“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness: but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18).
The very idea that a man condemned as a criminal and executed by crucifixion 2000 years ago could provide eternal life for people of all times and places does, indeed, appear to the natural mind as utter foolishness. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him” (2:14).
Jesus Christ is more than man, however, and His death was more than death! Therefore, “we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1:23), and to all who believe, it becomes the very power of God unto salvation! “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching [that is, by the preaching of this presumed human foolishness] to save them that believe” (1:21).
When we see our maker suffering as a criminal and dying for our sins, it brings us to deep repentance and grateful love. Then, when we know He has triumphed over death and was raised bodily from the grave, we rejoice in sins forgiven and the assurance of our own resurrection. No longer is the preaching of the cross foolishness! Rather, “we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory” (2:7). “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God,” and “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (3:19; 1:25).
This divine wisdom, however, and its saving power are available only to those who will allow their natural, unbelieving minds to be open to the inner conviction of the Spirit of God. HMM
