What does 1 Corinthians 1:30 mean?

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 1 Corinthians 1:30

Explanation

1 Corinthians 1:30 is a verse that captures the core of Christian theological understanding regarding the role of Jesus Christ in the life of believers. This passage emphasizes that it is through God’s action, specifically in Jesus Christ, that believers have received wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. The verse suggests that these are not traits or statuses that individuals can achieve on their own, but are rather gifts imparted to them through their union with Christ.

• “Wisdom” here implies divine insight into God’s plans and the way of salvation.
• “Righteousness” refers to being in right standing with God, justified and made morally upright.
• “Sanctification” denotes the process of being made holy, set apart for God’s purposes.
• “Redemption” is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, which is achieved through Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection.

The verse, therefore, articulates the transformation and benefits that come from being “in Christ Jesus,” presenting Him as the mediator of God’s grace to humanity.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a letter written by Paul to the church in Corinth, which was a diverse and cosmopolitan city in ancient Greece. The letter was written in the mid-first century, a time when the early Christian church was expanding but facing many challenges, including internal divisions, moral dilemmas, and theological confusion.

Corinth was a city with a complex mix of cultures, philosophies, and religions. Among these were Greek philosophical traditions that prized wisdom and rhetorical skill. Paul’s message offered a contrast to these, focusing on the crucified Christ as the true source of wisdom and power.

The church in Corinth was grappling with issues of factionalism and controversy over leadership and spiritual gifts. Paul wrote to address these issues and refocus their attention on Christ as the foundation of their faith and the source of all they needed.

Theological Insights

This verse is a rich source of theological insights:

From a Reformed (Calvinist) Perspective:

It underlines the doctrines of grace, emphasizing that salvation and its benefits are a work of God in Christ apart from human merit.

From a Wesleyan (Arminian) Perspective:

The verse may highlight the relational aspect of salvation, emphasizing that being “in Christ” involves a willing and personal relationship with Jesus.

From a Catholic Perspective:

It can be seen to align with the sacramental theology where Jesus is the means by which grace is dispensed to believers, especially through the Eucharist and other sacraments that bring sanctification.

From an Eastern Orthodox Perspective:

It could underscore the idea of theosis, the transformative process of believers becoming partakers of the divine nature through Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

1 Corinthians 1:30 offers several practical applications:

• Encourages believers to seek their worth not in personal achievements but in their relationship with Christ.
• Reminds Christians to rely on Christ for wisdom in decision-making, not solely on human reasoning or cultural standards.
• Calls the faithful to pursue moral excellence, recognizing that righteousness is both declared over them and worked out within them by God.
• Provides comfort that they are on a journey towards holiness (sanctification), which is God’s work within them.
• Offers hope and assurance that they have been redeemed from sin’s power and penalty.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 23:5-6: “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.”
• Romans 3:24: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
• Ephesians 2:8-10: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

Language Study

• “Wisdom” (Greek: sophia) often refers to knowledge that is spiritual or divine, contrasted with worldly wisdom.
• “Righteousness” (Greek: dikaiosyne) is concerned with the quality or state of being just or justifiable, in right standing with God.
• “Sanctification” (Greek: hagiasmos) involves the process of becoming holy or set apart for God’s service.
• “Redemption” (Greek: apolytrosis) refers to being bought back or ransomed, often implicating the payment of a price or ransom for freedom (Christ’s sacrifice).

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman world, concepts of wisdom and righteousness were often tied to philosophical schools and teachings. In contrast, the Judeo-Christian tradition situated these within a covenant relationship with God.

Other religions might have comparable concepts of wisdom and redemption through various practices or enlightenment, but in Christianity, these come exclusively through a person, Jesus Christ, which is unique.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse is theological and spiritual in nature, and not directly related to scientific disciplines, modern cognitive science and psychology acknowledge the role of beliefs and spirituality in human well-being and ethical behavior, which may intersect with ideas of redemption and sanctification as transformative processes.

Commentaries

Experts and theologians offer various interpretations of 1 Corinthians 1:30:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the fullness and freeness of the blessings of the gospel which are all given through Christ.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible indicates that this verse sums up all the blessings of grace which come from God through Christ.
• The Pulpit Commentary notes that the verse serves as a reminder of the sufficiency of Christ and his redemptive work.