Cross
The cross in biblical theology is twofold: the historical instrument of Christ’s death (Matt. 27; 1 Cor. 1:18) and the theological reality of sin-removal through his offering (Rom. 6:6). In pneumatic theology, the cross also represents the calling to self-denial for the disciple: the death of the old self and identification with Christ’s resurrection (Gal. 2:20). George Warnock argues that modern evangelicalism has emptied the cross by presenting it merely as phraseology without including the reality of dying.
Watchman Nee & Witness Lee (KOL)
Nee/Lee see the cross not only juridically (guilt-payment), but vitally: the cross accomplishes two works—cleansing and liberating—necessary for divine life to operate.
Cross as blood-work and death-work:
Through the blood Jesus the Lord shed on the cross, salvation was accomplished. Subsequently, through the resurrection of Jesus the Lord, the life of God was set free.
This two-moment schema shows: cross (blood) performs salvation; resurrection (life) performs liberation.
Two functions: death and life-nourishment:
Nee/Lee use bodily analogy (blood-cell operation):
The function of death kills and purifies. While [the function of resurrection] supplies nourishment of divine life.
- Death — removes, purifies, cleanses old nature
- Resurrection — supplies, nourishes, feeds divine life
Without both, salvation would remain incomplete: only cleansing would be death; only nourishment without cleansing would operate in uncleanness.
Cross as necessity for life-implantation:
Because God-life must be implanted, the way must first be cleansed. This is why the cross is fundamental in Nee/Lee spirituality:
The cross shatters the dominance of the old nature, so that God’s life can enter the believer unhindered.
Source: Watchman Nee & Witness Lee, The Knowledge of Life (Living Stream Ministry, 1973), chapters 3–4, 12–14.