But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. (Galatians 5:11 ESV)

Paul says here that is he preaches circumcision (the law) it will remove the offense of the cross. Why is the cross offensive?

Because it’s offensive to tell someone that nothing they can do will ever be good enough to get them into Heaven. We are completely and totally lost and helpless. And that bothers people.

No amount of good, charity, ministry, counseling, sharing, giving is good enough for you to be seen as right in God eyes.

The only thing we can do is receive.

We love to mix some how to into our gospel message… it makes it more applicable, or better said… more palatable.

I love when we are instructed in the way (1 Thes 2:10-12), but when it is in place or equal to our receiving it becomes wrong.

The message of the cross isn’t scandalous when we get some credit for the work, it’s scandalous when it removes us from the flow of contribution. And that is also, when it’s correct.

Not by works, but by faith in Him who called!

Blessings!