Deep Dive into Two Verdicts, One Cross: God’s Power and Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18 –24)

The permanent center of all Christian truth and life is the cross, specifically the "word of the cross" or Christ crucified. This message is the exclusive locus of God’s power and wisdom. God’s power is defined as His saving efficacy, which achieved propitiation, reconciliation, and the public vindication of His righteousness—accomplishments impossible through human strength or intellect. God’s wisdom is the necessary and righteous plan whereby He remains just while justifying those who have faith in Jesus.

The cross fundamentally divides humanity because it directly contradicts the expectations of the world. Jews habitually demand signs, viewing the cross as a stumbling block that negates their hope for a conquering Messiah vindicated by spectacular might. Greeks habitually seek wisdom that flatters the intellect, perceiving the cross as folly—a philosophical and cultural absurdity that refuses to be domesticated into a sophisticated system.

In response to these demands, God executes His settled policy to destroy the wisdom of the wise and make foolish the wisdom of the world. This is achieved by demonstrating that it pleased God to save believers through ordinary preaching—the seemingly weak and foolish method of plain proclamation. This cruciform means and message systematically annihilate pride.

The split verdict is resolved only by God’s effectual call. This sovereign summons brings the sinner from death to life, creating the sight by which the called are enabled to discern the crucified Messiah as divine power and wisdom. This ensures that salvation is entirely God's work, guaranteeing that no human being might boast in His presence, and that all glory is transferred to the Lord alone.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730