1Cor 1: 18 For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 23 But we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
[Part 1 of 2] Before Christ could be crucified to solve all these problems, He had to put on human nature. This means that He had to become a man, a creature. By becoming a man, Christ became a creature. He took on human nature, not only for the purpose of dying for us and of shedding His blood for our sins, but also for the purpose of solving the problems of Satan, the world, sin, fallen man, the natural life, flesh, oldness, and ordinances. Although Christ could have refused death by crucifixion, He was crucified. According to the human understanding, Christ was executed by others. However, His understanding of His death was different. In John 10:11 the Lord Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." Concerning His life, the Lord goes on to say in John 10:18, "No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again." His life was not taken from Him. On the contrary, He gave up His life for us. If Christ had not been willing to lay down His life, it would not have been possible for people to execute Him. Instead of fighting for Himself, Christ accepted the death of the cross. He was willing to be crucified in order to accomplish redemption and solve all the problems in the universe. Christ crucified is an offense to those who seek signs, and foolishness to those who seek wisdom. But to us who believe He is God's power and wisdom. (c) Living Stream Ministry.
Bible verses are taken from the Recovery Version of the Bible and Words of Ministry from Witness Lee, Life-study of 1 Corinthians, pp. 72. Both are published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, CA. Please visit us at www.emanna.com. Send comments to: [email protected].
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