# “Shall we ever exhaust the fullness of the cross?” by Horatius Bonar

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2008/12/31/shall-we-ever-exhaust-the-fullness-of-the-cross-by-horatius-bonar/
- Published: 2008-12-31T15:07:58-06:00
- Author: tollelege

“The completeness of the sacrificial work on Calvary will be matter for eternal 
contemplation and rejoicing, long after every sin has been, by its cleansing efficacy,
washed out of our being for ever. Shall we ever exhaust the fullness of the cross?
Is it a mere stepping-stone to something beyond itself ? Shall we ever cease to 
glory in it (as the apostle gloried), not only because of past, but because of present
and eternal blessing? The forgiveness of sin is one thing; but is that all?

The crucifixion of the world is another; but is that all? Is the cross to be a relic,
useless though venerable, like the serpent of brass laid up in the tabernacle; to
be destroyed perhaps at some future time, and called Nehushtan? Or is it not rather
like the tree of life, which bears twelve manner of fruits, and yields its fruit
every month, by the banks of the celestial river?

Its influence here on earth is transforming; but even after the transformation has
been completed, and the whole church perfected, shall there not be a rising higher
and higher, a taking on of greater and yet greater comeliness, a passing from glory
to glory; and all in connection with the cross, and through the never-ending vision
of its wonders?

Of the new Jerusalem it is said, ‘The Lamb is the light (or lamp) thereof.’ The 
Lamb is only another name for Christ crucified: so that thus it is the cross that
is the lamp of the holy city ; and with its light, the gates of pearl, the jasper
wall, the golden streets, the brilliant foundations, and the crystal river, are 
all lighted up. The glow of the cross is everywhere, penetrating every part, and
reflected from every gem; and by its peculiar radiance transporting the dwellers
of the city back to Golgotha, as the fountainhead of all this splendour.

It is light from Calvary that fills the heaven of heavens. Yet it is no dim religious
light: for the glory of God is to lighten it; and its light is like unto a stone
most precious, even like a jasper-stone, clear as crystal; and there is no night
there, and they need no candle, neither light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth
them light. Yes, we shall never be done with the cross and the blood.”

–Horatius Bonar, _The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall a Man be Just with
God?_ (Carlisle, Pa.: Banner of Truth, 1874/1993), 64-6.

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