop Jakes frequently references 1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV), which states, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." This verse encapsulates the essence of the cross's cryptology—it is a mystery that is hidden from those who are perishing but revealed as the power of God to those who are being saved.

The cross represents the hidden wisdom of God, a wisdom that confounds the wise and powerful of this world. It is through what appears to be foolishness—the death of the Messiah on a cross—that God chooses to save the world. This hidden wisdom is what Bishop Jakes refers to when he speaks of the cryptology of the cross. It is a divine plan that could not be understood or predicted by human minds but was revealed in the fullness of time through Jesus Christ.

The Power of Sacrifice

A central theme in Bishop Jakes' teachings on the cross is the power of sacrifice. The cross is the ultimate symbol of sacrifice—God giving His only Son to die for the sins of humanity (John 3:16). This act of sacrifice is not just about the physical suffering of Jesus, but it is about the spiritual transaction that took place on the cross.

Jesus' sacrifice was a substitutionary act; He took upon Himself the punishment that was due to us. In doing so, He fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. Bishop Jakes often emphasizes that this sacrifice is the key to understanding the cryptology of the cross. It was through Jesus' willing sacrifice that the power of sin and death was broken, and eternal life was made available to all who believe.

The Cross as a Place of Transformation

Another aspect of the cross's cryptology is its role as a place of transformation. The cross is where the old self dies, and new life begins. Bishop Jakes teaches that the cross is not just a symbol of Jesus' death, but it is also a symbol of the believer's death to sin and resurrection to new life.

In Romans 6:6 (KJV), Paul writes, "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." The cross is where this transformation takes place. When we identify with Christ in His death, we are also identifying with Him in His resurrection. The cryptology of the cross, therefore, involves understanding that it is the place where our sins are nailed, and our new identity in Christ is forged.

The Cross as a Place of Victory

Bishop Jakes also highlights that the cross is a place of victory. While it may seem like a place of defeat, it is actually where Jesus triumphed over the powers of darkness. Colossians 2:15 (KJV) declares, "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."

The cross was the battlefield where Jesus defeated Satan, sin, and death. It was on the cross that the debt of sin was paid in full, and the legal demands of the law were satisfied. This victory is not just historical; it is a present reality for every believer. The cryptology of the cross reveals that what looked like the end was actually the beginning of new life and victory for all who are in Christ.

The Cross and God's Love

Finally, the cross is the ultimate expression of God's love. Bishop Jakes often reminds his listeners that the cross is where the justice of God and the mercy of God meet. It is where God’s wrath against sin was poured out, but it is also where His love for sinners was most fully displayed.

Romans 5:8 (KJV) states, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." This verse encapsulates the heart of the cross's cryptology—it is a profound mystery that God would love us so much that He would give His Son to die in our place. The cross is a reminder that God's love is not based on our worthiness, but on His grace.

Conclusion

The cryptology of the cross, as Bishop T.D. Jakes teaches, is a profound mystery that reveals the depth of God's wisdom, the power of sacrifice, the reality of transformation, the assurance of victory, and the magnitude of His love. To understand the cross is to understand the heart of the Christian faith. It is a symbol that transcends time, culture, and circumstance, speaking to the deepest needs of the human soul. As believers, we are called to embrace the cross, not just as a symbol of our faith, but as the power of God that brings salvation, transformation, and eternal life.