Power and Offence

Paul gloried in the Cross, not the Resurrection. He talked about the offence of the Cross, not of the risen Christ. Of course, it is understood that there could be no Resurrection without the Cross. But what is the offence of the Cross?

A Barnes Explanation-In-A-Nutshell is the it erased any ability of man to paticipate in his own redemption. In fact, it amplified humanity's lack of spiritual perception and inability to live in the Spirit.

Point: God came to earth as an act of grace, taught His ways to those who would listen, placed Himself into the hands of the people He had created and let events proceed. Those people did not perceive the truth and became jealous. They falsely accused, tried and convicted Him of crimes against Himself and killed Him.

The Cross simultaneously convicted humanity and redeemed it. Those who reject its power are immeasureably offended by this truth. To them, it is foolishness or blasphemy. Paul's glory in the Cross came as a result of the revelation of these things.

Remember that Paul was a systematic mass murderer before he met Jesus. We only fall short of calling him genocidal because most of the people he killed were of his own people. He was intent on wiping the name of Jesus from history and squelching His teachings. No number has ever been recorded regarding how many lives he was responsible for ending. What we know is that his heart was different after Damascus Road. He realized his sin and let it go under the blood of Christ. Is it any wonder that he would glory in the Cross? Where else could all those murders be erased?

Dont you mean covered? No. I mean  E-R-A-S-E-D !

THAT  is the power and the offence of the Cross of Christ.