The Bridge Leading to Life

The opening of the sermon introduces the theme by comparing physical bridges in reality. From simple wooden and bamboo bridges in ancient Vietnamese villages to modern structures like the My Thuan cable-stayed bridge, all bridges serve the common purpose of connecting two shores and facilitating easier passage between regions. The pastor broadens this concept beyond physical pathways to human relationships, where intermediaries help reconcile disputes and restore broken family and social bonds.

However, the pastor emphasizes that the most important relationship in life is between humanity and God. Between heaven and sinful people lies a vast, boundless river—an immeasurable distance created by sin. No merit or charitable works can help humanity cross this chasm. For this reason, God sent Christ into the world to die, to pay the price of human sin, and to restore the relationship between people and God. Jesus Christ himself is the sole bridge that reconnects this vast distance. Scripture affirms that salvation exists only through Christ, as recorded in Acts 4:12 and John 14:6, where Christ declares: "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me."

The cross of Christ carries three profound meanings. First, the cross reveals Christ's infinite love and forgiveness of sin for humanity. His body and blood were shed for our sins, most powerfully expressed through John 3:16—the world's most famous Bible verse. This love has moved and transformed even the most sinful souls, such as Paul, who changed from a persecutor of believers to someone who sacrificed his entire life to preach the Gospel. Second, the cross transforms injustice and shame into victory, hatred into forgiveness and reconciliation. The cross—once a symbol of punishment—now speaks of forgiveness, changing violence into peace. This forgiveness and reconciliation is the new mission of all believers, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:19. Third, the cross conquers death—humanity's most fearsome enemy—and brings hope of eternal life in heaven. Through resurrection, Christ defeated death and granted immortality to all who believe in him, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:52-55.

The sermon concludes with two distinct choices illustrated through the story of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus at Golgotha. Both were sinners executed for their crimes, yet their attitudes and choices regarding Christ were completely different. The first thief mocked Jesus and rejected salvation. The second thief, though also crucified, recognized that his punishment was deserved for his sins, while Jesus was entirely innocent. He asked Jesus to remember him—asking for salvation. Christ responded: "Today you will be with me in paradise." These two choices—accepting or rejecting salvation—determine each person's eternal destiny. Every person must face these same two choices when standing before Christ.