J316 – On the Other Side of the Cross
Home is on the other side of the Cross — and at the foot of the Cross, we find our way there.
Bible Study: On the Other Side of the Cross with discussion questions and supporting Scriptures
Introduction to the Study:
On the Other Side of the Cross – A Story of Love and Redemption. God’s Heart for Mankind
Welcome to this Bible study on one of the most beautiful and central themes of The Scriptures: God’s heart for mankind. At the core of the Christian message is not a set of rules or rituals, but a relationship—rooted in love, redemption, and a divine desire to bring us home.
The Bible tells us, “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). These words aren’t just a memory verse—they’re a window into the very heart of God. He is not distant, indifferent, or angry. He is a loving Father who pursues His children. His love is personal. He loves you.
This study will take us on a journey:
- We’ll begin by understanding why we need salvation—how sin broke our relationship with God and left us spiritually separated from Him.
- We’ll then explore God’s incredible grace and salvation: the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who didn’t just die for our sins, but came to transform our very nature and restore us to relationship with the Father.
- Finally, we’ll reflect on how we respond to His love—not through religious effort, but by receiving His forgiveness, His Spirit, and our new identity as His children by believing in Jesus, repent from our way of life.
The message of the gospel can be summed up like this:
God gave His Son to bring you home, to change your heart, and to make you His child forever.
Let’s open our hearts and God’s Word together as we discover His amazing love and His plan of redemption for every person.
1: The Gospel in One Verse
Key Verse
John 3:16 – The Gospel in One Verse
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
— John 3:16 (NKJV)
This one verse captures the heart of the Gospel:
- We see God’s Love:
“For God so loved the world…”
God’s motivation for everything He does is love. His love is not limited—it includes the whole world, every person, regardless of background, race, or past mistakes. - We see His Redemption through Jesus:
“…that He gave His only begotten Son…”
God’s love moved Him to give. Jesus wasn’t just sent—He was given as a sacrifice, to pay for our sins and restore our broken relationship with God. - We see that we have a Choice:
“…that whoever believes in Him…”
This gift is not forced upon anyone. It must be received through faith. Believing in Jesus means trusting in who He is and what He has done for our salvation. - We see God’s Desire for Us:
“…should not perish but have everlasting life.”
God’s heart is not for us to be lost, judged, or destroyed. His desire is for everyone to have eternal life—a restored relationship with Him now and forever.
2: The Father’s Heart – Love at the Center
📖 Read: John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9–10
Discussion Questions:
- What do these verses reveal about the nature of God?
- How does knowing that God loves you personally affect the way you see Him
2: Separation Between God and Humanity?
📖 Read:
- Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.”
- Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
- Ephesians 2:1–3 – “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live… gratifying the cravings of our flesh… like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”
Answer:
1. According to these passages, what caused the separation between God and humanity?
✅ Answer:
The separation was caused by sin and iniquity.
- Isaiah 59:2 clearly states that it is our sins that have separated us from God and have hidden His face from us.
- Romans 3:23 confirms that all have sinned, meaning no one is without guilt—we have all fallen short of God’s holy standard.
- Ephesians 2:1–3 shows that because of sin, we were spiritually dead, living in rebellion, and by nature, deserving of God’s wrath.
This reveals that the problem is not just bad behaviour, but a deep spiritual separation that affects every human being.
Why is sin more than just bad behaviour? What does it reveal about the human heart?
✅ Answer:
Sin is more than actions—it is a condition of the heart. According to Ephesians 2:3, sin comes from gratifying the desires of our flesh and mind, showing a deep-rooted rebellion and self-centeredness in human nature. Sin reveals that our hearts are spiritually dead and naturally inclined to reject God and choose our own way.
The Consequences of Being Separated from God
✅ Answer:
All people have a sinful nature
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23
No one is exempt; every person is born with a nature inclined toward sin and rebellion against God.
- God must judge sin
“For the wages of sin is death…” — Romans 6:23a
“God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day.” — Psalm 7:11
Because God is holy and just, He cannot ignore or tolerate sin. Sin earns death—spiritual and eternal.
- All mankind is condemned and under God’s wrath
“Whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” — John 3:18
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people…” — Romans 1:18
Without faith in Jesus, humanity is not just at risk—it is already condemned and under God’s righteous judgment.
- If not reconciled, a person will die in that state and be forever separated from God in hell
“They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord…” — 2 Thessalonians 1:9
“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” — Matthew 25:46
The final consequence of sin is eternal separation from God. Hell is real, and it is the eternal result of rejecting God’s offer of salvation.
How Can We See the Consequences of This Broken Relationship in the World Today?
✅ Answer:
The effects of separation from God are all around us:
- Moral decay and widespread confusion about what is right and wrong
- Broken families and fractured relationships
- Violence, war, and injustice in societies and nations
- Spiritual emptiness, depression, and hopelessness in many lives
These are all signs of a world disconnected from its Creator and source of life, love, truth, and peace.
3: God’s Grace – God’s Gift of Jesus
📖 Read:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 – “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself…”
- Romans 5:6–11 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you…”
❓ Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19)?
✅ Answer:
It means that through Jesus, God took the initiative to restore our broken relationship with Him. He didn’t wait for us to come to Him—He came to us in Christ to remove the barrier of sin and make peace possible. - What transformation takes place when someone believes in Jesus?
✅ Answer:
According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, they become a new creation—the old life is gone, and a new life has begun. The believer receives forgiveness, righteousness, and is made right with God. - How does Ezekiel’s promise of a “new heart” connect with the message of the gospel?
✅ Answer:
The gospel doesn’t just offer outward change—it brings inner transformation. God promises to give us a new heart and spirit, removing the old, hardened heart and making us spiritually alive and responsive to Him.
4: The Invitation – Responding to Love
📖 Read:
- Acts 3:19 – “Repent… and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out…”
- John 1:12–13 – “To all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God.”
- Romans 10:9–10 – “If you confess with your mouth… and believe in your heart… you will be saved.”
❓ Discussion Questions:
- What is God inviting us to do in response to His love?
✅ Answer:
God invites us to repent (turn from sin), believe in Jesus, and receive Him by faith. This response leads to forgiveness, a new relationship with God, and the gift of eternal life. - What does it mean to receive Jesus—not just as Saviour, but as Lord?
✅ Answer:
It means surrendering to His authority and leadership in every part of life. Jesus isn’t just our rescuer from sin—He becomes our King, our guide, and the centre of our lives. - How does receiving forgiveness, the Holy Spirit, and a new identity shape a person’s life?
✅ Answer:
It brings freedom from guilt and shame, fills us with God’s presence, and gives us a new purpose. We are no longer defined by our past, but by our new identity as God’s beloved children.
Summary Reflection
Salvation isn’t about religion—it’s about relationship.
God gave His Son to bring you home, to change your heart, and to make you His forever.
❓ Final Personal Reflection Question:
- What part of God’s redemption story speaks most personally to you right now?
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