“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
The cross of Jesus Christ is one of the most recognised symbols in the world. To some, it may appear to be a sign of defeat or merely a religious tradition. However, for believers, the cross represents the heart of our Christian faith. It is the symbol of God’s love and power, the centrepiece of the gospel.
THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS
It is the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. We were once separated from God because of our sin, but God, in His mercy, sent His Son to bear the penalty of sin in our place. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the price for our sins, and He rose again, offering us new life. First Peter 3:18 says, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.” Through faith in Him, we are forgiven, reconciled with God, and granted eternal life. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This assures us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.
WHY IS IT CONSIDERED FOOLISHNESS
In Apostle Paul’s time, the idea that salvation could come through a crucified man was offensive and foolish. Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, reserved for criminals and the lowest in society. To claim that the Saviour of the world had been crucified seemed irrational to many.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:22–23, “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” The Jews longed for a powerful Messiah—a deliverer who would conquer oppressors and reign in glory. The concept of a suffering, crucified Messiah did not align with their expectations (Isa 53:3). Meanwhile, the Greeks esteemed human wisdom and philosophy, and the thought of worshipping a crucified man seemed irrational. Why would anyone worship a man who died such a shameful death? The message of the cross invites us to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We should trust in what Christ has accomplished for us— something that challenges both religious and intellectual pride. God’s ways of doing things are not our ways (Isa 55:8).
THE POWER OF GOD TO BELIEVERS
To those who believe, the message of the cross is not foolishness— it is life itself. What seems like foolishness to the world is actually the power of God that rescues us from sin and death. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the power of sin and death has been broken. Consequently, all who believe in Him receive forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life. Paul says in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”The cross is not just a moment in history; it is a living reality that invites each of us into a relationship with God. The power of the cross is as alive as ever, still crushing sin, breaking death, saving souls and restoring relationship with God.
The message of the cross still lies at the center of our Christian faith. Though the world may dismiss it as foolishness, to believers it is the power of God unto salvation. It is not a symbol of defeat, but of victory— a declaration of God’s love, grace, and salvation. The cross stands as an open invitation to all generations: to believe in Christ and be saved, have a relationship with God Almighty and walk in newness of life. Christ has died, risen and He is coming back.
Further study: Hebrews 10
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