Through the grace of Christ, we are drawn upward into communion with God and outward in love toward others—living a life shaped by the cross.
The Christian life is not shaped by chance or culture—it is shaped by the cross. At the heart of our faith stands Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice reconciles us to God and reshapes how we relate to others. This dual relationship—vertical with God and horizontal with others—defines what it means to truly live as His disciple. In Christ, we find not only forgiveness, but a new direction: upward in worship and surrender, outward in love and service. This study explores how Christ becomes our vital link in both dimensions, calling us into a life that reflects the form and spirit of the cross itself.
Vertical with God, Horizontal with Others: The Cross-Shaped Life
In a world of fractured relationships and inward focus, the gospel offers a radical reorientation. Through the cross of Jesus Christ, God has made it possible for every person to enter a personal, living relationship with Him. This relationship is not dependent on ceremony or status—it is accessed through grace and received by faith. Even the act of responding to this invitation requires divine help, for we are not naturally inclined to seek God or surrender our hearts.
The shape of the Christian life is ultimately the shape of the cross: vertical in relationship with God, and horizontal in love toward others.
1. Reconciliation: Our Vertical Relationship with God
When sin entered the world, humanity was separated from God. But through Jesus’ sacrifice, that separation was bridged.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” — Ephesians 2:13
This relationship is more than theological—it is personal and transformative. Jesus said, “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3). Eternal life is not merely about living forever; it’s about living in communion with God.
2. Response: The Will That Chooses God
Salvation is a gift, but God never forces Himself on anyone. He honors the will, even as He empowers it.
“It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13
“Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” — Revelation 22:17
We must consent to God’s working. As Ellen G. White writes:
“No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work.”
— Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 159
Our greatest act of strength is acknowledging our weakness—and yielding to Christ.
3. Reflection: Horizontal Love Toward Others
Once we are reconciled to God, our lives are transformed to reflect His love outward.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God… and thy neighbour as thyself.” — Matthew 22:37–39
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar…” — 1 John 4:20
The love we receive from God is meant to be shared. Ellen White reminds us:
“The love of God must be ever a living principle in the soul… This will lead to love for souls for whom Christ died. We must love as Christ loved.”
— Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 529
The cross not only lifts us toward God—it stretches us toward one another.
Conclusion: Living the Cross-Shaped Life
The gospel is not just about forgiveness—it’s about transformation. God invites us into a vertical relationship with Him through Christ, empowers our will to respond, and then sends us out to reflect that love in every human relationship.
This is the cross-shaped life: reconciled to God, surrendered in will, and renewed in love for others.
R Scott Holder writes on spiritual topics for OUTLOOK.
