𝗪𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 — 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦

 

𝗪𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗖𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗗 — 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗢𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦

 

1 Corinthians 1:22–23 For the Jews require a sign…but we preach Christ crucified.

Paul doesn’t say signs are fake.He doesn’t say miracles never happened.He simply rightly divides.

Signs belonged to Israel.

The cross belongs to us.

And that distinction clears up so much confusion in the church today.

 

SIGNS AND WONDERS — ISRAEL’S PROGRAM

Paul tells us plainly:
“The Jews require a sign…” (1 Cor. 1:22)
From the beginning, God dealt with Israel through visible confirmation:

• Moses showed signs to Pharaoh (Exod. 4:8–9)

• The prophets were validated by miracles (1 Kings 18:36–39)

• Jesus performed signs to prove He was Israel’s Messiah (John 20:30–31)

• The apostles continued with signs to confirm the kingdom gospel (Mark 16:17–18; Acts 2:43; Heb. 2:3–4)

Why?

Because Israel’s promises were earthly. Their hope was visible.Their program was prophetic.
Signs were God’s way of confirming His covenant with Israel.

 

CHRIST CRUCIFIED — OUR MESSAGE TODAY

Paul continues:
“…but we preach Christ crucified.” (1 Cor. 1:23)

That’s not a small shift.That’s a dispensational change.

Today, in the dispensation of grace, God is not offering an earthly kingdom confirmed by miracles.
Instead, He is offering salvation by gracethrough faith in a finished work.

• The gospel of grace was revealed to Paul (Gal. 1:11–12; Acts 20:24)

• Salvation now comes by believing, not by seeing (Rom. 1:16)

• Our message is Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1–4)

• Paul was sent “not to baptize, but to preach the gospel… lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect” (1 Cor. 1:17)

No signs.

No wonders.

No visible proof required.

Just faith in the cross.

 

A HEAVENLY PEOPLE WITH A HEAVENLY HOPE

Our focus is different.

Our calling is different.

Our hope is different.

“Set your affection on things above…” (Col. 3:1–4)

We are not waiting for miracles to validate God’s Word.

We are resting in a Savior who already finished the work.

• Israel walked by sight.

• We walk by faith.

• Israel looked for signs.

• We glory in the cross.

 

RIGHT DIVISION MAKES IT CLEAR

Let it settle in your heart:
• Signs and wonders = God’s prophetic program with Israel

• Christ crucified = God’s mystery program revealed through Paul

Different programs.

Different purposes.

Different instructions.

Same God.

Same grace.

Same finished work.

 

Conclusion: REST IN THE CROSS

Today, God is not calling us to chase experiences.

He’s calling us to trust His Son.

Not signs.Not wonders.The cross.

A Gentle Question to Reflect On:

If signs were for Israel…and Paul says today we preach Christ crucified…why are so many still chasing signs instead of resting in the finished work of the cross?

Grace to you.

Stand firm.

Preach Christ crucified.