Question
How is “the cross” an important part of Paul’s thought? What role does it play and how does Paul “use” the language of the “cross” and “crucifixion?
Answer
Paul did not promote or engage human wisdom when he preached the message of the cross of Christ, which is foolish to man; for that message (the Gospel) is the means God uses to save those who believe.
1 Corinthians 1:17-18 (NKJV) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
The message of the cross was all that mattered to Paul – he was unconcerned about impressing people with his skills.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (NKJV) 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Christ took upon Himself the curse of our sin by “hanging on a tree (the cross)”
Galatians 3:13 (NKJV) 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"),
The message of the cross offends people, including the religious.
Galatians 5:11 (NKJV) 11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.
The facts surrounding cross of Christ were that in which Paul “boasted” or “gloried” – nothing else in the world mattered.
Galatians 6:14 (NKJV) 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
God used the cross of Christ to reconcile all mankind – both Jews and Gentiles – to Himself.
Ephesians 2:16 (NKJV) 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
People within the Church who depend upon their religiosity rather than Christ were/are enemies of the cross.
Philippians 3:18 (NKJV) 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
All on earth were reconciled by means of the cross; thus, peace with God was achieved.
Colossians 1:20 (NKJV) 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
The Old Testament Law was “nailed” to the cross – wiped out (because Christ had fulfilled both its requirements of holiness and its cursed punishment against sin).
Colossians 2:14 (NKJV) 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Conclusion
The cross was only a couple pieces of wood used by the Roman Empire to put criminals to death; in and of itself, the cross has no meaning beyond that. However, when placed into the context of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on a cross, the message of the cross became Paul’s focus in life (1 Timothy 2:5-7). The cross itself should never be adored. It is Christ Who died upon a cross (thus is the message of the cross – the Gospel) Who should be adored. We do not trust in the cross for salvation; we trust in Christ Who died on a cross and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9-13; John 3:16).
Please look further into this at both:
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