“But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was dead already, . . . one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith there came out blood and water” (John 19:33,34)

“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour” (Matthew 27:45).

The second verse of the grand old hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” contains much truth, rich and deep.

Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, Has a wondrous attraction for me; For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above To bear it to dark Calvary.

“And He bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha” (John 19:17).

“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).

The week before Easter provides us with a special opportunity to ponder the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ and a fuller understanding should bring us to an ever deeper reliance on and identification with Him.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

What is sin? Much is written in Scripture regarding sin, its nature, and effects. This has led to a wealth of discussions on the subject, and many shades of definition based on the numerous Scriptural passages have been offered.