The message of the cross

What is the message of the cross?

“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” (1 Cor 1:18–21)

The message of the cross is salvation (vv. 18, 21) —

• salvation from condemnation
• salvation from the wrath of God (and thus, a salvation from God Himself)
• salvation to God (2 Cor. 4:4; 5:8)

The message of the cross is powerful (v. 18b) —

• salvation is powerful to produce sanctification — being set apart to God (v. 2)
• salvation is powerful as a gift of grace  (v. 4)
• salvation is powerful to produce blamelessness at the end of time  (vv. 7-8)
• salvation is powerful to maintain fellowship with God  (v. 9)
• salvation is powerful to effect unity in the body of Christ  (v. 10)

This salvation is in contrast to what men (both Israel and the world) desire —

• no wise man can stand
• no scribe can stand
• no debater can stand

This salvation is the gospel good news (v. 17) — and it is what makes the crucifixion something to be embraced and commended and desired (v. 13).  And this message was the pleasure of God (v. 21) — because only the message of the cross can produce the salvation of God.  Nothing else will bring about salvation.

R. A. Torrey was right:  “Preach any Christ but a crucified Christ, and you will not draw men for long. Preach any gospel but a gospel of atoning blood, and it will not draw for long.”