February 1, 2014

Living justified...

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Personal Challenge...

It is so difficult to truly understand the teachings presented in the scriptures when staying focused on using the modern and reformed ways of thinking that most of us have grown up with. These words were penned by Paul a century before the great schism between the church of the east and the church of the west, a century and a half before the western world went through the age of enlightenment and reason, and a century and a half before the church was reformed. But through all of this history there still remained and does to this day, a branch of the church that adheres to the eastern way of thinking...pre-schism, pre-enlightenment, and pre-reformed. What a joy it is to pursue Christ, to read His scriptures, to study the early church fathers (those who walked with Christ and passed on His teachings), and to practice the traditions as they did at the beginning of the church.

This passage speaks so differently through that filter, that mindset. Our faith in Christ makes us justified, which is an ongoing state of communion with Him. Being justified refers to an ongoing state of righteousness and not merely to a one-time event. This justification requires a redemption: a sacrificial offering capable of (1) setting us free from sin and death, and (2) uniting us eternally with righteousness and life. Christ is the sacrificial offering. Because of this ongoing communion, we have peace with God which is also ongoing. Faith is more than the conviction that something is true. Genuine faithfulness is continuous loyalty and obedience to God. Such faithfulness justifies a person through God's grace. (Notes taken from Orthodox Study Bible, pp 1528 & 1526.) Glory be to God!