Believe it or not there are people who don’t think about theology . . . or philosophy . . . or cosmology . . . or epistemology . . . or any other ology for that matter. But I suppose it really doesn’t make much of a difference because those that do put grey matter effort into such musings usually just manage to include themselves among a host of others doing the same. Yet for me it’s a phenomena bordering on the absurd not to give, at least moderate, consideration to the idea of eternal things. People who would not bet on the come for an inside straight in a game of poker with four cards in the poke are content to comparatively do just that, in life, with just two cards in the poke. You might think this is just a form of wishful thinking, kicking the philosophical can down the road, channeling Scarlet O’Hara . . . “I’ll think about that tomorrow!” Yet the sad reality is they have made a firm and decisive decision to allow their appetites for self-indulgence to reign supreme in their sense of reality.
Nevertheless, this fatal approach to eternal things is neither mandatory nor non-reversible. Here’s good news: the grace of God is available and abundant to anyone willing to take it for a test drive (“ . . . whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John6:37). No one is required to formulate a finished and polished epistemological or theological position prior to giving God a chance at changing a heart. While out on the lake as the wind began to blow menacingly, Peter cried out for help and was obliged, even as he doubted (Matthew 14:30-31). God doesn’t require us to meet him halfway. All that’s necessary is that we turn in His direction. He will cross the great divide and indeed has already made that gesture through His death and resurrection. No giving up cigarettes or beer; no resolutions to attend church twice a week; no overhaul of a four-letter dialect is either necessary or profitable towards His grace. Rather, His grace is available for any and all such endeavors with these simple words accompanying the concurrent authentic sentiment: “God, I’m not certain about eternity but on the chance you’re real and you really do care about me, I’d like to surrender to you and accept your gift of eternal life. If you will change my heart, I’ll change my mind. I know for sure I’m not God and if Jesus’ death and resurrection is for real, I’d like to be cleaned of sin and made new.” You can say this in front of a congregation of believers on a Sunday morning . . . or you can say it in the privacy of your own bathroom. Either way He will honor your request and the change in your heart will astound you.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Three "Fieds"
I believe in the three “fieds.” Of course, I believe in the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Dallas Cowboys, my sister’s shrimp gumbo, my wife’s love of gardening, and the emotional healing waters of Gulf Shores. But, it’s the belief in the fieds that separates me from some of my old buddies from my Air Force days, some of the twigs and leafs on my family tree, and many of my friends and acquaintances today. It’s also what connects me with others who don’t necessarily share my affection for some of the cultural imperatives but are kindred spirits in the belief in the three “fieds.” So, what is this “fied” thing that seems to makes such a difference in either direction?
To begin with, I believe I’m “justified.” The word in the archaic is the same root word for justice; and in the Greek it is “dikaioo” – meaning “to render innocent.” For me to say that I am innocent would be a falsehood on the order of saying “the earth is flat.” But note, I am not saying I am innocent but that I have been “rendered” thus. It is a marvelous thing to stand before the magistrate and hear the words “not guilty.” Yet, imagine hearing those words knowing full well you have not only committed the crime for which you are charged but that you are a serial criminal guilty of much more. Nevertheless, the declaration is emphatic. These two things are true and mutually assured. I am guilty yet I’ve been declared not guilty. How is this possible? I refer you to the entire Epistle to the Romans wherein Paul provides a treatise on the wonderment of it all, though Romans 3:24 captures it cleanly: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Meaning, my sin wasn’t excused, wasn’t ignored, wasn’t thought meaningless . . . rather it was considered inexcusable, horrific and payment due. What happened was Jesus took my penalty on Himself . . . paid my debt . . . secured my freedom. Then, acted as my lawyer, went before the magistrate and pled my case. Have you ever been to the local animal humane society and seen one of those pitiful, feces-covered, skin-and-bones, low-browed curs in desperate need of rescue? That was me. Wow!
