Lord’s Library editors offer a 1 Corinthians 1:18 meaning with commentary and supporting Scriptures for your edification.
1 Corinthians 1:18 reads, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” This verse addresses a central truth of the Christian faith: that the message of salvation through the cross of Jesus Christ is perceived differently by believers and unbelievers. To those who reject God’s offer of salvation, the message of the cross appears absurd, but for those who have faith, it is the very demonstration of God’s power that brings eternal life. This contrast highlights the transformative work of grace received through faith, distinguishing those who accept God’s gift from those who rely on human wisdom or personal merit.
The phrase “the preaching of the cross” refers to the proclamation of the Gospel, which centers on the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross is the pivotal event through which salvation was made possible, yet to the world, it seems illogical and offensive. Galatians 3:13 underscores the significance of Christ’s sacrifice, stating, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.” Jesus bore the penalty for sin, a curse we could not escape by our own efforts, so that believers could be reconciled to God. This act of grace cannot be earned; it is given freely and accessed only through faith.
1 Corinthians 1:18 Meaning
The verse also highlights a distinction between “them that perish” and “us which are saved.” This division signifies two paths: rejection or acceptance of the Gospel. For those who do not believe, the message of the cross is “foolishness,” as it defies worldly wisdom and undermines human pride. 1 Corinthians 2:14 explains this, stating, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Without the Holy Spirit’s revelation, the Gospel cannot be understood or valued. Faith opens our spiritual eyes to grasp the power and beauty of the cross.
In contrast, “unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” The power of God displayed through the cross demonstrates His ability to conquer sin and death, granting eternal life to those who believe. Romans 1:16 emphasizes this, declaring, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” The Gospel is effective and transformative, rescuing believers from the penalty of sin and renewing them by God’s grace. It is through the power of the cross that believers experience salvation, a gift that no amount of human effort can attain.
This theme of salvation by grace through faith is further clarified in Ephesians 2:8-9, which explains, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation is not achieved by human wisdom, effort, or morality; rather, it is a gift from God, received through trusting in Christ’s finished work on the cross. This reliance on grace challenges human pride, as it requires humility to accept that our own works cannot earn favor with God. The cross, therefore, becomes both a stumbling block to human pride and the gateway to divine grace.
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:18 also remind believers of the importance of sharing the Gospel, even in the face of ridicule or rejection. Just as the Apostle Paul faced scorn from those who regarded the cross as foolishness, Christians are called to stand firm in proclaiming salvation through Christ. Romans 10:14 asks, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Despite the world’s skepticism, believers are commissioned to share the message of the cross, for it alone brings salvation.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 1:18 captures the paradox of the cross: it is foolishness to the unbelieving world but the power of God to those who believe. This verse underscores that salvation is not earned but is a gift of grace, accessed through faith. For believers, the cross is more than a symbol; it is the assurance of forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. By embracing the “foolishness” of the cross, Christians experience the power of God that transforms lives, frees from sin, and reconciles us to our Creator. This truth remains central to the Christian faith, affirming that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
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