Resurrection is the Deciding Factor

Scripture: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Observation: In greeting the church at Corinth, Paul discusses the wisdom - and foolishness - of the entire idea of Messiah. In this explanation, the conversation is this simple ... the idea that a man was crucified, dead, buried, and the resurrected is either a) an impossibility and thus belief in it is absolute foolishness, or b) an incredible miracle that is nothing short of definitive proof in God and his promised salvation. There is almost no middle ground.

Application: As Paul points out - and something I have discussed and even spoken on in the past - there is one core message of Christianity ... Christ crucified. Jesus was killed and resurrected. It is from that fact, and only from that fact, that belief in salvation through faith in Jesus can exist. It is only by that proof that centuries of prophets are proven worthy, thus the scriptures are true, thus the nature of Yahweh's love is known, thus his purposes are understood, and thus his promise of eternal salvation even exists.

And there are two kinds of people, those who believe all of this, beginning with Jesus, and those who don't. For those who don't it is crazy talk. I have seen this. I have seen the look on a face when the topic of Jesus' resurrection is mentioned. It is in that moment where they make a real decision. Before that, they may believe there exists God, they may be curious about creation, they may read the bible as wise council, they may even consider the teachings of Jesus, however ... belief in the resurrection is the deciding factor, and so often that is the moment the scoff.

However, not always. I have also seen the recognition and belief that, if all other aspects are true ... and there are too many coincidences through two millennia before that moment and two millennia after that moment to deny that moment itself ... that the resurrection must be real.

I would like to see that look more. In order to do so, I'll likely have to see the other look more. I will have to tell more people about Christ crucified, and watch many of them look at me like I'm foolish ... but also to see many of them awaken and be saved.

Prayer: Lord, may I have more opportunities, more wisdom, and more courage the pronounce Christ crucified, this day and every day. I am sure I am not the best at doing so, but I have total belief, and total faith in you. May my words never be mine, but only from you and your spirit. Amen.