Friday 5 October 2007

This section about the law ends with this paragraph from Tuomo Mannermaa.

According to Luther, justification, when considered from the viewpoint of the work and person of Christ, happens "outside" human beings (even though it "is" also within them), and is imputed to them... When participating in Christ, the believer shares in an ontological and real manner in what is "death to death" (i.e., life), "sin to sin" (i.e., righteousness), and "law to the law" (i.e., freedom). This "realistic" notion of Christ also constitutes the basis for a concept which is very interesting from the viewpoint of this study and it theme: according to the Reformer, the union between the believer and Christ is so completed that these two become "one person."

There is something about our "being" that is new when we are "in Christ." It is a gift and it is a reality for us. Rather than seeing ourselves as people "trying to be like Christ," we are people who are already "one person" with the Christ. That is at the core of our identity as the baptized in Christ, Jesus. Therefore, as the day unfolds before us, we walk into it remembering whose we are and how the real presence of our Lord, like at the meal on Sunday, is among us as we move through the day. We are now a part of that presence - even before we lift our hand or move out of bed. It is that "being" already that creates the life into which we are called to participate. Obviously, we might be a bit befuddled at the difference between how we act and how we perceive the Christ. Then again, that does not erase the union with Christ. Rather we are always present at a new starting point within the living presence of our Lord among us.

Connection: In our weekly study of Genesis, we read about the "two becoming one" in the second chapter. Rather than have it mean a "sexual" thing, we must remember that the "two becoming one person" through Christ is the same kind of oneness. Today is again a time to participate more fully in the realization of this oneness with others.

Bind us together, Lord God. Bind us together so that as we walk out into the world we continue to see your life and your love and you presence in, with, and under all the relationships we enter throughout the day. Grant us the vision of your unfolding Reign. Amen.