For message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.[1 Corinthians 1:18-21]
Those who are perishing think the preaching of the cross is nothing. They, in their unregenerate state, can not understand the gospel because their heart is dead, is as hard as a stone.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.[Romans 1:16]
This verse is pretty self-explanatory.
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”[John 6:28-29]
Those who believe, even their belief is a work of God.
But I get it. Ppl want to be autonomous. They don't want ppl telling them what to do, when to do it, how to do it, &c. They don't even need God to help them make key choices in life.
That is why the world is in such a mess. They don't want God. How dare He do for them what they can do for themselves. That, is arrogance and pride at its best.
