An interesting comment from Regius Prof Marilyn McCord Adams:
Christians can be martyrs and fill up the sufferings of Christ (Col 1:24) only to the extent that he cleanses them first. That is why continual repentance is not only necessary for the Christian's own reconciliation with Christ but also the best contribution he can make toward solving the problem of evil.
So, then, the work for Christians to do in the face of evil - in the first place - is to deal our own personal evils such that we may become effective witnesses to the judgment and redemption of God.
5 comments:
perhaps one of my favorite quotes by Augustine is from his City of God XIX.27 where he echoes Adams' sentiment (though his discussion is about righteousness rather than martyrdom):
"Our very righteousness...is yet in this life of such a kind that it consists rather in the remission of sins than in the perfecting of virtues. Witness the prayer of the whole city of God in its pilgrim state, for it cries to God by the mouth of all its members, 'Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.'"
I'm somewhat uncomfortable with her comments, at least until I worked out where they stood in relation to justification vs. sanctification. I was under the impression that we were justified or reconciled before God via Christ's death & resurrection. Is she arguing something different?
Regards
Roger
I think character and depth of ones character does come first.
well repentance is necessary isn't it? though that is a work of God in us.
Hello Michael. Wanted to say that I do check in now and again, despite my previous comment on Justin's site. I do like to see a short post...I can concentrate on reading it all. Anyway, love your work...
I am constantly facing my own personal evils. There seems to be so many of them.
Jenny
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