"...Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but TO THOSE WHO ARE CALLED, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." Notice Paul says that we preach outwardly to all Greeks and Jews who reject Christ (a stumbling block) because they demand philosophy (wisdom) and signs, but, he declares, those who are called among them, the power of God. i.e. salvation. Note the phrase "those who are called" which means that although Paul gives an outward call to all men through preaching, but God gives an inward call to some among them who hear the preaching. Paul appeals to the cross because it really works! It really saves!!! His preaching was "a demonstration of the Spirit and power" because wisdom and signs do not save. Only God gets the credit for salvation, even for the effectual call itself. For it is "BECAUSE OF HIM you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." 1 Cor 1: 22-24. Monergism Books.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:15:59 +0000
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