Today’s devotion comes from 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,
“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
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In today’s Scripture, we read two similar descriptions of the Gospel as “the word of the cross” and “Christ crucified”, and both descriptions further describe the Gospel as “the power of God”.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation …” Romans 1:16.
Furthermore, today’s Scripture describes the Gospel as “the wisdom of God”. Verse 24.
Yet, other doctrine show by its teaching that it believes the Gospel is the free-will power of man and the wisdom of man to choose whether or not he or she believes and thus will be saved.
But, Reformed Doctrine shows by its teaching that it believes Scripture that the Gospel is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” to save those whom He elects and calls to salvation.
Yes, those who are saved do believe. But, their belief is based on “the power of God and the wisdom of God”. Verse 24.
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
Is it good news for salvation to be dependent on the free-will power of man and the wisdom of man?
Or, is it good news for salvation to be dependent on “the power of God and the wisdom of God”?
Consider what the Canons of Dordt states: “the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation”. This is “the word of the cross” and “Christ crucified”. This is the Gospel.
Article 8. For this was the sovereign counsel, and most gracious will and purpose of God the Father, that the quickening and saving efficacy of the most precious death of his Son should extend to all the elect, for bestowing upon them alone the gift of justifying faith, thereby to bring them infallibly to salvation: that is, it was the will of God, that Christ by the blood of the cross, whereby he confirmed the new covenant, should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation, and language, all those, and those only, who were from eternity chosen to salvation, and given to him by the Father; that he should confer upon them faith, which together with all the other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, he purchased for them by his death; should purge them from all sin, both original and actual, whether committed before or after believing; and having faithfully preserved them even to the end, should at last bring them free from every spot and blemish to the enjoyment of glory in his own presence forever. SECOND HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Death of Christ, and the Redemption of Men Thereby.
“and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:4-5.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 