| “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.” |
| —1 Corinthians 1:18 |
When countless millions of people who have lived across the centuries first heard the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, they immediately labeled it as foolishness. It seems too absurd to think that a holy God would create mankind, knowing that His creation would commit sin against Him by disobeying His one and only command. Then, that same God would illustrate His enduring love by choosing a people from among the nations to belong to Himself.
Next, after many years of encouraging these disobedient people to become obedient, God would send His own Son in human form to ultimately die on a Roman cross of torture and, by so doing, would pay the penalty for the sins of all humankind. God would then raise His Son from the dead. His Son would spend forty days fellowshipping with His disciples. And, then, God’s Son would ascend to heaven where He would sit down at the right hand of His Father and make intercession for all who believe on His name.
Yes, it does seem a bit absurd or foolish. But, by the testimony of the Holy Spirit, who comes to live in the hearts of those who believe by faith, it is the truth, nevertheless. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 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.
We serve as ambassadors of the Great King Jesus. Thus, we continually face this charge of foolishness. I recently read a report about a female country singer, who is a deeply devoted Christian and who does not hesitate to speak about Jesus. She has come under terrible attack for her beliefs. Yet, she has remained lovingly firm in her convictions and continually extends grace to those who speak so ill of her.
To her accusers, her beliefs are foolishness. And, in the behavior patterns of our current culture, if someone speaks about something with which another disagrees, then that first person must be silenced at all costs.
Yes, the Gospel appears “foolish to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Let us praise God that this is so!
Based on a blog originally posted on Thursday, July 5, 2018
