GOD'S CHOSEN METHOD OF SALVATION

GOD'S CHOSEN METHOD OF SALVATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Key Verse: "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." — 1 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: John 3:16-17; Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9-13; 1 Peter 1:18-19

Description: God chose the proclamation of Christ crucified as His appointed means of bringing salvation to everyone who believes.

INTRODUCTION

Humanity has always searched for ways to reach God. Throughout history, people have depended upon philosophy, religion, morality, human achievement, and intellectual reasoning in their attempt to understand God and solve the problem of sin. Yet Scripture reveals that God's chosen method of salvation is not based upon human wisdom or achievement but upon faith in Jesus Christ and the message of the cross.

Paul explains that "it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." The word "foolishness" does not mean that the Gospel is actually foolish. Rather, it describes how the message appears to those who reject God's wisdom. God chose a method that would humble human pride and make it clear that salvation is entirely His gracious work.

The Gospel therefore remains the central message of the Church. We are not called to improve God's plan or replace it with human philosophy. We are called to believe Christ, proclaim His saving message, and invite people to receive the salvation that God has freely provided through His Son.

1. GOD'S METHOD OF SALVATION IS ROOTED IN HIS WISDOM

Salvation originates with God, not humanity. His plan was established according to His perfect wisdom and eternal purpose.

a) God Planned Salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5)
God's redemptive plan was established according to His purpose and grace, demonstrating that salvation is not a human invention.

b) Human Wisdom Cannot Discover God (1 Corinthians 1:21)
Human intelligence alone cannot solve the problem of sin or discover the way of reconciliation with God.

c) God's Ways Are Higher (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God's methods often exceed human expectations because His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.

d) Salvation Reveals God's Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24)
Christ is both the power and wisdom of God, revealing the greatness of God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Example: Noah followed God's unusual instruction to build an ark despite the world's unbelief, and through his obedience God preserved him and his household (Genesis 6:13-22; Hebrews 11:7).

2. CHRIST IS THE CENTRE OF GOD'S SALVATION

The salvation God provides is completely centred on Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for His person and finished work.

a) Jesus Is The Only Way (John 14:6)
Christ clearly declared that He is the way, the truth, and the life, making Him the only way to the Father.

b) Salvation Is Found In Christ Alone (Acts 4:12)
No other name provides the salvation and reconciliation with God that Jesus provides.

c) Christ Died For Our Sins (1 Corinthians 15:3)
Jesus willingly gave Himself as the sacrifice for humanity's sin and fulfilled God's plan of redemption.

d) Christ Rose From The Dead (1 Corinthians 15:4)
The resurrection demonstrates Christ's victory and provides believers with living hope and assurance of salvation.

Biblical Example: The Ethiopian eunuch heard Philip preach Jesus, believed the message, and responded in faith through baptism (Acts 8:26-39).

3. SALVATION IS RECEIVED THROUGH FAITH

God's salvation is offered freely, but it must be received by faith. No amount of human achievement can replace personal trust in Jesus Christ.

a) Believe In Jesus (John 3:16)
God offers eternal life to everyone who believes in His Son.

b) Receive God's Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Salvation is God's gift and cannot be earned through human works or religious performance.

c) Confess Christ Openly (Romans 10:9-10)
Faith in Christ should produce a sincere confession and a transformed life.

d) Continue In Faith (Colossians 2:6-7)
Those who receive Christ are called to continue walking in Him, becoming increasingly established in the faith.

Biblical Example: The Philippian jailer responded to the Gospel by believing in Jesus Christ, and salvation transformed his household (Acts 16:30-34).

4. THE CHURCH MUST PROCLAIM GOD'S METHOD

God has entrusted the Church with the responsibility of making the Gospel known. The message of salvation must be proclaimed faithfully and boldly.

a) Preach The Gospel (Mark 16:15)
Every believer has a responsibility to participate in making the message of Christ known.

b) Do Not Be Ashamed (Romans 1:16)
The Gospel remains God's power for salvation, regardless of how the world responds to it.

c) Depend On The Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
Effective evangelism requires the Spirit's power to enable believers to witness boldly and faithfully.

d) Make Disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
The mission extends beyond winning converts to teaching people to follow and obey Christ.

Biblical Example: Paul faithfully proclaimed Christ in Corinth despite opposition, trusting that God's power would work through the Gospel (Acts 18:5-11).

CONCLUSION

God's chosen method of salvation is centred on Jesus Christ and the message of His cross. Human wisdom cannot save humanity from sin, nor can religious achievement purchase eternal life. God has provided salvation by grace through faith, and everyone who believes in Christ can experience forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.

Therefore, let us believe the Gospel, live according to its truth, and proclaim it without shame. We must never replace God's simple but powerful message with human philosophies. The Gospel remains God's chosen instrument for bringing salvation to a lost world, and our responsibility is to faithfully make Christ known.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for providing salvation through Jesus Christ, Your Son, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, strengthen my faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from depending upon human wisdom instead of trusting Your Word, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, let the saving power of the Gospel continually transform my life, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to live as a true representative of Christ wherever I go, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me boldness to proclaim the Gospel without fear or shame, in Jesus name.

7. Father, use my testimony to lead many people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, empower Your Church to proclaim the Gospel faithfully throughout the world, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let every barrier preventing people from receiving the Gospel be removed, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, keep me faithful to the Gospel and help me finish my Christian journey strong in Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall continually experience the saving, transforming, and sustaining power of the Gospel in your life.

2. Your faith in Jesus Christ shall remain firm, and you shall not be moved by contrary voices or worldly philosophies.

3. The grace of God shall preserve you from every deception that seeks to draw you away from the truth of Christ.

4. You shall become a faithful witness of the Gospel, boldly declaring the saving power of Jesus wherever God sends you.

5. The Lord shall use your words, testimony, and example to draw many people towards the knowledge of Christ.

6. Every opportunity God gives you to proclaim Christ shall produce lasting spiritual fruit.

7. You shall walk continually in the grace of salvation, growing in righteousness, wisdom, and spiritual maturity.

8. The Holy Spirit shall empower you to fulfil your responsibility as a witness of Jesus Christ.

9. Your church and ministry shall become increasingly effective in proclaiming the Gospel and making disciples.

10. You shall remain faithful to Christ and His Gospel until the end, receiving the eternal reward prepared for those who faithfully serve Him.