Foolishness and the Power of God

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:18

The preaching of the cross appears as foolishness to the natural, fallen man who is perishing. It offends his sensibilities and contradicts the wisdom he trusts in. He has no use for it because he played no part in accomplishing it and feels no need for what Christ has done. Such men—ungodly and carried away by their own lusts—are blinded by Satan, the god of this world. To them, the gospel is hidden, and they remain lost.

Many within the realm of religion, having no true understanding of righteousness, regard the preaching of the cross as foolish unless it includes the sinner’s cooperation—his will, works, or obedience—as the means of making the cross effectual unto salvation. In their minds, the cross is powerless unless man activates it.

But the crucified Savior brings peace and reconciliation to the people for whom He died. By the blood of His cross, God’s people receive an acceptable righteousness and the forgiveness of sins. To those whom the Lord is pleased to save, the preaching of the cross is truly the power of God unto salvation. God’s people are chosen in Christ, redeemed by His blood, and eternally secure by His accomplished redemption.

When this salvation is applied by the Holy Spirit, dead sinners are brought to life. Their eyes are opened to behold the beauty of the cross, their ears are opened to hear the gospel call, and their hearts are opened to rest in Christ alone for all righteousness and salvation, having no hope in themselves.

Whether the message is rejected as foolishness by those who are perishing or received as the power of God by those whom the Lord is saving, God is glorified in both. To some it is foolishness; to others it is salvation. But always—it is the cross.

Soli Deo Gloria!

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Greg Flannery is a Bible Teacher at Redeemer Church of Piketon, Ohio.