"And that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity."
Text: Ephesians 2:16
THE WISDOM OF GOD
The message of the cross of Christ was suffused with the wisdom of God. The unregenerate would never be able to comprehend the profound wisdom of God. However to those who have faith, the cross of Christ manifested the wisdom of God.
“But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God…
“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us
wisdom from God- and righteousness and sanctification
and redemption.”
1 CORINTHIANS 1:24, 30
How should we understand these texts? For easier comprehension, let us enumerate the arguments of Paul concerning the message of the cross of Christ.
1. Christ was crucified on the cross at Calvary- (A simple historical fact)
2. His death was of great atoning significance- (Profound theological significance)
a) He died for the sins of both Jews and Gentiles.
b) He died so that the enmity between God and man may be removed.
c) He died so that the enmity between Jew and Gentile may also be removed.
d) All enmity died with Him on the cross of Calvary.
3. Christ may indeed be called “the power of God”
a) Through His death the power of sin was demolished.
b) Through His death the power of Satan was shattered.
c) Through His death all enmity was removed effectively.
4. Christ may also be called “the wisdom of God”
a) Few appreciate the deep significance of Christ’s obedience that led to His death on the Cross.
b) The wisdom of Christ in giving full obedience to His Father’s plan of redemption produced great and profound results.
c) Enmity in any and every form was removed forever because of His wisdom in obeying the Father.