For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’ Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? (1Corinthians 1: 18-20)

Paul is quoting from the 29th chapter of Isaiah. Here Isaiah envisions the destruction of Jerusalem. In a more complete context:

"The Lord said: Because these people draw near with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is a human commandment learned by rote: So I will do amazing things with this people - shocking and amazing. The wisdom of their wise shall perish, and the discernment of the discerning shall be hidden."

On what authority shall we enter into relationship with Christ? Shall we because our patron does so? Shall we for practical reasons? Shall we because we are intellectually persuaded? Shall we because we are born into a tradition?

Elsewhere Paul has preached the power of pistis - faith, confidence, conviction - in the redemptive purpose and role of Christ. How do we achieve this state of faithfulness? What is the message of the cross?

Above is the Raising of the Cross by Peter Paul Rubens.