Fourth, the need for reparation and restitution in the priestly legislation showed that sin had an impact on others and demanded that a person change his or her behavior practically in light of the grace that was afforded through the sacrificial rite.—A Severe Mercy, page 76 (emphasis his)
<idle musing>
Sin always has a communal effect. I know it is hard for us in our individualistic society to fathom that, but it's true. What happens in the darkness of a corner room has a society-wide ramification. Of course, the answer isn't more legislation, but instead repentance and reformed behavior by the power of the Holy Spirit.
</idle musing>
1 comment:
The problems isn't that the Church is wrong about sin. We have an acute understanding of God's holiness and righteousness, and how sin offends them.
What we do not understand, well at all, is God's motivation. God is motivated by love. God loves the world and that is why he hates the sin. Jesus tells us exactly, Father God's motive for sending him. "For God so loved the world, he gave his only Son."
God shows us; proves to us, beyond any shadow of a doubt that sin must be dealt with face to face. God literally meets us face to face wearing our own skin and face. God doesn't stand far off shouting at us from behind a picket sign. God doesn't stand in Washington throwing laws at us. God stands before us, spreads his arms wide and pleads with us, "Come to me, you are worn out and beat up. I want to give you life. Here now, take what I am and have, I won't ever wear you out or beat you to death."
When the Church allows God to give his love through them, face to face, nose to nose, and toes to toes with sinners, then, AND ONLY THEN, will God overcome the world's sin. God deals with sin face to face and this is the way of His true Church. Face to face, this is God's way. Any other way is NOT God's way.
Lonnie
Post a Comment