Wednesday, 5 February, 2003

We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.



The Christian's righteousness is not his own, based on law. "Now What does (Paul) mean, 'not having my own righteousness' (Philippians 3:9a), when that law was not his but God's? He can only have called it his own righteousness because, although it was from the law, he used to think that he could fulfill it without the aid of the grace that is through Christ".



In a discussion during our last confirmation class (7 middle school youth and me) we moved into the discussion about heaven and several of the students started asking about what if...we did this or that...would we still "get in?" I was a bit obnoxious. I would not let them finish the question. I kept saying you are in. You are beloved. Beginning and end of story...that's it. To which I received a number of "but...But what if...But...but...! I wouldn't even let them speculate or try to come up with situations that might "keep one out." God does it. We say in Christ, Jesus, God does it once and for all....once and for all...once and for all. Once and for all there is a righteousness that is handed to us and it is ours. Beginning and end of story. In the meantime, I tried to move them in the direction of thinking about what that kind of unconditional announcement can and does do for the living of these days not just the time after death. We are watching the movie "Ghandi" as part of a biblical section on prophets...and living within the Reign of God...even now...as part of a promise. We don't "have our own righteousness." It is handed to us free for all...once and for all.



Connection: So, what does such a word of affirmation and love do to the living of this day? Today is the perfect day to find out a bit about the power in that love.



Living Lord, you rule and preside over the many ways of our lives. As you walk with us, by the power of your Spirit, continue to remind us of this love that has been a part of your loving presence since the beginning of time and will be with us beyond all the time we can imagine. Praise be to you O God Most High. Amen.