What is the preaching of the cross to those who are perishing versus those who are saved?
According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, the preaching of the cross—that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead—is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are saved it is the power of God. The lost must embrace what seems foolish to gain God's wisdom.
Les explains that the preaching of the cross is the message that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead. To the person who is perishing—the lost person—this preaching is foolishness. But to those who are saved, it is the power of God. Les points out that the unbeliever must recognize he better go into what he thinks is foolishness, and out of that foolishness he can get the wisdom of God. Les says that is exactly what Paul keeps driving at, using the term wisdom throughout these early chapters of Corinthians. How do we gain wisdom? By going to what lost people think is foolishness, the gospel. Then the power of God is poured out on us as His wisdom as well. Les also notes that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God—all the great philosophy, literature, and works of art.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.