Why is the cross of Christ central to the Christian faith?

The Apostle Paul famously articulated in Galatians 6:14, 'But God forbid that I should glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.' The cross symbolizes the fulcrum of salvation, where Christ bore the sins of His people, reconciling them to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). This act of atonement underlines not only the depth of human sin but also the immeasurable love and grace of God. By His sacrificial death, Jesus exemplifies true love and justice; suffering for the sins He did not commit to satisfy God’s rightful wrath against sin. The cross thus serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of redemption and the hope of eternal life granted to all who believe in Him. The centrality of the cross in preaching and doctrine is essential because it encapsulates God's plan for salvation, offering peace and justification to sinners through faith.