“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
“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” I Corinthians 1:23
A just, holy & perfect God responsible for the creation of all that exists is not a popular idea. There are two reasons for that: one, we are NOT perfect, and two, we fear & resent having to account for our deeds to One who is! If He doesn’t grade on a curve (and He does not), we will ALL face rejection. It’s bad enough to bear the brand of LOSER for one single day. Who could stand an eternal afterlife with such regret?
NO ONE HAS TO DO SO! Having recognized our plight, that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23) He sent His perfect Son Jesus of Nazareth to atone for all those willing to believe His words & receive His gift of salvation. HE DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE IN THE FATHER’S PRESENCE WHEN WE STAND BEFORE HIM! Because Jesus did not sin, His blood can provide absolution for ALL WHO CALL ON HIM! As His righteousness raised Him from the dead, it will also raise up ANY who put their faith in Him. He will proudly present to the Father all who have trusted in Him!
So why doesn’t everyone lay hold of this most excellent gift? Because there is a personal cost, a transaction required of the believer. A choice must be made to turn away (repent) from living in sin. It’s not a one-time decision, but a choice we face every time temptation looms before us. Jesus put it this way, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19) Some folks think of salvation as a contract they can hold over God’s head, but that would work both ways. God never forces His redemption on anyone! We can receive forgiveness in Christ when we inevitably sin, but we cannot pursue Christ & sin at the same time. We will certainly pursue that which we love the most!
Christ Jesus died to redeem sinners. If we accept He died for us, He calls us to repentance & to live for Him. That’s our sacrifice. It is what He means when He bids us to take up our cross & follow Him. Whatever choice we make, there is a payoff that will follow, as sure as night follows day. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Everyone faces death, the end of this life; but whoever abides in Christ Jesus partakes in His resurrection & will NEVER BE PARTED FROM HIM THEREAFTER!
“…if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart God hath raised Him from the dead, THOU SHALT BE SAVED.” (Romans 10:9)