The ultimate reason Jesus came was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). He did this not through political revolt or military conquest but by shedding His blood on the cross—a decisive act that disarmed principalities and powers (Col. 2:15). The first coming of Christ cannot be rightly understood apart from His crucifixion, which became the climactic moment of redemptive history.
Yet today, the cross has been trivialized. What was once a symbol of state execution—akin to a modern electric chair—is now often reduced to a decorative trinket. This cultural shift obscures the profound disruption the cross caused in the world. The crucifixion not only defeated Satan but inverted the value systems of worldly kingdoms and replaced them with the culture of the kingdom of God.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
As Paul wrote, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” (1 Cor. 1:18). Why? Because it flips the world’s understanding of power, justice, identity and success on its head. If you’re going to faithfully complete your assignment in God, you must understand how radically different the values of Christ’s kingdom are from the kingdoms of this world. (Since Jesus lived during the Roman Empire, Rome often represents worldly kingdoms in this article.)
Here are 15 ways the cross inverted kingdoms:
- From Capricious Gods to a Loving God
Ancient gods like Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon were known for their impulsive and vengeful nature. But the God revealed in Christ is love incarnate, who died for His enemies (Rom. 5:8–10). No longer must we placate angry deities—God Himself bore our judgment to reconcile us to Himself.
- Power through Brutality vs. Power through Selflessness
Roman rulers upheld order through crucifixions and terror. Jesus, by contrast, showed that true authority is rooted in sacrificial love. He wore a crown of thorns to reverse Adam’s curse, turning shame into glory (Mark 10:42–45).
- Warrior Caesar vs. Sacrificial Christ
Rome claimed Caesar as both god and man, ruling by the sword. Jesus, the true God-man, conquered not through violence but by laying down His life (Isa. 40:10–11).
- Enslavement vs. Emancipation
Rome built its empire on slavery. During the time of Jesus, approximately two-thirds of the Roman Empire were slaves. Christ, however, frees us from bondage to sin and offers eternal liberty (John 8:34–36; Rom. 6:6).
- Abusive Power vs. Victory through Self-Victimization
Earthly kingdoms victimize others to maintain dominance. Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb that was led to the slaughter and, in doing so, triumphed over all evil (Isa. 53; Col. 2:14–15).
- Pride and Ambition vs. Meekness
In the world, pride rises through ambition. In God’s kingdom, the meek inherit the earth (Ps. 37:11; Matt. 5:5). Meekness is not weakness—it is strength restrained under God’s authority.
- Self-Assertion vs. Self-Denial
In a world obsessed with “asserting their rights.” The cross says, “deny yourself” (Mark 8:34–35). In losing our life for Christ’s sake, we find true life.
- Carved Identities vs. Identity in Christ
World systems divide us by race, class, and nation. The cross unites us as one in Christ, sons and daughters of God (John 1:12–13; Gal. 3:26–28).
- Transactional Love vs. Unconditional Love
Human love is often contingent on reciprocity. But at the cross, God demonstrates a love that expects nothing in return, even dying for us while we are still sinners (Rom. 5:6–8).
- Conquest through Intimidation vs. Transformation through Service
Rome expanded through intimidation. Jesus builds His kingdom through love and service. Early believers followed His example by serving their cities and transforming them (Titus 3:8).
- Hierarchies vs. Universal Brotherhood
Rome valued people by class. However, the gospel proclaims that all humans are made in God’s image and equal in Christ (James 2:1–5; Gen. 1:26). The cross dismantles the caste system of human pride.
- Retributive Justice vs. Restorative Justice
Ancient justice was punitive. Roman debtors could be killed or dismembered. But the cross reveals a God who restores rather than merely punishes, calling us to forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation (Col. 3:12-14).
- Temporal Success vs. Eternal Significance
Empires chase temporary conquests. But the cross speaks of eternal destiny. “What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36). Our significance is found in Christ, not in temporal success.
- Physical Monuments vs. Living Testimonies
Rulers built statues to memorialize themselves. Jesus builds His legacy in human hearts. You are His epistle, written not on stone but by the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:2–3). Absalom built a monument to himself because he had no sons (2 Sam. 18:18), but Christ birthed sons and daughters through the cross.
- Authority through Family Privilege vs. Authority through Obedience and Service
World rulers establish legacy through lineage and nepotism—like King Louis XIV of France. But Jesus said His true family are those who do God’s will (Mark 3:31–35). His authority was confirmed not by biological lineage but by love and service (John 13:12–17).
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
To conclude, the cross of Christ is more than a theological doctrine—it is a revolutionary symbol that subverts every worldly system and ideology. It challenges how we define greatness, identity, justice, and power. The cross is scandalous not merely because it shows us death but because it reveals a way of life that opposes everything the world holds dear.
In the shadow of the cross, empires crumble, and the meek inherit the earth. Success is redefined, power is purified, and love becomes the greatest force in the universe. The kingdoms of this world are turned upside down so that the kingdom of our God may be established forever.
Dr. Joseph Mattera is an internationally-known author, consultant and theologian whose mission is to influence leaders who influence culture. He is the founding pastor of Resurrection Church, and leads several organizations, including The U.S. Coalition of Apostolic Leaders and Christ Covenant Coalition. Dr. Mattera is the author of 13 bestselling books, including his latest The Purpose, Power, and Process of Prophetic Ministry, and is renowned for applying Scripture to contemporary culture.
