1 Corinthians 1-5

November 28

1 Corinthians 1-5

The cross stands at the crossroads between heaven and hell. For some it is a bridge to eternal life in Christ, for others it is a stumbling block they will not overcome. It is a simple message. Perhaps it is too simple. We want to do something to earn our way to a relationship with God, but we can do nothing to earn our way. Besides, the price has already been paid. The gift has already been given. The price is paid. For us to try to pay God back for what He has freely given us is and insult to the price Jesus paid for us.

The cross is foolishness to some people, but Jesus said; "“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NIV)  That gate is the cross. People look for numerous ways to come to God without facing the cross, without accepting Jesus, but there is no other way. God revealed His love for us by becoming man and dying on the cross in our place. He took our sin and punishment upon himself, so we could spend eternity with Him.

The message of the cross sounds like foolishness to those who are perishing, but there is power in the message when the Holy Spirit reveals the truth in our hearts. Once our eyes are opened and we can see the truth, our lives are changed forever. If our eyes are not opened and we continue to deny the truth of the Gospel, we are headed for destruction. We all have to choose the path we will take. We can take the narrow road and humble ourselves at the foot of the cross and receive our salvation, or we can reject the cross and fall on our faces in the presence of Jesus when He pronounces judgment upon us. We will all humble ourselves, the difference is when and our eternal destiny.