stephen R Harrison

“Grant Wisdom and Strength”

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,

and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”

-1 Corinthians 1:25

I’ve heard dozens of testimonies from believers in Jesus that sound like, “I don’t know how I could have ever disbelieved that Jesus saves. I cannot imagine my life without Christ.” All who believe in Jesus used to be unbelievers. Sometimes, Christians can forget this when thinking about those who doubt and are unsaved. The most logical reasoning against Christianity may have seemed legitimate when we were unbelievers. It doesn’t make sense how Jesus’ death on the cross provides the exclusive means to eternal life. However, once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee it. It’s like God flips an eternal switch in your soul. The Spirit transforms us, giving us a brand-new spirit. He gives us the faith to believe.

Many follow the wisdom of this world in various forms for peace and hope of salvation. Some choose other religions like Islam and Hinduism. Some imposters of Christianity (cults) claim to offer salvation. They cannot. Others choose atheism, flat-out denial of God’s existence and Christ’s redemption. Many serve idols like money, identity, lust, comfort, and entertainment to soothe their lostness. Sadly, they all come up empty.  It seemed foolish to many that salvation was possible by someone who died on the cross. How can someone who couldn’t save themselves save anyone else? 

Many illusions seem right, but only the reality of Jesus’ sacrifice brings us salvation. Jesus did die, but he rose again! First Corinthians 1:25 says, “The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength”. Jesus willingly laid down his life as payment for our sins. While Jesus was a stumbling block for the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles, he was the power of God for salvation – for Jews and Gentiles who believe (v. 24). That’s why we preach Christ Crucified (v. 23). 

Lent reminds us of our sins, foolish attempts for salvation on our merit, and most of all (best of all), Jesus’ resurrection, which brings us forgiveness and eternal life! Temporary worldly wisdom can never surpass eternal godly wisdom. We must trust God in faith that he will save us. What we need is childlike faith, not expert genius. Jesus’s cross symbolizes grace, strength, humility, and wisdom. John 3 reminds us, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (vv. 14-15). It may have seemed ironic and foolish to those bitten by a poisonous snake to look at a bronze snake on a pole lifted by Moses for life. But those who did lived (Numbers 21:9). 

In the same way, it may seem foolish to trust in salvation from one who was lifted on a cross and died. Good News, he’s not dead! Jesus “was delivered to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25). 

Questions: 

Have you ever trusted in something other than Jesus for salvation?

What led you to believe Jesus alone saves?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for dying for our sins and rising from the dead for our salvation. It may seem foolish, but all who trust in you to be born again will receive eternal life. Help us preach and share the gospel to those who are perishing and pray that they will believe and receive the gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Read: 

1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Action Step:

Make a list of false religions and false hopes for salvation. What do these all have in common? Why do they seem so appealing? Spend a few minutes praying for those deceived in these to come to gospel truth and believe in God’s power through Christ for salvation.