Power Unto Salvation

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect."

1 Corinthians 1:17

At Bible study last night, we discussed how the Jews sought a sign and the Greeks desired wisdom.  When Jesus came as the Saviour of the world the LORD provided both of these things and much more, yet God coming as a human being, dying on the cross and rising again was not what they were looking for.  Paul did not seek appeal to people's minds with the use of clever oration, for he preached Jesus Christ crucified which seemed like foolishness to Jews and Greeks--but is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.  It is not slick arguments or persuasive words that possess power to transform the hearts of lost sinners, but simple faith in Jesus Christ can and does.

Paul's statement suggests it is possible to place our faith in ourselves, our manner of presentation or our own wisdom rather than relying upon Jesus who died and rose again.  It is remarkable miraculous divine power could be made of no effect by Christians relying on themselves, their own techniques or using man's wisdom to appeal to fleshly minds.  This is a good reminder for Christians as well as a personal challenge:  do I believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone has the power to raise dead sinners to new life with Christ?  How important it is we believe the Gospel we have received by faith in Jesus retains the power to save souls without the need for extensive theological training or adornment by our own cleverness.

While reliance on our own wisdom can render the cross of Christ of no effect, the embrace of tradition also can have a nullifying effect upon God's word.  Jesus confronted Pharisees for this error in Mark 7:8-13:  "He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. ¹⁰ For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' ¹¹ But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban"--' (that is, a gift to God), ¹² then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, ¹³ making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."  By teaching the traditions of men as the commands of God, they rendered the word of God of no effect.  God forbid we would render the cross of Christ and the word of God of no effect by reliance upon our own wisdom or traditions!

Rather than following a formula or what seems to work for others, let us be yielded to the Holy Spirit in sharing the Gospel with people, trusting Jesus is able to save and transform them into new creations.  We know it is God's will to be born again, forgiven and saved, for God is not willing any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  Having received Christ by faith, we are to called to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus by faith as well.