Gospel

SINNERS AND SAINTS

by Morris Inch
11/14/16
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SINNERS AND SAINTS

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Initially, it should be allowed that Christians are admonished to proclaim the gospel. It remains to be considered how best this is to be done. Whether to emphasize what they share in common with others or how they differ. While my impression is that the latter is more often employed.

Even so, we share a common humanity. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" (Gen. 1:27). In this regard, to act as stewards of his general creation. Which implies the prospect of communion with God, and the capabilities to perform his or her select responsibilities. As graphically expressed by the Jewish commentary, "When one dies it is as if all have died."

Moreover, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). There are no exceptions, not even among those who appear most pious in our midst. While sin consists of lack of conformity to God’s righteous resolve. Whether in the form of commission or omission, the latter often being the more subtle and offensive.

Then we "are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Whereas grace pertains to unmerited favor. As if a gift, requiring our acceptance. Qualifications aside, it is available to all.

Consequently, to embrace life in community. So that unity is to be understood not in terms of uniformity, but constructive diversity. In this regard, "If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be" (I Cor. 12:17-18).

Related matters come to mind. I have been involved in dialogue over the years, and sometimes criticized for doing so. The term implies the interaction of persons with diverse beliefs. While the practice allows us to share our own faith and learn from others. In keeping with the saying, "All truth is God’s truth." While not all that is said to be true actually qualifies.

Notwithstanding, the notion of saints implies being set apart for God’s purposes. This results in sanctification. It is likewise alluded to by Paul’s signature expression in Christ. For instance, "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the first fruits, then when he comes, those who belong to him" (I Cor. 15:22-23).

This transition to a follower of Christ is variously recalled. As for me, it was during my military service during World War II. While I failed to grasp most of what the chaplain was saying, I was impressed by Jesus’ assertion: "whoever comes to me I will never drive away" (John 6:37). "If you can’t believe Jesus, who can you believe?" I thought to myself. So that in terms of the lyric refrain, "I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back, not turning back."

It remained to mature in Christ. "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ," Paul allowed (I Cor. 3:1). This served as an incentive for them to explore their faith in greater depth. Then by sharing it with others, not only by word but by deed. For instance, "Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do" (James 2:18).

In conclusion, it seems imperative that Christians allow both for what they share with others, and how they differ. Accordingly, they should not pretend to be something they are not. Which qualifies as hypocrisy, as cautioned against by Jesus.

Nevertheless, there remains the issue concerning priority. This probably depends in large measure on the situation involved. It sometimes serves better to accent one or the other, but not to the exclusion of either. Thus identifying with the person we are sharing with, but not necessarily conforming to his or her perspective. As succinctly expressed, as a means of being in but not of the world. Then as a means of glorifying God.