"Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.”

“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1Corinthians 2:1-2 ESV). This focus on the cross should inspire reverence and gratitude in our hearts, reminding us of Christ's sacrifice as the foundation of our faith. 

Testimony may carry weight with others; however, it does not carry the weight of the cross. More often than not, testimony among brothers often becomes a comparison of the depth of their depravity rather than the saving grace of Christ. Martyn Lloyd-Jones spoke of this in a sermon, noting how absurd it was that Christ was lost from the testimony, which became an embarrassing revelation of sins for those participating.

In the same way, many try to use a deep theological vocabulary to impress others. You can know definitions without understanding their implications on one’s soul and salvation just as many can recite scripture without knowing what it means for them as a sinner. I, for one, cannot recite scripture; however, more often than not, I can tell you where the answer in scripture lies to your questions about Christ.

Paul speaks of this in today’s verses. Reaching others with the gospel must be done as one speaking to a child. Those outside of Christ need to be led to Him with simplicity and love. Once they are standing before the Lord, He will do the rest. This approach should fill us with hope and confidence that love and simplicity are potent tools in sharing Christ.

From behind the pulpit, it is a different story. While still teaching with love and simplicity, the church needs to understand words in scripture—words like propitiation, justification, and sanctification. We must remember that the gospel is folly to those perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18). We must present Christ and Him crucified to the unbeliever. We will either plant a seed or open the door for Christ, who already knows who will be saved, when, and how.

Having just celebrated the incarnation of Christ on earth, the virgin birth, those lost must understand that He came as a propitiation. His sacrifice on the cross was the act, the propitiation, that satisfied the wrath of God against all human sin for those who believe in the risen Son of God and His finished work on the cross. Once and for all, Christ paid for all sin, being the perfect one-time sacrifice of atonement. In doing so, the believer receives the imputed righteousness of Christ. He gives them His righteousness before God, having borne their sin on the cross.

It happens today, just as it did over 2000 years ago on the cross. This gift of righteousness costs nothing and requires one to do nothing but believe in the finished work of Christ. Jesus even takes care of that, bestowing His grace on the unbeliever so that they may come to faith in Him as the Son of God. The new believer stands before God, having been justified and made righteous through the death of Christ on the cross. That is Christ, and Him crucified, that is the gift of salvation, that my friend, is the Gospel of Jesus Christ who Himself alone is the good news.

Do you know Him as your Savior? Have you asked Him into your heart as Lord? Have you sought Christ and salvation through His sacrifice? If you answered no to all or any of these questions, seek Him today. There may be no time for tomorrow. Choose Christ, choose life eternal.

Grace and Peace!