1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Scripture: 1 Cor. 1:30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,

1 Cor. 1:31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Teaching: Paul’s argument throughout this chapter has been that the Greeks of Corinth, in all their wisdom, did not think themselves to Christ nor earn their way to Christ. Yet, in verse 30, they are “in Christ.” “In Christ” is a Pauline term that he uses some 83 times in his letters that expresses the reality of salvation – much like Noah was in the ark, sealed and safe from the flood – so, too, are Christians in Christ, sealed by the Holy Spirit and saved. They are in Christ’s righteousness, grace, and mercy.

The challenging portion of these verses, and all of chapter 1, is the doctrine of election. This is a doctrine of Christianity that is contested by some, but understands from Scripture that God chooses, or elects, those He will draw by His Spirit to Himself. While there are many takes on this, and some deny or disagree this aspect of Scripture, Paul teaches this doctrine in his letters (primarily Romans 9). If you are curious for more on this topic, please reach out; there are many resources to help one understand this more. My summation of the doctrine of election is this: God is not pleasantly surprised when we come to faith, but neither is He finished with us once we do.

The reason for bringing up the doctrine of election today is that it underlies Paul’s reasoning of chapter 1. Without this understanding, Paul’s arguments make no sense. Paul argues that Corinth had no standing whatsoever to boast in their salvation or their choosing (see verses 27-29). As Paul concludes his point in verse 30, “Because of [God] you are in Christ Jesus” who became the wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption we needed.

Takeaway: The doctrine of election can be challenging to grasp, but it underlies much of Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Romans, and other letters. While it may seem harsh on first hearing, it is actually further evidence of God’s incredible grace. What amazing grace has saved a wretch like me – I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see. We can sing these words and grasp them even more fully knowing that God chose us, not because we had anything to offer or were more deserving, but because He loves us. As for evangelism and discipleship, the funny thing about election is that only God knows the outcomes; thus, it is not for us to speculate nor sit idly by – we are called to go and make disciples of all the nations (Matt. 28:19). Ministry is, by nature, completely dependent upon the Holy Spirit, and so is the doctrine of election – it is the Spirit that draws people to faith. The proper reaction to grasping the doctrine of election is unrestrained praise of the Lord, and as Paul says, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”