Today, reply is on atonement, Christ dying on the cross, and other divine works as the platform for meaning and value of human spiritual works such as belief, praise, and sacrifice. A place in the divine presence (we say, Heaven) can not be bought and sold, or earned by performing human deeds as though having access to GOD may be treated as material property within a human economy. Through the ministry of reconciliation and salvation provided by Jesus Christ, “logical sense” is replaced by exchange and interaction among spirit content from the makeup of GOD, and finite human works are replaced by sacred process, operations of the Holy Spirit, and works requiring accord among the three persons of the full GODhead. A simple word for this is “grace”. The fighter in the “Yahoo! Answers” forum who uses the ID “medusa” (Level 4 with 3,028 points, a member since August 23, 2015) posted the following:
Does the crucifixion and blood sacrifice make logical sense for earning a heaven rather than something like deeds?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1st Peter 2: 5-10, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: GOD Appearing As Christ (12/03/2017); Wisdom In A Mystery (11/22/2017); Relying on Sacred “Evidence” (11/20/2017); About Using “Sacred Logic” (11/19/2017); Tools For Knowing Divinity (05/12/2017); The Cross and Critical Thinking? (04/13/2016); The Gospel not Logical? (09/16/2012); Unwelcome Gifts? (09/17/2012)
“medusa”, relying on sacred knowledge to talk about sacred themes, a different way of speaking and thinking must be used. Among Christian believers, meaning, quality, and value for multiple aspects of existence and life are being determined by the living ministry of Jesus Christ that he has shared on the earth, and continues to provide from heaven. Sinners who become “born again” will undergo permanent changes through operations of spirit content imparted from the makeup of GOD as acts of love and free gifts more than as reward or wages earned through their own works. Included are inseparable aspects of divine fullness such as faith, forbearance, forgiveness, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. The finite frameworks we usually rely on (e.g., emotion, intellect, carnal reason, secular knowledge, thought, time, space), will continue to be used, however, what they supply must be in accordance to divine order, so to speak.
For many Christians and Jews, that Jesus dies on the cross to provide blood for cleansing and remission of sin (we say, atonement and propitiation) is only a single aspect of the full sacred work he completes. Jesus also makes a prophetic demonstration wherein he becomes the embodiment of sin, and is destroyed in final judgment. He is raised from the dead, and returns to heaven to finish peculiar works already begun (e.g., building the Holy City (New Jerusalem), judgment of the righteous, preparation for judgment of the wicked). The nature of love, obedience and sacrifice are shown to be faithfulness, humility, reverence, and unselfishness. For one must put aside their own awareness, desire and self-will to carry out the will of another, and become accountable for all costs, loss, and related events that may follow.
The salvation Christians speak of is complex, for both divine works and human deeds of acknowledgment performed through endowments of imparted Spirit should come into view. Consider again the following that uses language from the Bible:
(1.) Galatians 2: 20, King James Version (KJV): 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(2.) 2nd Corinthians 5: 17, KJV: 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
There is far more to be said, correctly examined, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) Romans 5: 5-9, KJV: 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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