It’s good for all of us who preach to take stock from time to time of what we’ve been preaching lately, of why God has called us to preach, of how we’ve been preaching.

We shall do well to remind ourselves now and then our sacred office as preacher is to preach Christ and Him crucified, as Paul did. In 1 Corinthians 2:2, he declares, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

The solemn responsibility demands our utmost devotion and focus. The message of the Cross is not merely one topic among many; it is the very heartbeat of our calling, the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). As we delve into what it means to preach Christ crucified, let us approach the subject with a sense of holy urgency, for souls hang in the balance and eternity looms before us.

What Does It Mean to Preach Christ Crucified?

Preaching Christ crucified means viewing all Scripture through a Christocentric lens, but it doesn’t require forcing Christ into every verse. While the entire Bible points to Christ, some passages may not have an explicit Christological focus. The key is to understand how each text relates to God’s overall redemptive plan in Christ.

Why Must We Preach Christ and Him Crucified?

The urgency to preach Christ and Him crucified cannot be overstated. We live in a world drowning in sin, where souls hang in the balance between eternal life and eternal separation from God. Every day, countless individuals pass into eternity without knowing the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This is not merely a tragedy; it’s a spiritual emergency of the highest order.

Preaching Christ crucified is the lifeline God has ordained to rescue humanity from the clutches of sin and death. It’s the power of God unto salvation, the only message that can truly transform lives and destinies. We preach because souls are at stake, because hell is real, and because the love of Christ compels us.

Christ crucified is the heart of God’s redemptive plan. It’s the fulfilment of all Scripture, the pinnacle of God’s love demonstrated to a fallen world. Time is short, and the day of judgement approaches. We must preach with a sense of holy urgency, knowing that for many, our words may be their last chance to hear the gospel. The cross of Christ is not just a historical event; it’s the intersection of divine justice and mercy, the only hope for a sin-sick world. To withhold this message is to deny dying men the cure for their fatal disease.

What Do We Preach?

• We Preach Christ as God: Paul sets the standard for all preachers: “We preach Christ crucified.” To fully convey the Gospel, we must clearly describe Christ as God. Christ is not a man elevated to divinity or a deity reduced to humanity, but the eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient God. He is the Creator, Preserver, and Judge of all. A gospel that does not preach a divine Saviour is no gospel at all. Only the Almighty can bear the weight of human guilt and need. We preach Christ as both divine and human—God in the flesh, who could sympathise with our weaknesses and suffer in our place.
• We Preach Christ as the Messiah: Christ is the promised Messiah, foretold as the great Deliverer, who came to save sinners by divine decree. He is the fulfilment of prophecies, the one who is the light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, acting in divine authority. When He invites the weary to find rest in Him, He speaks with the authority of the Eternal Father.
• We Preach the Work of Christ: Christ’s work is profound and encompasses His life, death, resurrection, and eternal intercession. He lived a sinless life, and died a sacrificial death, providing righteousness for believers. His wounds speak of our transgressions, and His resurrection guarantees our hope. Preaching must emphasize Christ crucified, the great Substitute who bore our sins and offers us His righteousness. This substitution is the heart of true theology, ensuring eternal salvation for all who trust in Him.
• We Preach Christ’s Offices: Christ holds the offices of High Priest, Prophet, and King. As High Priest, He intercedes for us; as Prophet, His words carry divine authority; as King, He reigns supreme, and yet, doesn’t shy away from washing our feet. We must highlight His qualifications and His loving sacrifice.

Who Do We Preach To?

In God’s salvation plan, we’re called to preach Christ and Him crucified, embracing all of humanity in its vast diversity. We’re to preach to everyone without exclusion—to the elect, to the sinner, to both the young and the old, and to every rank and kind. We follow in the footsteps of Peter at Pentecost, proclaiming Christ and Him crucified to all who will listen, trusting God’s chosen ones will respond. Our task is to sow the seeds in faith, offering hope to the guilt-ridden, comfort to the weary, and transformation to those trapped in sin. We preach without exclusion, believing heaven’s gates stand open for all who turn to Christ. In this sacred duty, we carry the torch of God’s boundless grace, illuminating the path to salvation for every soul w cares to listen.

How Do We Preach?

• Preach Boldly: We’re to preach Christ boldly. A minister who apologises for his youth or inexperience dishonours his Lord. Just as ambassadors confidently deliver their sovereign’s message, so should we. If God has called us to preach, we must do so without hesitation or apology. A minister sure of his message should speak with conviction, knowing he is saved by grace through faith and divinely called to proclaim the gospel.
• Preach with Love: We’re to also preach with love. We need to convey the seriousness of sin and the remedy in Christ with both tenderness and firmness. Like Paul, who compared himself to both a mother and father in his ministry, we must show deep love for sinners. Preaching with a loving heart, like the Saviour’s, should be our goal.
• Preach Simply: We’re also to preach simply, avoiding complex words and long sentences. The most effective sermons are often straightforward and easy to understand. We should avoid trying to impress with eloquence or literary references, aiming instead for clarity. Our goal is to make the message so plain it cannot be misunderstood, even by those who try to do so.
• Preach Savingly: Finally, we’re to preach with the intent to see sinners saved. Urge sinners to trust Christ at once. Emphasize the urgency of their situation and the danger of dying without salvation. Warn them of the peril they face and the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. Plead with them to see their need for a Savior and to grasp hold of Christ by faith. Remind them only Christ can save and encourage them to trust Him without delay. Preach with passion and urgency, knowing their eternal destiny is at stake.

