Topical Encyclopedia The crucifixion of Jesus Christ stands as a pivotal event in Christian theology, symbolizing both the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins and a profound stumbling block for the wicked. The offense taken by the wicked at the crucifixion of Christ is deeply rooted in their rejection of His divine authority and the message of salvation He embodied.Scriptural Context The Apostle Paul addresses the offense of the cross in his epistles, highlighting the contrasting reactions to Christ's crucifixion. In 1 Corinthians 1:23, Paul states, "but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." Here, the term "stumbling block" (Greek: σκάνδαλον, skandalon) signifies an obstacle or offense that prevents acceptance of the Gospel. For the Jews, the expectation of a triumphant Messiah clashed with the image of a suffering servant, leading to their rejection. For the Gentiles, the notion of a crucified savior appeared as folly, contradicting their philosophical ideals. The Nature of the Offense The offense taken by the wicked at Christ's crucifixion is multifaceted. It challenges human pride, self-righteousness, and the desire for worldly power. The crucifixion exposes the futility of human wisdom and the inadequacy of the law to achieve righteousness. In Galatians 5:11, Paul refers to "the offense of the cross," indicating that the message of the cross inherently confronts and convicts the sinful nature of humanity. Prophetic Fulfillment The offense at Christ's crucifixion was foretold in the Old Testament. Isaiah 53:3 prophesies, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." This rejection is further echoed in Psalm 22, a messianic psalm that vividly describes the suffering and scorn Christ would endure. The fulfillment of these prophecies in the New Testament underscores the divine plan and the hardness of heart among those who took offense. Rejection and Mockery The Gospels provide detailed accounts of the mockery and scorn directed at Jesus during His crucifixion. In Matthew 27:39-43, passersby, chief priests, scribes, and elders deride Him, saying, "He saved others, but He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him." This mockery reveals the depth of their unbelief and the offense they took at His claims of divinity and kingship. Spiritual Blindness The offense taken by the wicked is ultimately rooted in spiritual blindness. In John 12:40, Jesus quotes Isaiah, saying, "He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them." This spiritual blindness prevents the wicked from recognizing the truth of Christ's identity and the redemptive power of His sacrifice. The Power of the Cross Despite the offense it causes, the crucifixion of Christ remains the cornerstone of Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul declares, "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." The cross, while offensive to the wicked, is the means by which God reconciles humanity to Himself, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe. The offense taken by the wicked at Christ's crucifixion serves as a testament to the transformative and divisive nature of the Gospel. It challenges individuals to confront their own sinfulness and accept the grace offered through Jesus Christ, a decision that ultimately determines their spiritual destiny. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:23But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness; Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 5:11 Library Life in Christ Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man Calvary Power "In" and "Upon. " 2 Timothy ii. 14-Nov Third Sunday in Lent The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ... The Private Thoughts and Words of Jesus Resources How can I learn to not take offense at little things? | GotQuestions.orgHow and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about political correctness? Should a Christian be politically correct? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
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