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?