The preaching of the cross

Regarding the preaching of the cross, Paul wrote, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God … For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18, 22-24).

Paul was willing to only boast in the cross (Galatians 6:14). The cross is crucial to our salvation because we can have life by His lifting up (John 3:14). One who seeks to be justified by Mosaic Law is “under a curse” (Galatians 3:10). Nothing good can come of one who would try to be justified by perfect law keeping because there will inevitably be a time in which the follower will make a mistake and sin against the law (Romans 3:23). The “curse” Jesus bore relates to the command given in Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (Galatians 3:13). This is capital punishment for capital crimes. If a man did something deserving of death, he was to be put to death and he was to be hung on a tree for all to see. Though innocent, Christ was treated in His death as if He had been guilty; that is, He was put to death as if He had personally deserved it.

His resurrection proved He was God’s Son (John 8:28; Romans 1:4). The resurrection is explained in the gospel, and it is this gospel that can draw men to God (John 12:32). In fact, if this won’t move a man, a man can’t be moved.

Kyle Campbell