Significance of the Cross
All Christians, all around the world, wholeheartedly affirm this statement: The death and resurrection of Jesus has given us life. Without Jesus’ willing participation in his death, we would have nothing—no relationship with God, no forgiveness of sins, no reason for hope for the future. The cross is the beginning of everything important for us, and we remind ourselves of this every time we take the Lord’s supper, giving thanks to God for Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Jesus was the great martyr, the Lamb of God, the great sacrifice, the one that made all sacrifices obsolete. Jesus is the author and completer of our faith.
The Cross did not end with Jesus
But there is a mystery about the cross in the New Testament. It is clear that although Jesus suffered for us, the suffering of the church did not end. If anything, the church has suffered more than Jesus did himself. Stephen was martyred, forgiving his murderers. The church was scattered abroad. Paul suffered three stonings, many beatings, shipwrecks and much more. What is more, Paul dared to write down what would be considered blasphemy by most Christians today—“I rejoice in my sufferings for you and I am completing what was lacking in Christ’s suffering” (Colossians 1:24). For some reason, Paul did not consider the cross to be the end of the sacrificial work done for others. Yes, Jesus began the work and he is the authority of his people, but, somehow, there is still salvation work to be done. The cross is not yet complete.
Living out the Cross
Although in our modern theologies, this passage of Paul may seem to be a mystery—and the clear meaning of it has been denied by many—yet in Jesus’ teachings, it is clear. Jesus himself said, “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” The cross was not supposed to simply be the “work of Christ” and then honored from a distance for centuries after. Rather, the cross that Jesus himself carried was a way of life for anyone who claimed to be a Christian. To follow Jesus is to carry the cross. Therefore the only true Christian is a believer in cruciformity—one who believes in and lives out the way of the cross in their lives.
The Atonement and Cruciformity
Does living out the cross deny the work of Christ? Not at all. The main purpose of the death and resurrection of Jesus is to establish the kingdom of God (Romans 14:9). To allow various peoples of the earth to be forgiven of their sins, be released from their captivity and to become the one people of God that will be welcome in God’s kingdom. But will anyone and everyone be accepted? Although the salvation of Jesus is offered to everyone equally, it is also true that most people will reject the offer and only a few will receive it. Why is this? Because of the condition of faith. Because everyone who enters the kingdom of God must have faith.
Believing and faith
But what is faith? The Christian minimalists will point to the multitude of verses that claim eternal life or salvation for everyone who “believes” in Jesus, which they understand as a basic cognitive acceptance of Jesus’ death for all or Jesus’ deity. However the translations “believe” or “belief” for the Greek words “pistis” or “pisteuo” in most contexts of the New Testament only communicates a partial understanding of the word. To “believe” in many of these contexts require obedience, surrender, complete devotion and endurance through suffering. Cognitive activity is only one small part of the whole that is communicated by “pistis”, which is why many translations also use the word “faith” or “having faith” as a more complete translation than “believing.”
Paul and Faith
Paul has especially been mistranslated. In Galatians, the book primarily looked to as teaching what Protestants understand to be “salvation by faith”, that understanding is gained from chapters 2 and 3 which uses the phrase “faith in Christ Jesus” to speak about the basis of receiving God’s promises. However, a literal Greek translation would then be “of Christ Jesus.” This shift is significant, because what it shows is that Paul was not seeing the salvation of God based in a cognitive understanding of who Jesus is or what he did, but of having the same faith that Jesus did. And in Galatians 2:20, that faith is described as one by which Jesus “loved me and gave himself for me.” As can be seen throughout Galatians, Romans and the Corinthian epistles, Paul understood faith as being not just an intellectual belief, but as a whole life, which begins at baptism, is fleshed out by love of others in the church, and has an ethical component, at the heart of which is sacrificial love.
