gal 05v11 The Cross of the Cross
"...THE CROSS OF THE CROSS..."
Galatians 5:11
By "the cross", Paul
did not mean the material cross. That is offensive to no one. It is a piece of
jewelry. It is a universal symbol of religious sentimentalism at best, and outright idolatry at worst. Nor does he moan the
mere historic fact of the cross. The fact of the crucifixion is a part of
history which everyone receives. When Paul talks about the cross, he is talking
about the doctrine of the cross - the doctrine of substitutionary redemption -
the doctrine of blood atonement - the doctrine of free justification - the
doctrine of complete pardon in Christ. He is talking about the preaching of the
cross. By the preaching of the cross I mean the proclamation of its necessity,
its nature, and its efficacy.
The
preaching of the cross was an offense to the religious: self-righteous Jew, and
to the proud intellectual Greek. If Paul had been willing to allow that man had
any part in the work of salvation, both the Jew and the Gentile would have
accepted his doctrine. But he would not allow any space for man. He declared
that salvation was altogether the work of the triune God. It is a work of the
grace of God, through the mediation of Christ, and by the power of the Holy
Spirit. It is not a co-operative effort of God and man. It is a co-operative
act of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The
preaching of the cross offends the pride and dignity of man. It is a vivid
reminder of man’s sin and hatred of God. In its profound simplicity, it offends
the wisdom of man. The inventions of man's religion are declared to be vanity.
It is offensive, because it puts all men upon one level. Princes and paupers,
moralists and harlots, scholars and drunkards are all the same in the eyes of
God. All are sinners. And if they enter into glory, they must all stoop down
and enter in at the door of the cross, elbow to elbow, indeed, God is no
respecter of persons.
But there are some to whom the
cross is no offence, To them who are called, it is the
power of God and the wisdom of God! Has God removed from your heart the offense
of the cross? Do you now see its wisdom and beauty? Have you entered in by
faith through the door of the cross? If so, give thanks to God alone!