No Greater Glory
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."
-1 Corinthians 1:30-31
Christ crucified. These words prompt thoughts of sacrifice and forgiveness. Rarely, however, do we consider the cross of Jesus the "wisdom of God."
Yet after describing the gospel as stumbling block to some and foolishness to others (1:23), the apostle Paul went on to explain God's insistence that no person boast before Him (1:29). In fact, God chose to save sinners in such a way that all glory belongs to Him. The cross mocks human ideas by boldly declaring that God's wisdom will not bow to human standards of approval.
Thus the wisdom that Christ embodies manifests itself as God's plan for "righteousness and sanctification and redemption." Apart from the cross, we stand in filthy rags rather than true righteousness. Without the crucifixion, sanctification is more akin to theological fiction than practical reality. If not for the Son's obedient sacrifice, redemption would be nothing more than wishful thinking. Despite our insistence that people are generally good and that a loving God sends no one to hell, Christ crucified shames the wise and nullifies the things we perceive to be true (1:25,28). Man's wisdom is shattered by the rocks of God's sovereign determination that "He who glories" must "glory in the Lord." This wisdom of God. Embrace it, celebrate it, rest in it and do not dare reject it.
Prayer : Father, thank You for opening my eyes to real wisdom. I am once again awed by Your sacrificial love and grace-filled plan for my salvation. Help me develop a greater passion for Your glory rather than for my own. Amen.
-1 Corinthians 1:30-31
Christ crucified. These words prompt thoughts of sacrifice and forgiveness. Rarely, however, do we consider the cross of Jesus the "wisdom of God."
Yet after describing the gospel as stumbling block to some and foolishness to others (1:23), the apostle Paul went on to explain God's insistence that no person boast before Him (1:29). In fact, God chose to save sinners in such a way that all glory belongs to Him. The cross mocks human ideas by boldly declaring that God's wisdom will not bow to human standards of approval.
Thus the wisdom that Christ embodies manifests itself as God's plan for "righteousness and sanctification and redemption." Apart from the cross, we stand in filthy rags rather than true righteousness. Without the crucifixion, sanctification is more akin to theological fiction than practical reality. If not for the Son's obedient sacrifice, redemption would be nothing more than wishful thinking. Despite our insistence that people are generally good and that a loving God sends no one to hell, Christ crucified shames the wise and nullifies the things we perceive to be true (1:25,28). Man's wisdom is shattered by the rocks of God's sovereign determination that "He who glories" must "glory in the Lord." This wisdom of God. Embrace it, celebrate it, rest in it and do not dare reject it.
Prayer : Father, thank You for opening my eyes to real wisdom. I am once again awed by Your sacrificial love and grace-filled plan for my salvation. Help me develop a greater passion for Your glory rather than for my own. Amen.
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