The paradigm of Jesus
The Christian faith, therefore, is not just a simple belief, but it is the very basis by which Jesus himself sacrificed himself on the cross. There are seven main components of faith, all of which Jesus displayed—in his life and especially on the cross— and both Jesus and the writers of the New Testament:
1. Devotion to God alone
The follower of Jesus not to be involved in worshipping or serving other powers or gods or authorities apart from God and his Son Jesus Christ. Some good things, such as the Mosaic Law or money can be substituted for God or for Jesus, but our love needs to be focused on God alone.
2. Obedience to God through Jesus’ words
To show devotion to God as the one true King of the universe is also to obey him in all things. Jesus is God’s one Teacher, and no one else presents God’s truth as purely as he. Therefore, however one may interpret Moses or Paul or other teachers, we are to obey the commands of Jesus as the clearest understanding of God’s commands.
3. Trusting that God will fulfill his promises
Many of God’s promises have not been fulfilled, and this tears down God’s reputation. The true people of God, however, firmly hold to God’s promises and know that they will be fulfilled in His time. They not only believe this in their head, but they act on the promise, relying on what they cannot yet see.
4. Boldly speaking the truth of Jesus
The disciple of Jesus speaks of the truth of Jesus and announces it in every appropriate circumstance, and sometimes in inappropriate ones. The disciple of Jesus will speak the truth of Jesus, no matter what the consequences, even if they have the possibility of being harmed for it.
5. Inclusive, sacrificial love
The follower of Jesus to do good to everyone, not just those we like or are part of the “in group”. And in loving others, we are to sacrifice our comfort levels and at times our own person for others.
6. Humility
The follower of Jesus is to lower himself or herself to a lower status than others, doing work for others even to the degree as being seen as a slave for other’s sake.
7. Endurance through trials
Faith is not just a one time act, but it is facing a great difficulty and acting in pure trust of God through the difficulty.
The Christian Life
Thus, to be “saved by faith” is not just agreeing with an idea, but it is a life to be lived. It is not only a doctrine, but it is an ethic. The ones who truly are followers of Jesus are not only those who proclaim Jesus name, but also live out the principles of his life. Salvation is not given to those who give lip-service, but those who provide real service—real actions—of devotion to God alone and of love for everyone.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
How To Treat A Worldly Government
What to recognize about governments
The government is appointed by God
Every government only gains its authority from God—even evil governments. Although governments may misuse or even abuse their authority, the authority itself comes from God. Thus, we need to respect the authority of the government, no matter who is using it. (John 20:11)
The government represents God
The government is meant to do some of God’s work on earth—specifically, to punish those who do evil and to reward those who do good. This does not mean that the government is God’s servant, necessarily. Satan also punishes the evil at God’s bidding, but he is not an obedient servant of God. But ideally, the government does God’s will. (Romans 13:1)
The government will be judged by God
Men do not have the right to judge governments. Even as a government’s authority and work has been given to it by God, so it is God who evaluates and determines the fate of governments. Often, God is patient and willing to wait for change. But some governments will be destroyed by God immediately: specifically those treat the needy badly and those who do much unnecessary violence. (Psalm 82)
There is only one truly godly government
The only government that has been appointed, approved and having passed testing by God is the kingdom of God, led by Jesus. No other government can call themselves approved by God. Nor can any other government call itself truly “Christian.” (John 18:36)
What not to do
Resist them when they do injustice against you
We do not resist authorities, but we are supposed to submit to them. We don’t need to complain against them, hate them or speak evil against them. Instead, if a government does us wrong, we pray about it and ask God for justice. (Matthew 5:39)
Judge them for not following the laws or principles of God’s kingdom.
Although the governments represent God, they do not understand the principles of God, except in the most general notions. And so it is not our job to judge them or condemn them for what they do not know. We can inform them of what God says, but it is God’s right to judge them and to punish them if they were inadequate. (I Corinthians 5:9-10)
Rebel against the authorities
We don’t need to do evil to the government. If the government is to be fought against, then we can pray for God to judge them, according to his will.
