This passage in 1 Corinthians has reference to both unbelievers and believers. Paul states clearly that the cross of Jesus Christ has the power to save sinners, which is why he preaches the cross and not baptism nor any works of any kind that we do. We become saved when, at the cross of Jesus Christ, we find forgiveness for our sins, healing for our broken hearts, and new life in Jesus Christ. But the passage also refers to believers, clearly stating that the cross is the power of God "to us who are being saved."
In other words, the cross has the power of God to convert sinners, but also the cross is the power of God for believers. The cross not only saves us from the penalty of sin, but it also breaks the power of sin as well. Unlike those who teach that the cross is merely to get unbelievers converted, and then we move on "to the deeper teachings," Paul's point is that the cross is powerful for both unbelievers and believers. We remember Paul saying, as a believer, that the world was crucified to him, and he to the world through the cross (Galatians 6:14). The cross is the power of God both for the salvation of unbelievers and the sanctification of believers.
So, we have seen today that the cross reveals the wrath of God, the righteousness of God, and the power of God. The cross displays the fierce hatred of God against sin vividly. It shows the righteousness of God, for God did not leave sin unpunished but required Jesus' blood in payment. It shows the power of God, for God uses the cross to grant forgiveness to those who repent, to bring them from death to life, to break the power of sin in their lives, and to send them on their way rejoicing in the Lord.
A Bible-believing Christian once was assailed by an atheist who said, "I don't understand how the blood of Jesus Christ can wash away my sin, nor do I believe it."
"You and Paul agree on that," answered the Bible student.
"How so?" replied the atheist.
"1 Corinthians 1:18 says, 'For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.' "
The atheist looked startled and then contemplatively began to study the Bible, where he soon found the cross to be the power of God unto his salvation. What POWER there is in the cross of Jesus Christ.
Question 9. As you contemplate the wrath and righteousness of God and the power of the cross, what final thoughts come to mind? Please share:
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Andrew writes, "I never viewed the cross before as Jesus being the target of God’s wrath to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law. The passages in Psalms are clear illustrations of this. I also never really thought about the cross being necessary to fulfill God’s own righteousness. God set up his holy requirements, and only he could fulfill them and meet them in an awesome display of his love for us. This is going much deeper than I could have imagined. Finally, the cross being the power of God for believers is awesome. I, too, have moved away from the cross after "knowledge" of salvation. I say knowledge because I still lived in sin until I took the purity courses at Setting Captives Free. It is the very cross that saves me and gives me the power to continue to resist sin for God’s glory. I’m starting to get it slowly. God is so good, so wise. Thank you, Jesus, for bearing the wrath of God’s arrows for me."
Jen writes, "My heart was overwhelmed this morning as I considered the wrath of God poured on Jesus on the cross! I was reminder again that the cross does not just provide the Power to save me but also the Power to break sins hold on me and give me the daily victory I need in Jesus!"
Mike L. writes, "I know personally the power of the cross as it set me free from 40 years of enslavement and I have seen it set many other free as well. The more time spent at the foot the cross the more you will be crucified to this world and your sin, praise Jesus! It truly is overwhelming how much we are loved and there is no better picture of that love than on the cross!"