The Cross as the all-encompassing foundation for Christian growth

Here is something that has elevated my appreciation of the Cross in preparation for our worship service tomorrow. This is from Jerry Bridge's The Great Exchange:

"The cross is not a mere first step toward spiritual development: it is the all-encompassing foundation for Christian growth. The cross does not mystically infuse spiritual life or experiential sinlessness. Instead, it first provides complete forgiveness of past, present, and future sins, and then it becomes a means of the deliverance by which we are freed from bondage to sin. As Paul affirms, "[Christ] gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age" (Gal 1:4a).

"By tying the transformation of the believer to the cross, Paul makes his point abundantly clear: everything we need for life and eternity is provided by virtue of Christ's great atonement. Furthermore, in everything God is for us; he is for us in Christ the wisdom instead of ignorance, justification instead of condemnation, sanctification instead of sinfulness, and redemption instead of slavery... In view of this, it is no wonder Paul is adamant and unwavering regarding the centrality of the cross of Christ. The fulfillment of every hope we have is blood bought by the atoning work of Christ on the cross. And the work of Christ on the cross must remain our only hope." (p. 45)

Reading that helps to me become freshly amazed at the awesome power of the Cross. I can't wait to sing about it tomorrow morning with the rest of the body.