There’s more. I believe I am being “sanctified.” This means He’s changing me, little-by-little, step-by-step into a likeness of Himself. A lot of people prefer to think that God’s principal characteristic is “love.” I can understand that preference. In fact, according to 1 John 4:8 God “is” love. But I believe His central attribute is “holiness” and that’s His aim for us . . . to be set apart . . . to live in His presence. . . to live for His purpose. Now, you might argue that you can’t tell the difference between the me’s of before I was justified and since, but He can -- and I can. For one thing, He’s relieved me of the “want to” sin. Oh, before the relief I confess I yearned for a burden shift or a burden lift, but I still wanted to lead the same life, I just didn’t want the consequences. Today I have a strong abhorrence to sin. My flesh still wants to, the world system still entices me, and the devil still tempts me. This unholy triple threat is a powerful foe and I still give in from time to time but my heart has a new master and a new allegiance.
Not done yet. Someday I will be “glorified.” It won’t be a puffy white cloud in the midst of harps and halos or a scene usually depicted in some medieval fresco with effeminate angels wearing high-sashed gowns and plucking on a lute. Throughout the ages artists have tried to capture with paint and poster what cannot be fathomed. But “No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.” (1 Cor. 2:9) There is something deep in the human psyche that insists on accepting only that which resonates with its central character. If I am a Democrat, I really don’t want to see the Republican side (and vice versa). If I’m a black man, the white thought process is alien to me (and vice versa). If I’m a woman, men cannot possibly comprehend (and vice versa). In the same way we humans want to construct heavenly things in our minds in such a way that we can master them. But God has said “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8) To be glorified means to be awesomely more than we can imagine but that whatever it is, it is with Him, on His throne, eternally. How’s that for someone who had to be rescued?
To begin with, I believe I’m “justified.” The word in the archaic is the same root word for justice; and in the Greek it is “dikaioo” – meaning “to render innocent.” For me to say that I am innocent would be a falsehood on the order of saying “the earth is flat.” But note, I am not saying I am innocent but that I have been “rendered” thus. It is a marvelous thing to stand before the magistrate and hear the words “not guilty.” Yet, imagine hearing those words knowing full well you have not only committed the crime for which you are charged but that you are a serial criminal guilty of much more. Nevertheless, the declaration is emphatic. These two things are true and mutually assured. I am guilty yet I’ve been declared not guilty. How is this possible? I refer you to the entire Epistle to the Romans wherein Paul provides a treatise on the wonderment of it all, though Romans 3:24 captures it cleanly: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Meaning, my sin wasn’t excused, wasn’t ignored, wasn’t thought meaningless . . . rather it was considered inexcusable, horrific and payment due. What happened was Jesus took my penalty on Himself . . . paid my debt . . . secured my freedom. Then, acted as my lawyer, went before the magistrate and pled my case. Have you ever been to the local animal humane society and seen one of those pitiful, feces-covered, skin-and-bones, low-browed curs in desperate need of rescue? That was me. Wow!
There’s more. I believe I am being “sanctified.” This means He’s changing me, little-by-little, step-by-step into a likeness of Himself. A lot of people prefer to think that God’s principal characteristic is “love.” I can understand that preference. In fact, according to 1 John 4:8 God “is” love. But I believe His central attribute is “holiness” and that’s His aim for us . . . to be set apart . . . to live in His presence. . . to live for His purpose. Now, you might argue that you can’t tell the difference between the me’s of before I was justified and since, but He can -- and I can. For one thing, He’s relieved me of the “want to” sin. Oh, before the relief I confess I yearned for a burden shift or a burden lift, but I still wanted to lead the same life, I just didn’t want the consequences. Today I have a strong abhorrence to sin. My flesh still wants to, the world system still entices me, and the devil still tempts me. This unholy triple threat is a powerful foe and I still give in from time to time but my heart has a new master and a new allegiance.
Not done yet. Someday I will be “glorified.” It won’t be a puffy white cloud in the midst of harps and halos or a scene usually depicted in some medieval fresco with effeminate angels wearing high-sashed gowns and plucking on a lute. Throughout the ages artists have tried to capture with paint and poster what cannot be fathomed. But “No eye has seen, nor ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.” (1 Cor. 2:9) There is something deep in the human psyche that insists on accepting only that which resonates with its central character. If I am a Democrat, I really don’t want to see the Republican side (and vice versa). If I’m a black man, the white thought process is alien to me (and vice versa). If I’m a woman, men cannot possibly comprehend (and vice versa). In the same way we humans want to construct heavenly things in our minds in such a way that we can master them. But God has said “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8) To be glorified means to be awesomely more than we can imagine but that whatever it is, it is with Him, on His throne, eternally. How’s that for someone who had to be rescued?
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