WHY DOESN'T THE CROSS WORK FOR ME?

[Malachi]

whosoever of you are Justified by the Law (seek to be Justified by the Law); you are fallen from Grace

The context makes it very clear that those who seek to be justified by the works of the Law are the ones who fall from grace. This was addressed to those Judaizers who were trying to get believers to adhere to the Law of Moses as a means of salvation, instead of simply believing that we are justified by grace through faith. Thus the finished work of Christ on behalf of the sinner would become "of none effect". We can either receive salvation as a gift of God's grace, or we can design our own works-based salvation. That is what Paul is teaching.

As to the application of the Cross of Christ in the believers life, it simply means "crucifying" or denying the flesh what it wants, and walking in the Spirit. That too is taught in Galatians 5. So to address your contention that most Christians have fallen from grace, that is totally incorrect. The Cross will "work for you" if you will believe that it represents the finished work of Christ, and through that gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that you can walk in the Spirit.

 

[iLOVE]

As to the application of the Cross of Christ in the believers life, it simply means "crucifying" or denying the flesh what it wants

The Cross of Christ must be exclusively forever the object of the Christian faith (i.e., finished work of Christ - The Blood of Jesus). I am not talking about two pieces of wood. The Holy Spirit only, only, only, works by a Christian placing his faith 100% exclusively in Christ and the Cross. Anything else, I mean anything, you frustrate the Grace of God. And if a Christian continues the Holy Spirit will remove His hand completely. You are now walking in the vanity of your mind (Eph. 4:17).

The Way Of The Spirit
Focus: The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
Object Of Faith: The Cross of Christ (Romans 6:1-14)
Power Source: The Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-2, 11)
Results: Victory (Romans 6:14)

Man's Way
Focus: Works.
Object Of Faith: Performance.
Power Source: Self.
Results: Defeat!

also see post 13, 15, 17, 18, and 19.