“For the word 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 NASB)
Many people in this world find the gospel foolish. Maybe if you’re honest, there was a time in your life when you found it foolish also. Maybe you even find it foolish now. Think about it. A man named Jesus lived 2000 years ago, and somehow because he was crucified as a criminal people have the chance to spend eternity in Heaven. On the surface, does that sound odd? Does it not make sense to you? Does it sound foolish? Now let’s explain it a little deeper.
We are sinners. God is perfectly holy and just. For a sinner to gain entrance into Heaven he must be perfect and his sins must be paid for. God’s standard is perfection and His justice requires a payment for wrongs committed. The problem for us is that the Bible teaches “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) thus disqualifying us from Heaven. Because of sin we deserve nothing but God’s judgment in eternal Hell. Now the cross enters the picture.
Jesus, who was (and is) God became a man and “dwelt among us” (John 1:14). He was the only man to ever live a perfect, sinless life. Then he died a sacrificial death upon the cross. For those who repent of their sin and place their faith in Christ as Lord forgiveness is attained. Because God grants those “in Christ” credit for his perfect life. Then His justice is fulfilled because He punished Jesus upon the cross as a “substitute” for those who rightfully deserved God’s wrath.
To those who are perishing, this whole thing sounds ridiculous. But to those saved by the grace of God, this whole things sounds like a glorious and merciful manifestation of God’s power. So how does the gospel sound to you? If it still sounds foolish then keep reading God’s Word. Keep praying for God to make His plan clear. And start regularly listening to someone who accurately preaches the truth of the Bible. Eventually, by God’s grace, you too may see the power of God and the Divine wisdom of the cross.