We will end the week with a longer piece by Jenson in "Currents in Theology and Mission." Jenson notes that the Finnish scholars draw on what Luther call the "happy exchange" to describe what we have been looking at as theosis. He quotes Simo Puera as he describes the divine indwelling in of Christ in the believer.
"When Christ gives himself to us, he indwells us and becomes one with us. Thus, redemption is something that happens not only on the cross but also in all believers whom Christ indwells through faith."Then Jenson notes.
According to Luther all this is effected by the Holy Spirit through baptism, and the necessary precondition for baptism is preaching of God's Word. In baptism God joins Godself with the sinner and becomes one with him or her. And preaching is the precondition. To which Jenson then comments about preaching.
Theosis means that preaching: ...effects the "happy exchange."...brings Christ as grace/favor and gift. ...mediates God's indwelling in the believer. ...is an instrument for divinization of the believer. ...transforms human agency. ...gives birth to new hearts within us. ...mediates union with God/Christ. ...donates Christ to us. ...is the "real presence" of Christ "for us." ...fills us with God. ...creates our participation in God. (p.434-435)
It sounds like too grand of a task for any preacher...it is! That is why we always call on the Holy Spirit to speak for us. That means that the congregation must speak up when this fullness of God is not being preached. We cannot be silent about the task of preaching...and it is a community task as much as it is the task of the preacher. And yet, know this. The one who indwells will be the one who brings this Word of God even when we fail and fall short.
Connection: Listen and listen again and begin to speak up with the Word that brings life where there is no life.
Lord, by your Word, transform us and lead us within your promised land this day. Amen
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