That is the basis of grace....established by Christ.
Generally...in scripture references....the cross...means just as you referred.......Christ who lived and died on the cross and rose again can save anyone who have kept God's commandments.
Gods has always been gracious to man his grace , is what established the “ cross “
“But
Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”
Genesis 6:8 KJV
the issue has always been us rejecting what he said from Adam and Eve forward anytime mankind refuses to believe what God said , we end up having the things he warned us of
“don’t eat this fruit , or you will certainly die “ Gods word always provides direction and tells us the result beforehand. Whether like that a warning of what not to do , or this thing will happen or in situations like this
“And
the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
And
Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:”
Exodus 10:21-22 KJV
That’s the nature of Gods word whatever he says is always going to be the truth. Whether he’s earning us of what not to do and the consequences if we do it anyways . Or directing a person who believes telling them what to do and the blessing that will follow if they do
We learn this about Gods word from the first chapter of the Bible God speaks , and it becomes what he said his word creates just what he has spoken
“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
Genesis 1:3 KJV
anything he says is infallibly true so this makes everything about faith
“So then
faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God.”
Romans 10:17
This is why we have to seperate Moses commands from those of Christ one word looks like this and is designed this way
“Don’t commit adultery , anyone who does must be put to death by the others “
In other words it says “ this is sin , don’t do it or you will surely be put to death “
but the New Testament offers life to the hearer who believes
“Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
John 5:24 KJV
what Jesus preached are the commands of God that give life
“For I have not spoken of myself; but
the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
And I know that
his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
John 12:49-50 KJV
Moses word and the commands of Sinai don’t offer that they warn of sin and death and never offer in the law life after death.
my only point is what Jesus preached from the time he was baptized until he gave his life for us , those are Gods words to us only the words of Christ can give eternal life
“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go?
thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”
John 6:68-69 KJV
they knew Jesus was the one promised to come speak the words of God for salvation and life.
the “ cross “ is the altar where the sacrificial blood was shed and sprinkled on the people according to Christs word just like the old covenant was Moses word and the blood he shed of animals
the new covenant is what saves people we have to accept the word , and the sacrifice