From the last section of Thomas Oden's book The Justification Reader.
In apostolic teaching, faith is utterly simple and direct. Christian teaching cannot do better than to convey that profound simplicity. Salvation comes through grace-enabled faith, not the absolute clarity of faith's attempts to define itself. "God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe" (1 Corinthians 1:21).
The simplicity of faith makes it almost unbelievable. That may seem odd...but look around. When we speak of God's grace and how our God is eternally for us and that nothing can separate us from the Love of God in Christ, Jesus, just listen to the "Yeh, buts" that will be lifted up all around you. It is as though we cannot let God be the one who makes the move and acts and redeems and rescues and saves and delivers and embraces us...without one bit of action on our part. It is utter foolishness. Yes, but it is the way God works...it is the way of the cross...it is the empty tomb that defies all the rules of life and death.
Connection: K.I.S.S.* and yet let it be for you the most powerful and profound word onto which you hang all day long. (*Keep It Simple Stupid)
Lord of the Promise, you give and you give and you give and you...then find it within your loving grace to give more so as to keep us eternally under your loving care and alive within your gracious reign. Praise be to you. Amen!
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