(Romans 13:2)
Obey them when they tell you to disobey the principles of Jesus.
We must take care to always place God and God’s will in our lives above the government’s will and desire. We submit to governments in all things except when they tell us to disregard the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. (Acts 4:19)
What to do
Give honor to whom honor is due
Government officials require that we speak politely to them, with the proper titles. Whatever honor is expected, we should give it. (Romans 13:7)
Pay taxes when you are required to
All governments require us to pay taxes to them. Even if you feel that the government isn’t representing you or doing what you think is right, you still have to pay the taxes that they demand of you. (Romans 13:7)
Pray for the leadership
We need to pray for government officials so that we will show respect for the officials, and also so God will direct the authorities to have wisdom to create a society of peace, so the church can do what God is directing them to do. (I Timothy 2:1-2)
Submit to authorities, even when you come to harm
We are to submit to authorities, even if they do evil, even if they irritate us, even if they harm us. This is how we show that we are fully submitted to God and will do good, even if others do us evil. (I Peter 2:13-24)
Obey all laws, unless they tell you to disobey God
Since the governments have the authority of God and act for God, we need to obey them. Even if you think the law is wrong or unjust, obey it. The only time we disobey, is if they tell us to disobey God. (Colossians 3:22)
Do good to those who do harm to you
When government officials do harm to us, we are to respond with blessings and prayers for their benefit. We do not curse them or abuse them, but instead do what we can to benefit them. (Romans 12:17-21)
Warn them away from God’s judgement by encouraging them to repent
If governmental officials do evil in God’s sight—especially if they are enacting unnecessary violence or harming the needy—they need to be warned that God will judge them unless they repent. (Ezekiel 33:9)
What you don’t have to do
Participate in the government
Many feel that it is one’s civic duty to vote in governmental elections, sign appropriate petitions or to participate in neighborhood meetings. However, since we, as Christians, belong to the kingdom of God, we should focus our attention on participating with God’s people, not a secular government. (James 4:4)
Agree with any particular politics or politician
Some Christians feel that a certain politics is the only real Christian choice, or that a certain politician is the “godly candidate.” However, we do not need to support any policy, politics or candidate. Rather, we need to focus on policies and decisions within the church and among those who represent Jesus. (Ephesians 4:17-19)
Call the nation we live in “our country”
The nation of all those who follow Jesus is not the one they were born in or the one they live in—it is the kingdom of God. And the kingdom of God has no king but God and no lord but Jesus and no realm on the earth. The non-godly government we live in the midst of is not “our” country. It is the country we live in . Our nation is only the kingdom of God. (II Corinthians 6:14-18)
Protest injustices
The ungodly governments of this world will do unjust and evil things sometimes. We do not need to protest them, although we might warn them what God will do in response. Some might choose to protest, and receive what persecution comes with gladness. But it is not necessary. However, when some in the church who represent God does open evil, then we need to respond. (I Corinthians 5:9-11)
Honor government leaders, but focus on God’s will among God’s people.
The government is appointed by God
Every government only gains its authority from God—even evil governments. Although governments may misuse or even abuse their authority, the authority itself comes from God. Thus, we need to respect the authority of the government, no matter who is using it. (John 20:11)
The government represents God
The government is meant to do some of God’s work on earth—specifically, to punish those who do evil and to reward those who do good. This does not mean that the government is God’s servant, necessarily. Satan also punishes the evil at God’s bidding, but he is not an obedient servant of God. But ideally, the government does God’s will. (Romans 13:1)
The government will be judged by God
Men do not have the right to judge governments. Even as a government’s authority and work has been given to it by God, so it is God who evaluates and determines the fate of governments. Often, God is patient and willing to wait for change. But some governments will be destroyed by God immediately: specifically those treat the needy badly and those who do much unnecessary violence. (Psalm 82)
There is only one truly godly government
The only government that has been appointed, approved and having passed testing by God is the kingdom of God, led by Jesus. No other government can call themselves approved by God. Nor can any other government call itself truly “Christian.” (John 18:36)
What not to do
Resist them when they do injustice against you
We do not resist authorities, but we are supposed to submit to them. We don’t need to complain against them, hate them or speak evil against them. Instead, if a government does us wrong, we pray about it and ask God for justice. (Matthew 5:39)
Judge them for not following the laws or principles of God’s kingdom.
