There is a sense that Christianity is ludicrous. Paul says in another place the message of the cross is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18). In reality, the gospel is an absurd message to the wisdom of the world.
Our Christian experience says that we experience Jesus Christ, the Ruler of the Universe (even though he has been crucified). Our experience then proclaims that by faith in this crucified man, we have forgiveness of sins. Then, it calls us to proclaim that very message to the world in an act of reconciling all men to Him. It calls us to repent and to prove our repentance by deeds (vs. 20). And, it says that all along this was the revealed will of God as spoken of through the centuries. Furthermore, faith in Jesus means that you follow a persecuted leader and most likely suffer persecution too. This is bizarre. Either, this is the greatest message the world has heard worthy of total commitment, or Paul ate some old pizza and is delusional.
But Paul says, "I am not insane... what I am saying is reasonable" (vs. 25).
So why is the gospel outrageous and do you believe these outrageous claims?
1) It calls us sinners
"I preached that they should repent" (vs. 20). All have sinned and are in need of a Savior. This is the truest reality of humanity. We have broken fellowship with the Creator of the universe by rebelling against Him. We were designed to know and be known by Him but we push aside His rights over our lives and live as if we were gods. "We commit cosmic treason"- R.C. Sproul
2) The gospel damns our religion
Paul had spent his entire life living by religion. "[Paul lived] according to the strictest sect of [their] religion, a Pharisee" (vs. 5). Paul had spend his life trying to live according to the rules. Paul was trying to please God by his actions. He was what all parents desire their kids to be. He was honest, upright, trustworthy, and passionate. Paul was an extremely moral person. But morality is not what God desires of us. The gospel actually shows us that our religion is at best inadequate, and at worst, directly opposed to Christ. Jesus says, "why do you persecute Me?" (vs. 14). Morality and religion can be two of the biggest obstacles to faith. Those who are seemingly closest to Christ in outward appearance can sometimes be the furthest away. Our religion is insufficient and inadequate. Note: this may be the most offensive part of the gospel. It is part of our hellish nature that we want to earn our right standing with God. We want to prove our worth. So, a gospel that strips us of our ability to perform for God is insane and flat out offensive.
3) It requires an experience with the Risen Lord.
"Now get up and stand on your feet. I [Jesus] have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness" (vs. 16). There is no faith apart from a faith in the experience of the crucified and risen Christ. There is no entry point to our faith except the door that is Jesus Christ. It is exclusive. Our faith begins and ends with a person, namely Jesus Christ.
4) The gospel requires repentance and action
"...repent and turn to God and prove [your] repentance by [your] deeds" (vs. 20). We are sinful and even our best works are filled with sin. Therefore the gospel demands that we renounce our sinful actions. We need to turn from our self righteous abilities and then put our faith in Christ. We need to turn from sin to the holy Christ. But even beyond that, we must live according to our repentance. False repentance leads to unchanged lives. The proof of repentance lies in the change that occurs. Grace actually transforms us to live holy and pleasing lives. Here is a telling question; are your deeds proving your repentance? Does your life reflect the transforming power of the gospel?
5) The gospel doesn't play favorites
"I stand here and testify to small and great alike" (vs. 22). The gospel is not so concerned with getting the "Christian Celebrities" (even tho most Christians are enamored with that concept). The gospel is not looking for the wealthiest or most talented people to be drafted onto the team. Most of the time, the gospel shines brightest in the most insignificant and ordinary people. Paul says in another place; "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not may of you were wise by human standards; not many of you were influential; not many were of noble birth" (1 Cor 1:26). Then he goes on to say, "God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Essentially, the gospel doesn't play favorites! Praise God for that one.
For those and many other reasons, the gospel is insane. But, although it shames the wisdom of the world, it is the greatest message ever told!
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