The Mystery of the Cross

The cross of Christ stirs various and diverse conversations. To some, it signifies an overwhelming debt that demands recognition. For others, it becomes a gateway to spiritual contemplation, and there are those who dismiss it as an insignificant topic not worth discussing.

This message was delivered by Nathan J. Bonilla, pastor of the Cleveland church, on September 2, 2023, during the 20th Annual General Assembly.
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“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God . . .” But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1.18, 23-24).

​The cross of Christ stirs various and diverse conversations. To some, it signifies an overwhelming debt that demands recognition. For others, it becomes a gateway to spiritual contemplation, and there are those who dismiss it as an insignificant topic not worth discussing. Familiar to many is the age-old saying, “Everything ends at the foot of the cross.” Through this simple yet powerful statement, many viewpoints emerge—be it theological, historical, or cultural. Today, we stand witness to many different perspectives that attempt to explain the significance of the cross, yet there remains but one true explanation, and it is found in the Word of God.
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Amid the multitude of perspectives surrounding the cross, the true significance confounds the ordinary person. Without experiencing its profound depths, even the most educated among us are left in a state of mystery regarding the cross. Why is it that humanity struggles to comprehend the profound meaning of Christ's sacrifice without personally experiencing itstransformative power? The wisdom of the Apostle Paul resonates here. He declared: “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2.14).1.

1. This natural man lacks the ability to perceive the truths of God, for he relies solely on his own limited understanding. Instead of being guided by the Spirit of God, he is influenced by opposing forces. The “spiritual man,” in contrast, is in harmony with the Spirit of God and is enabled to discern the deep truths of the Gospel. The natural man, described in 1 Cor. 2.14, is characterized by being governed by his own nature and influenced by secular and religious worldviews. It is important to note that one can outwardly profess Christian beliefs and yet remain spiritually in a state of carnality and individualism, and be completely unaware of the profound significance of the cross of Christ. The natural man places his unwavering reliance on his own understanding, and thus remains ignorant of the transformative power of the divine revelation of the cross.
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2. The natural man faces a twofold challenge when it comes to the things of God. First, he is unable to grasp and comprehend them, lacking the capacity to fully understand them. Second, he doesn’t comprehend that the profound depths of God's Word and His redemptive work are rooted in one’s non- acceptance of Christ as his personal savior. From the perspective of the natural man, the concept of the cross and its redemptive significance may appear foolish or lacking in wisdom.

​3. Again, the natural man not only rejects the truth of the cross but lacks understanding of its true significance. He is governed by his own wisdom rather than the wisdom of the Holy Ghost. When a person fully surrenders to God, the Spirit of God begins to work within him, gradually enabling him to discern the things of God. The Word of God comes alive;blind eyes are opened to the profound truth of the cross of Christ. The cross thus is no longer a mystery to born-again believers, but rather a revelation that gives them understanding. 

​Divisions in the Church
Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 1.18, 23-24 by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, reminding the Corinthians of the true meaning and significance of the cross of Christ in contrast to how it is perceived by unregenerate men. He also addressed the emerging issue of division that was becoming apparent within the Corinthian church. He thus sought to guide and encourage believers to embrace the unifying power of the cross and to overcome the divisions that were threatening their fellowship. Notice verse 10: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” Then he begins to ask the following questions in verse 13: “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?”

In his address to the church at Corinth, Paul says, “I beseech you,” which means “I exhort you.” This phrase originates from a Greek word rooted in the concept of Helper or Comforter. Thus, Paul is telling the Corinthian church, “I want to come alongside you and help you understand what is going on.” We can observe Paul’s way of expressing himself in verse 9. He writes, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” Then he reminds us of the fellowship they had accepted and to which they had been called. When we examine the word “fellowship” in its biblical usage, it signifies “the right hand of fellowship,” a sign or pledge pointing to the unity of believers. Therefore, Paul is explaining to the church that divisions should not exist among them because they are united in Christ, and this unity is made possible through the cross of Christ.

He expected the believers to understand this because the cross was no longer a mystery to them. It is certain that Paul knew that the “natural man” without Christ cannot comprehend the meaning of the cross; yet it was expected for the church of God at Corinth to know that their fellowship was accomplished solely through the work of the cross. Therefore, Paul comforts or exhorts them in a gentle manner, effectively asking them, “How can there be divisions among you if all of you have pledged, given the right hand of fellowship, and come together through the work of the cross, for is Christ divided?” In verses 12-13, we gain insight into the cause of the division within the Corinthian church: “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?” To some extent, there was a degree of unity in the Corinthian church, but that unity was interrupted and stagnated by the various factions that had formed around various leaders. They needed to learn that the unity expected of them as God's church could only be achieved through the work of the cross of Christ and the leadership of the Holy Ghost.

Paul thus tells the Corinthian church in verse 14, “I thank God that I baptized none of you.” Let's listen to the words of Paul as he makes it clear that he thanked God for not being involved in their foolishness, taking sides and forming groups that warred against the true unity and fellowship of the church. The divisive behavior was hindering the work of the Gospel and its proclamation among them, causing obstacles for those seeking to know the truth. Paul recognized that such actions and behavior from the members of God's household hindered the spread of the message of the cross.

The Foolishness of the Cross
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1.18). One of the dangers that the Corinthian church was facing is the same danger we face today, that is, deviation from the true meaning of the cross. The Corinthians were divided also by various pagan practices, philosophies, and cultures of the world around them. These cultural influences were partly responsible for shaping the mindset of the Corinthians.

