To those who are perishing, the message of the cross is nonsense. "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). It makes no sense to them. However, for those who are being saved, it is the power of God. The line is clearly drawn between those who are saved and those who are not.
The cross is forever the power of God to transform the lives of sinful people. Christ crucified for sinners is the gospel. The power of God's Spirit raised Him from the dead three days later. It is the same power that changes the hearts of sinners to life anew.
The Holy Spirit is the power of God working through the gospel to change your life. Foolishness, they say. Absolutely, until you experience the power of God through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit draws you to faith in Christ. He changes you from the inside out. Then, you can say, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God" (Romans 1:16).
The power of the gospel is not an overwhelming force. Rather, the gospel is the power of God's love in Christ. Those who come to faith in Jesus Christ can say, "I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). Experiencing the power of God is at the cross.
