THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Corinthians 1:17)

“The union between humanity and deity can never be broken.” – Mark Hankins

Paul used the word “cross” In 1 Corinthians 1:17, not because he was simply talking about the crucifixion. He identified with the cross because that is where God identified with him.

The first step of God’s identification with sinful man began with the incarnation when God became a man, and Jesus came to earth. 

The second step of God’s identification with fallen man was when Jesus told John to baptize Him. When Jesus got in the line with sinners, He said, “Baptize me with those who are confessing their sin.”  John the Baptist did not understand what was happening so he said, “I am not baptizing You.” However, the union between humanity and deity in Jesus can never be broken. Not just for one human generation, but through all eternity.  Jesus is still a man right now at the right hand of God.

Confession: “I consider myself as having died and now enjoying a second existence, which is simply Jesus using my body.” (Galatians 2:20 } The Distilled Bible)