I think somebody will appreciate the invitation to think out of the box (tradition). Let's consider these questions.
Why would 'you' need grace from a God that is love? WHEN would LOVE have ever stopped loving? Are you sure that you have a clear understanding of what grace is all about? Love would simply forgive! NOT require a son on a cross!
These questions raise a pertinent point about grace because "grace" has often been used in a
legalistic way in the christian circles. To some preachers, grace is
like having a transaction with God, such as "God gives us his grace only
when we give God our faith" or "God needs to punish Jesus to fulfill
the law in order to give us his grace and forgiveness". That is not
grace; that is legalism disguised as grace because the law is always
conditional whereas grace is always unconditional.
Teachings that represent God/Jesus as a vindictive and vengeful divinity
are actually anti-Christ because revenge and retribution are against
his loving, gracious and non-violent nature. Jesus himself taught people
not to return an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth, but to love
their enemies. It is amazing to think how much the mainstream christian
teachings that propagate a picture of a judgmental and vengeful Jesus
have the gospel upside down that is contrary to his true nature.
The cross simply demonstrates Jesus' love, compassion and forgiveness. He had said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". If he had wanted revenge, he would have said something that was condemning.
Since God is love, and love keeps no records of wrong, then it does not make any sense for God to punish or require a sacrifice to atone for people’s wrongs. The “atonement for sin” theology therefore is man’s theology. I think Jesus came to help people repent (change their mindset) about God – that the idea of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” is not compatible with God’s love (which keeps no records of wrong), and that God’s heart is to love one’s enemies. He also came to show us that we are already innocent and perfect/complete, for the kingdom of God (innocence/righteousness, peace and joy) is within each of us.
This also answers the question “If God doesn’t require sacrifice for “sins”, then why did Jesus die on the cross?” because Jesus’ suffering and death was to demonstrate what Jesus himself taught in the sermon on the mount – he did not return an eye for an eye when he was beaten, and instead he blessed those who cursed him, and prayed for those who persecuted him. The cross is a demonstration of the love of God which keeps no records of wrong, and not to atone for so-called sins (which man-made religions have mistakenly taught).
The cross simply demonstrates Jesus' love, compassion and forgiveness. He had said "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do". If he had wanted revenge, he would have said something that was condemning.
Since God is love, and love keeps no records of wrong, then it does not make any sense for God to punish or require a sacrifice to atone for people’s wrongs. The “atonement for sin” theology therefore is man’s theology. I think Jesus came to help people repent (change their mindset) about God – that the idea of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” is not compatible with God’s love (which keeps no records of wrong), and that God’s heart is to love one’s enemies. He also came to show us that we are already innocent and perfect/complete, for the kingdom of God (innocence/righteousness, peace and joy) is within each of us.
This also answers the question “If God doesn’t require sacrifice for “sins”, then why did Jesus die on the cross?” because Jesus’ suffering and death was to demonstrate what Jesus himself taught in the sermon on the mount – he did not return an eye for an eye when he was beaten, and instead he blessed those who cursed him, and prayed for those who persecuted him. The cross is a demonstration of the love of God which keeps no records of wrong, and not to atone for so-called sins (which man-made religions have mistakenly taught).
I believe there are people who will appreciate the invitation to think out of the
box and question religious traditions, so as to find their own freedom
from any kind of bondage of fear and condemnation imposed by organised
religions, and experience peace within themselves and with others.
Related posts
Once you start seeing The Love of God, Hell Won’t Make Sense ~Dr. Michel W. Jones
Progressive thoughts on why Jesus died on the cross and whether God’s justice is retributive or restorative
Progressive thoughts on why Jesus died on the cross and whether God’s justice is retributive or restorative
No comments:
Post a Comment