The Cross Offends Our Flesh

"And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased." (Galatians 5: 11)

When Paul writes about circumcision, by extension he is writing about the Law of Moses, and thus the Old Covenant.

"19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe." (Galatians 3: 19-22)

The law was a guardian of the Israelites until the Messiah came, Jesus, and by His death and resurrection, He now serves as our high priest forever:

"Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 6: 20)

then

"For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore." (Hebrews 7: 28)

Instead of striving in our efforts, Jesus now lives in us by His Holy Spirit, that we may have His Life, and that more abundantly (John 10: 10)

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2: 20)

Our flesh is crucified with Christ, and therefore when we preach the fullness of the Gospel, those who still see some good in themselves will be angry.

The circumcision of our flesh means nothing. God is all about the circumcision of our hearts, that we receive a new heart, a new spirit, and thus Himself:

"Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked." (Deuteronomy 10: 16)

In the New Testament, Peter talks about the deeper cleansing which Jesus' blood has accomplished:

"The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:" (1 Peter 3: 21)

The Cross offends our flesh - because at the Cross, our flesh was crucified along with Jesus. Do not fear, Beloved, because you are in the Spirit, a child of God, more than a conqueror in Christ.