1 Corinthians 1:18
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Read all of 1 Corinthians 1
This is one of those verses that uses "code" words to teach us the truth. For instance the phrase, "the message of the cross," is a reference to the unfolded plan and purpose of God to save his people through the self-sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, as payment for their sin. "The message of the cross," then, is short hand for the full explanation of the person, work and ministry of the Lord Jesus.
The message of the Gospel is not appreciated by all who hear it. In the verse before us, it is regarded as "foolishness to those who are perishing." A few verses later (vs. 23), he distinguishes this a bit more... he says it is "a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." In both cases it is deemed unacceptable to those who hear.
But this is not the last word; nor is it the most important. The same Gospel message, which was offensive and/or foolish to some, becomes the "power of God" unto salvation for those who believe.
What is the message of the cross to you? Maybe you need to hear it again for real.
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