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Among others, there is at least one verse (I Cor. 1:18) in which Paul explains how the Cross had become a regulating force in his life and ministry. But we shall miss the full meaning of this verse unless we discover the meaning of one word — a word which becomes a key to open the meaning which has too long been hidden.

The King James version reads: “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Cor. 1:18). Now the term preaching used here is “logos” in the Greek. To leave the impression that this term implies merely a vocal declaration — as we usually consider preaching — is to miss the real issue. Surely God has something much deeper in mind than a mere preaching about the Cross. We rejoice that several new translations are using: “the word (logos) of the Cross”, so as to indicate that it is the expression, the divine reason or unveiling of the Cross which is vitally important.

Here is the essential difference. As long as the Cross is but a proclamation it is merely a ministry of the lip; but when the Cross becomes incarnate as an operating principle it produces a ministry of life. So we can see there is a declaration (preaching) about the Cross, but there must also be an expression (preaching) of the Cross.

From eternity the Cross has been an inward regulating principle in God. Everything God does is sacrificial: i.e. giving, sharing and pouring forth from Himself. We can see the Cross in the heart of God regulating all He does. So, when the Eternal Son stepped forth from the bosom of the Father to enter this world, it was indeed the Logos of God coming forth: He was the Divine Expression.

How can you express yourself if there are no adequate words? Well, the Heavenly Father had an Adequate Word. He sent forth His Son to be the very expression of Himself. And when we behold the Son we see not merely God’s Person expressed, but we can look into the very nature of God and see the inward principle of the Cross in operation. All through His earthly life we see our Lord Jesus continually giving Himself-and finally even unto the death of the Cross. So there is both the Logos of the Father-the expressing of His Person, and also the logos of the Cross — the expressing of His inward sacrificial nature.

Since every believer is to have a ministry, the question is — what do we express? We are concerned that the vast majority of ministering is merely a declaration about the Cross, but God intends for us to be expressive of the Cross.

From “No Other Foundation” by DeVern Fromke.