The work of the cross is simple in that it only requires belief, yet it is complex because its full depth is beyond human comprehension.
Les Feldick teaches that the gospel is so simple that a five-year-old can understand it, yet so complex that we could live to be a hundred and never fully comprehend it. The simplicity lies in believing the gospel message: that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. The complexity is seen in the profound reality that the Creator of the universe allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross, taking the sinner's place, and that this work reconciles the whole world to God.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 — Les directly quotes this passage to show the simple gospel message, yet the verses also imply the deep theological reality of Christ's death and resurrection.
The Bible presents the gospel in simple terms. In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Paul declares the gospel: 'Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel... that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.' This is the message that saves, and it is simple enough for anyone to believe. Yet the Bible also shows the complexity of the cross. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, it says, 'For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.' This verse reveals the profound substitutionary nature of Christ's death. Additionally, Romans 5:8 shows God's love: 'But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.' The cross is both a simple message of salvation and a deep demonstration of God's love and justice.
Les Feldick emphasizes that the work of the cross is both simple and complex. He says, 'Simple absolutely, so simple that a five-year-old can understand it, and yet so complex, I tell my classes, we could live to be a hundred and never comprehend it.' He points to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 as the simple gospel message that must be believed. He also highlights the complexity by marveling at the Creator of the universe allowing Himself to be crucified. Les says, 'I can't comprehend that the creator of the universe permitted those Roman soldiers to nail him to that wooden cross... I can't comprehend how the God of creation hung there and suffered and shed his divine blood.' He further explains that Christ became our substitute, taking the sinner's place, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:21, and that He died for every individual, making salvation deeply personal. Les also teaches that the cross is the foundation of everything God does for us, and that we can approach it in times of trouble, knowing all is satisfied there.
Les Feldick quotes 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 as the simple gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. He emphasizes that this message is so clear that a child can understand it. He also contrasts the one true gospel with the many false religions, using the definite article 'the' to show there is only one gospel.
The complexity lies in the profound reality that the Creator of the universe would humble Himself to be crucified. Les says he cannot comprehend that God would allow Roman soldiers to nail Him to a cross and that the God of creation would shed His divine blood for individuals. This personal, substitutionary death is beyond human understanding. Additionally, the cross reconciles the whole world to God, as Christ tasted death for every man.
Les teaches that crucifixion was chosen because it is a death that man cannot accomplish on himself. You cannot crucify yourself. This symbolizes that our crucifixion with Christ is entirely a work of God on our behalf—we cannot save ourselves.
Les says that everything begins and ends at the cross. When we face tribulations and sorrows, we should race to the foot of the cross, because that is where everything has been satisfied. The cross is the foundation of all that God does for us, and it is the power of God for those who are saved.
Christ as Our Substitute
Les clarifies that Christ did not become a sinner, but took the sinner's place as our substitute on the cross.
Simple Yet Complex
Les explains that the gospel is simple enough for a five-year-old, yet so complex that a lifetime of study cannot fully comprehend it.
Personal and Incomprehensible
Les marvels that the Creator allowed Himself to be crucified and that Christ would have died for you even if you were the only person on earth.
The Cross in Daily Life
Les encourages believers to run to the cross in times of trouble because there everything has been satisfied.
Finished Work of the Cross
Les emphasizes that everything God does for us is based on the finished work of the cross, where He did not spare His Son to purchase mankind back.
Reconciliation for All
Les teaches that the cross reconciled the whole world to God, as Christ tasted death for every man, not just believers.
Crucifixion as God's Work
Les explains that crucifixion is unique because one cannot crucify himself, showing that our death with Christ is entirely God's work.
The Power of the Cross
Les quotes 1 Corinthians 1:18 to show that the preaching of the cross is foolishness to the lost but the power of God to those who are saved.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
This is the simple gospel message that Les quotes to show the foundation of faith.
2 Corinthians 5:21: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Les uses this to explain that Christ took the sinner's place as our substitute.
Hebrews 2:9: But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Les references this to show that Christ died for every person, not just a select few.
1 Corinthians 1:18: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Les uses this to show that the cross is simple to believers but incomprehensible to the world.
Philippians 2:7: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Les references this to illustrate the humility of Christ in taking human form.
Yes, Les says the gospel is so simple that a five-year-old can understand it. The message is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, and believing that is sufficient for salvation.
The complexity lies in the profound theological realities such as the Creator of the universe willingly suffering, Christ becoming the substitute for sinners, and the reconciliation of the whole world. These truths are beyond full human comprehension.
Les suggests that crucifixion was chosen because it is a death that one cannot inflict on oneself. This illustrates that salvation is entirely God's work; we cannot crucify ourselves or save ourselves.
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