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What is the offense of the cross?

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The offense of the cross lies in its declaration that salvation is fully accomplished in Christ and cannot be supplemented by human effort or merit.

The offense of the cross is that it starkly refuses to accept any human works or merits as contributing to salvation. As noted in Galatians 5:11, Paul states, 'If I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offense of the cross ceased.' This offense is uncomfortable for those who wish to add conditions to grace, such as the Jewish legalists in Paul's day who taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation. The cross upholds the radical truth that Christ's sacrificial death fully atones for sin, and it challenges human pride by making it clear that we cannot earn our salvation. This message, while liberating to believers, is met with resistance from the world that prefers a religion of works.
Scripture References: Galatians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 1:18

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Joshua

Joshua

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