Paul thus emphasized that those who had entered the fellowship with Christ and the church were to leave behind the cultural norms and philosophies of the pagan world around them. Unfortunately, these influences were becoming the driving force behind their divisions, which in turn was hindering the effectiveness of the church’s witness and ministry. It had also, as already mentioned, obscured the understanding of the work of the cross, making it remain a mystery. By failing to demonstrate their distinctiveness and unity in God through the cross of Christ, they prevented those outside the church to perceive the difference in them from others. Consequently, if the world sees no distinction, there will be no incentive to follow God or place faith in the work of the cross of Christ and His church. Therefore, in the eyes of the world, the message of the cross is foolishness.
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What did all this mean? It emphasized how the Gospel message of the cross may seem mysterious or foolish to some, but the apostle Paul was determined to convey to the church that their divisions were not only hindering the spiritual power of the church but also created other serious consequences. The effectiveness of the genuine Gospel message was in jeopardy. Likewise, in present-day Christianity, there is a similar tendency. The multitude of denominations has, in various ways, compromised the effectiveness of the true Gospel message. Divisions arise from differences in doctrine, ideas, and personal convictions. The message prevalent in the world today simply does not align with the Gospel that Christ entrusted to His apostles and His church in these last days. To a certain extent, current preaching revolves around a “self-centered” approach rather than a “Christ-centered” one. I say this not as criticism of our fellow believers who diligently strive to proclaim the doctrine of God's Word in various churches. However, it appears that denominationalism, which fosters disunity among God’s children, continues to grow and spread. Despite living in an era of technological advancement, there are still individuals from all walks of life who remain in spiritual darkness, blinded to the mystery of the cross. There are those who require assistance in understanding the authentic message of the Gospel, while others need to relinquish the burden of religiosity and turn to God for the genuine revelation of the cross.

The Scandal of the Cross
Now notice closely the apostle’s words: “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness” (1 Cor. 1.23). The cross challenges worldly values and priorities. The true message of the cross is to go against the current stream of society. The church is called to fulfill what the apostle Peter once said of the people of God in the last days, that is to be “. . . a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The word “peculiar” in the original Greek has various nuances of meaning, among which is the word “against.” In this context it carries the connotation of “unto the end” and signifies “continual.” Therefore, Peter is pointing out to us that we who have come to understand the mystery of the cross—the divine revelation of what Christ did on Calvary, including purchasing the church with His own blood (Acts 20.28). This challenges the church to openly declare war and go against the prevailing currents of the day.

Now Peter describes the people of God as “peculiar,” which contemporary minds perceive to mean, “weird.” Yes, it may seem strange and foolish to those who do not grasp the significance of the cross to perceive us in such a manner. To the great majority of Jews today, the cross, which represents Christ, continues to be a stumbling block. Likewise, to the Greeks, which includes all Gentiles and their philosophical mindset, the cross is foolishness. You see, during Paul's time, the Greeks were so involved in philosophical speculations it seemed foolish to them to put their trust in a man called ‘Christ,’ especially one who died a shameful death. The same principle applies today. Placing our complete trust in Christ and His crucifixion is seen as foolishness in the eyes of the world.

The world perceives the cross as a symbol of weakness and shame, a view that persists unto this day. In ancient Rome, the cross was associated with shame, humiliation, and was primarily used as a punishment for criminals and slaves. Its purpose was to deter rebellion against the empire and instill fear among the population. In Roman society, honor and status held great importance, and the cross stood in stark contrast to notions of honor and dignity. Crucifixion was considered a degrading form of punishment, designed to strip individuals of their humanity and worth, and expose them to public shame. But despite what the cross symbolized to the world at that time, the apostle Paul boldly declared: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me . . .” (Gal. 2.20). And again, “I am crucified with Christ.” He willingly laid down His life and surrendered it to Christ. Paul was unashamed of the cross and what it represented. In fact, he boldly declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom.1.16).

There is a shift in the way the cross is perceived by those transformed by its power. It is no longer a mystery but rather gives them hope and peace. The true preaching of the Gospel message takes the shame and guilt that arises from sin and transforms them into peace, love, joy, and justification. The cross of Christ now stands as a powerful representation of God's power unto salvation!

The Power of the Cross
“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1.24). Now we witness the contrast of perceiving the cross as foolishness over against exaltation. To Paul, the cross was the source of spiritual power with God, representing His wisdom and plan of salvation. It is only fitting to recognize that the wisdom of God, the divine understanding of the cross, and His plan for the end times is revealed to His church. The Scriptures declare to us: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3.10). There it is! It is through the church that the mystery of the cross begins to unfold. It is in the church that we witness the wisdom that can only emanate from the cross. To this extent, the church must seek to understand this mystery, the intent of the cross, the eternal plan of God. Through the church, the world will come to see what this mystery entails. Paul declared, “. . . the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints” (Col. 1.26).

Conclusion
Again, I want to mention the saying, “Everything ends at the foot of the cross.” How true is this! It is at the cross that we surrender ourselves to Christ. It is at the cross that we come in brokenness. It is at the cross that we are freed. It is at the cross that we find spiritual renewal. As the church, we must declare the message of the cross. We must proclaim to the world that it is no longer a mystery but rather the power of God unto salvation. Christ Himself said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Lk. 9.23). What is Christ saying? He is saying to deny yourself and surrender to Him. He has paid the price and suffered so that you won't have to suffer. On the cross, He was crucified for us to experience His freedom. The call is being made... Come, come to the cross of Christ!