Here is the passage that convinced me to change from supporting Zane and Bob. I have yet to have anyone argue against the point...especially in any printed form. The whole passage goes further, but this should be enough for the discussion.
It is undeniable that Paul saw the cross as in the message by which we are saved. Look at this:
"For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles," (1 Corinthians 1:21-23, ESV)
If I put these together for precision it reads like this:
"For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach (Christ Crucified)(v.23) to save those who believe.
What do you think? I think the cross is an unavoidable part of THE MESSAGE. This is especially why a gospel that doesn't include the cross is not a gospel that will save eternally.
Grace,
FRL