By Bob DeWaay

The wisdom of God, “Christ crucified,” is described in 1 Corinthians 2:7 as “hidden wisdom.” Paul’s irony is that hidden wisdom is in fact clearly revealed. The truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is hidden because those whose hearts are hardened will not believe or receive it on God’s terms. We cite Luke 10:21 where Jesus praised the Father, saying “You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.” The term “mystery” is also used in 1 Corinthians 2:7 referring not to the manner in which Paul preached, but to the nature of the mystery—that which would not be known had God not chosen to reveal it. The crucifixion of Christ and His bodily resurrection is objective truth and preached to all, including civil authorities. Paul also says in 1 Corinthians 2:7 that God’s wisdom was “predestined before the ages.” Both “predestined” and “before the ages” are revealed truths that we expound from important passages in Colossians and Ephesians. That those who know Christ through the gospel (all believers ) are destined to glory is assured by the promises of God. This is made clear in Romans 8:29-30.