Joel M Bradshaw

18For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.–1 Corinthians 1

What message does the cross represent? Jesus was not a martyr, he was a sacrifice. This meant that Jesus willingly gave up his life for a purpose. And that purpose was to save others who could not save themselves.

What two groups are represented here? Those perishing are the ones who need salvation but refuse to trust in Jesus for that salvation. They view the cross as foolish. For if what the New Testament said is true, then Jesus was a mega powerful guy who could have done so much more to defeat enemies and injustice. Instead he chose to die to the enemy Romans? Sounds foolish and weak.

Those who are being saved are the ones who humbly see themselves as hopeless in the midst of their sin and shame. They have no answer for their situation and fully depend upon Jesus for the only hope they can have. Jesus didn’t just die, but died in their place. The sin that he took the wrath for was their sin. The forgiveness that he secured was their forgiveness. Rather than showing weakness the cross displays God’s tremendous saving power. On the cross, Jesus actually defeated one of the greatest enemies of all–sin.

Which group counts you as a member?–JMB