Redemption is something that every Christian loves to discuss because of what it means to us. It means that we are freed from the sins that held us captive because of the grace and mercy that God has shown us. It is something that makes us joyous, and it should. But all too often this is where the discussion of redemption ends for me. We are saved. The end. While this is true and amazing it is not the only portion of redemption. Plantinga discuss the Double Grace. The justification and the sanctification process are the components of this double Grace. The second is my current focus. Sanctification is a process that never ends. It is that portion that I so often glimpse over. Sure the Holy Spirit can now live within us and that is great and amazing, but what does that really mean. We now must live our lives with accordance to that of the faith we profess. We can understand a small fraction of the gift that God has given us in Jesus Christ. Sanctification gives us the means to “take up the cross” and we should do it willingly. This is one of the most amazing facets to faith to me. The idea that we do not do good works to get to heaven, but rather we do good works because Jesus has already granted us a pass to heaven and we wish to show the entire apparition for that that is possible. Luther says “Good works are not the cause, but the fruit of righteousness. When we have become righteous, then we are able and willing to do good. The tree makes the apple; the apple does not make the tree”
The most interesting point to me that Planting makes to me is that the commandments are not just the rules that we follow, but also give us freedom and the ability to flourish. This fact that the commandments do not limit us but rather give us greater room to grow fascinates me. This is not way the commandments have ever been presented to me before. God in his infinite wisdom provides us with rules that are not just rules, but a way to live to the fullest and most joyous lifestyle that we can achieve on this earth.
Thanks for being so honest about your reactions.. I too found it interesting what Plantinga said about the 10 commandments. I was always taught to obey them because that's what Christians do. Never did I learn that they set us free and give us room to grow! These aren't just rules that God gives us to follow in order to restrict us, He gives them to us out of love. He wants us to enjoy the beautiful lives we've been given. Great thoughts
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of the things you had to say in this post. It is true that often we are prone to act like because we are saved, that is our happily ever after. But as you point out, we must continue to do good works throughout our lives not to get saved, but because we are saved.
ReplyDeleteI also was touched by the revelation of what the 10 commandments really are. It's so funny how so many good things from God have been turned backwards by the world. Sticking to the rules will grant you great freedom, first shall be last and the last shall be first, if someone asks you for your money, give him your coat as well. The backwards kingdom of God sounds like nonsense but is actually the most practical and loving thing we can do.
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