Participation in Christ

At the same time, it is imperative that we be clear that participation in Christ (or in his death) is not a vague, purely “spiritual” term. New covenantal, participatory love for God and neighbor manifests itself in concrete practices, some of which we have already considered in general terms. It is also worth remembering at this point the poignant words of Augustine: “Anyone who thinks they have understood the divine scriptures, or any part of them [such as texts about atonement], but cannot with this understanding increase in the twofold love of God and neighbor has not yet understood them.”— The Death of the Messiah and the Birth of the New Covenant, page 76