By John Doughty
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, notmany were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)
The words in these verses from Apostle Paul’s first Letter to the Corinthians are somewhat confusing on first glance suggesting the question of how anyone can believe. Paul explains here and later verses that God calls those whom He chooses to salvation, and further that God’s choice has nothing to do with any personal merit. God’s ‘choice’ seems to humiliate the ‘brothers’ above that no one may boast before the Lord. Paul writes that any boasting we do should be directed toward our Savior Jesus Christ, not ourselves (30-31). We should look to God always for wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.
Paul then explains how we sinners come to faith by the divine power of the Holy Spirit (2:1–5). He rejects any thought that we may be saved because of who we are or what we do. Instead, all the glory in our salvation goes to God for his great power, and love toward sinners. Even though we did not deserve it, God sent his Son to die for us on the cross. God also sent his Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see the Glory of Christ crucified.
We must always look to that cross asking God to forgive our sins borne by His Son Jesus Christ and conquered by His Resurrection.