For the sum of the gospels hath its oirginal hence, from God having become man and having been crucified and having risen again. This gospel also Gabriel preached to the Virgin, this also the prophets to the world, this also the apostles all of them.
John Chrysostom, 347- 407 AD, Homilies on First Corinthians, Homily XXVIII, 15:2 (translated by Rev. Talbot W. Chambers, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Philip Schaff, Hendrickson Publishers, 2012, First Series, Vol. 12, p. 227)
What is the significance of this as the gospel? How does it differ from competing messages?
When God became a human being he showed us who he really is. Sadly most missed it because they saw God as a warrior and not a servant.
ReplyDeleteI think the underlying problem is they saw their problems as external and physical(getting rid of the Romans), problems a Warrior could fix. Rather than internal and spiritual, something that required the work of a servant.
DeleteMaybe. Yet I imagine their image of the Son of David was the warrior version of David.
DeleteThey may have thought that, but the Son of David was supposed to be a man of peace. David was unable to build the temple, because he had shed much blood. This was of course originally a reference to Solomon. but I also see it as a reference to David's ultimate Son, Jesus.
DeleteSo how would you answer the two questions that you originally posted?
ReplyDeleteIf I were to give my answer I would say the distinct heart of the gospel is that God came looking for us and when we could not help ourselves, God became man to deliver us. It is not us working our way to God, but God acting to rescue us.
DeleteBut there are many aspects at work here and I am not claiming there is one definitive right answer. I try to ask open ended questions that may have more than one correct solution.
Yes. The gospel is all about the gift of salvation. Our disagreement is perhaps whether one can refuse the gift or not?
DeleteI do not know that either of us will easily convince the other on the subject of Calvinism. But I would say my position was not that we cannot refuse it, but that we cannot accept it without a special and particular working of God in our hearts.
DeleteAgree. We have talked that one ad nauseum. For me, a gift that cannot be refused looks more like a manipulation than grace. And of course, the working of God that you speak of is an unmerited gift.
DeleteI see this from different perspective as I have attempted to explain. But I agree we have discussed this one to death and I think we will just have to agree to disagree on this one.
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