The Gospel—The Power Of God

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:18

    The preaching of the cross encompasses the declaration of the whole of the person and work of our Redeemer. Therefore, the center, sum, and substance of the Gospel message is the Lord Jesus Christ. There can be no credibility given to any message that has any thing or person, other than Christ, as its center as a Gospel message. Likewise, neither can those who preach any other message than Jesus Christ, and him crucified (1 Cor 2:2) be correctly identified as Gospel preachers. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Gal 1:8).

    The power of God is manifested by his Spirit to his people by a two-fold means in their salvation.

    The Word of God—For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance (1 Thes 1:5).

    The preaching of It—For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe (1 Cor 1:21).

    There can be (and is) an abundance of good things being said, and a lot of worthy causes being promoted in the world of Christendom. Nevertheless, it is only the message of Jesus Christ and him Crucified that God uses to reveal his glory and power in the salvation of poor sinners. To them, this singular message preached in simplicity is utter foolishness. But unto uswhicharesaved it is the power of God!