Although the governments represent God, they do not understand the principles of God, except in the most general notions. And so it is not our job to judge them or condemn them for what they do not know. We can inform them of what God says, but it is God’s right to judge them and to punish them if they were inadequate. (I Corinthians 5:9-10)
Rebel against the authorities
We don’t need to do evil to the government. If the government is to be fought against, then we can pray for God to judge them, according to his will.
(Romans 13:2)
Obey them when they tell you to disobey the principles of Jesus.
We must take care to always place God and God’s will in our lives above the government’s will and desire. We submit to governments in all things except when they tell us to disregard the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. (Acts 4:19)
What to do
Give honor to whom honor is due
Government officials require that we speak politely to them, with the proper titles. Whatever honor is expected, we should give it. (Romans 13:7)
Pay taxes when you are required to
All governments require us to pay taxes to them. Even if you feel that the government isn’t representing you or doing what you think is right, you still have to pay the taxes that they demand of you. (Romans 13:7)
Pray for the leadership
We need to pray for government officials so that we will show respect for the officials, and also so God will direct the authorities to have wisdom to create a society of peace, so the church can do what God is directing them to do. (I Timothy 2:1-2)
Submit to authorities, even when you come to harm
We are to submit to authorities, even if they do evil, even if they irritate us, even if they harm us. This is how we show that we are fully submitted to God and will do good, even if others do us evil. (I Peter 2:13-24)
Obey all laws, unless they tell you to disobey God
Since the governments have the authority of God and act for God, we need to obey them. Even if you think the law is wrong or unjust, obey it. The only time we disobey, is if they tell us to disobey God. (Colossians 3:22)
Do good to those who do harm to you
When government officials do harm to us, we are to respond with blessings and prayers for their benefit. We do not curse them or abuse them, but instead do what we can to benefit them. (Romans 12:17-21)
Warn them away from God’s judgement by encouraging them to repent
If governmental officials do evil in God’s sight—especially if they are enacting unnecessary violence or harming the needy—they need to be warned that God will judge them unless they repent. (Ezekiel 33:9)
What you don’t have to do
Participate in the government
Many feel that it is one’s civic duty to vote in governmental elections, sign appropriate petitions or to participate in neighborhood meetings. However, since we, as Christians, belong to the kingdom of God, we should focus our attention on participating with God’s people, not a secular government. (James 4:4)
Agree with any particular politics or politician
Some Christians feel that a certain politics is the only real Christian choice, or that a certain politician is the “godly candidate.” However, we do not need to support any policy, politics or candidate. Rather, we need to focus on policies and decisions within the church and among those who represent Jesus. (Ephesians 4:17-19)
Call the nation we live in “our country”
The nation of all those who follow Jesus is not the one they were born in or the one they live in—it is the kingdom of God. And the kingdom of God has no king but God and no lord but Jesus and no realm on the earth. The non-godly government we live in the midst of is not “our” country. It is the country we live in . Our nation is only the kingdom of God. (II Corinthians 6:14-18)
Protest injustices
The ungodly governments of this world will do unjust and evil things sometimes. We do not need to protest them, although we might warn them what God will do in response. Some might choose to protest, and receive what persecution comes with gladness. But it is not necessary. However, when some in the church who represent God does open evil, then we need to respond. (I Corinthians 5:9-11)
Honor government leaders, but focus on God’s will among God’s people.
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