Conclusion:

As we conclude, let us be stirred afresh by the weighty calling to preach Christ and Him crucified. This message is not just a theological concept; it is the very lifeline thrown to a drowning world. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:16 echo through the centuries, challenging us.

The Cross of Christ stands at the centre of history, the focal point of God’s redemptive plan, and it must stand at the centre of our preaching. Let us examine our hearts and our pulpits. Have we been faithful to this calling? Have we preached Christ in all His fullness—as God incarnate, as the promised Messiah, as our great High Priest, Prophet, and King? Have we proclaimed His work with clarity and passion?

To every soul within our reach, let us boldly, lovingly, and tirelessly declare the message of Christ crucified. For in this message lies the power to transform lives, to snatch souls from the brink of eternal darkness, and to bring glory to our great God. May we, like Paul, be able to say what he does in 2 Timothy 4:7. The task before us is urgent, the stakes are eternal, and the grace of God is sufficient. Let us preach Christ crucified, for nothing else matters as much.

Related FAQs:

Does preaching Christ and Him crucified mean we’re not to preach other themes from Scripture at all? No, it doesn’t mean excluding other biblical themes. Preaching Christ and Him crucified should be a central focus and an important lens through which we interpret Scripture. Other themes should be explored in their own right, while also considering how they may connect to the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan in Christ. As Paul says in Colossians 1:28, “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom.” Biblical teaching should ultimately contribute to a fuller understanding of God’s revelation, with Christ at its centre.

How can we preach Christ from Old Testament texts? Preaching Christ from the Old Testament involves showing how the text relates to God’s unfolding plan of redemption, which culminates in Christ. This can be through direct prophecy, typology, or thematic connections. Jesus Himself said in Luke 24:27, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Look for promises, sacrificial systems, and redemptive themes that find their fulfilment or deeper meaning in light of Christ’s work, but be careful not to force connections where they don’t naturally exist.

Isn’t preaching primarily about Christ and Him crucified too narrow? Don’t people need practical life advice too? While practical life advice has its place, the message of Christ is far from narrow. It addresses our deepest needs and can transform every aspect of life. As Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Practical change often flows from understanding and applying the implications of Christ’s work. However, it’s also appropriate to preach on various biblical topics, always considering how they might relate to or be illuminated by the gospel message.

How can we keep the message of Christ fresh and engaging week after week? The depth and richness of Christ’s work are indeed profound. Focus on different aspects: its historical context, theological implications, personal application, or its impact on relationships and society. Use varied illustrations and approaches. However, don’t feel pressured to make every sermon explicitly about the cross. As Peter encourages in 2 Peter 1:12-13, we should remind believers of these truths, but this can be done in diverse ways through different biblical texts and themes.

Is preaching Christ crucified relevant to both believers and non-believers? Yes, it’s highly relevant to both groups, though in different ways. For non-believers, it’s the essential message of salvation. For believers, it’s the foundation of their faith and a source of ongoing transformation. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The cross remains central to both evangelism and discipleship, though it need not be the explicit focus of every sermon.

In our denomination, we typically preach from a lectionary, and the text allotted may not always be about Christ and Him crucified. How should we approach this? Here’s a balanced approach:

• First, exegete the text properly in its immediate context, respecting its original meaning and intent.
• Consider how the text fits into the broader biblical narrative and God’s redemptive plan. It may or may not have a direct connection to Christ’s person and work.
• Draw connections to Christ where they are legitimate and organic, not forced. Some texts will have direct connections, others may have more subtle thematic links, and some may not have an obvious Christological focus at all.
• Remember while all Scripture testifies about God’s character and plan (John 5:39), not every verse is explicitly about Christ. Respect the diversity of biblical literature and themes.
• When preaching on topics like ethical behaviour or practical wisdom, show how these contribute to a full understanding of God’s revelation, which ultimately finds its climax in Christ.
• If appropriate, use the sermon conclusion to reflect on how the text’s truth relates to the broader context of God’s work in Christ, but don’t feel obligated to do this if it feels forced.

Such an approach should help you remain faithful to your lectionary while still ensuring Christ and His work remain central to your overall preaching ministry, without artificially inserting Him into every text.

Related Reads:

• Why do We Affirm Jesus is Fully God and Fully Man?
• Affirm the Virgin Birth? Why Must We?
• Stop the Search: Jesus is The Promised Messiah
• Jesus’ Claims to Divinity: Unveiling the Biblical Evidence