The cross is the central symbol of the Christian faith. What did Jesus do for us on the cross? What is the importance of the cross? Paul calls the gospel “of first importance”. (1 Corinthians 15:2) He is passing this information on to you and me. There is no salvation, life, or hope available to us without the cross. And this good news story actually starts with death – the death of Jesus Christ. There is no forgiveness without the cross of Christ. Through the forgiveness he provided at the cross, we are released from sin and death and are reconciled to God.