That title doesn't do my thoughts justice, but I'm not sure that any title could. I stumbled upon a deep theological discussion on the Boar's Head Tavern site about not just the innerrancy of scripture, but also about a strange cross-section of the Christian subculture that apparently has managed to resurrect for themselves a golden calf made of King James Bibles. In a metaphorical sense, of course. Although, the gold leaf would work nicely... hmmm...
I'm not sure quite what to think about the issue. While I agree that the Bible is not a magical portkey to Happy Salvation Land (just touch it at the prescribed time and poof! you arrive at your destination), there is a power inherent in the holy scripture of God, is there not? While the Bible alone does not save, and God alone does, he has chosen to use the medium of his son, the word made flesh among us, to provide that salvation, and the primary method of communication of that fact is indeed through the Bible. Right? (My head is spinning...)
As if that wasn't enough to get my noggin all in a tizzy, I then continued my way through the pub (in search of the billards tables, but I was alas! waylaid) and came across a discussion of Ted Haggard. I've mentioned my feelings on the matter before. In a previous post, I started out judging (not the pastor, but those that would judge him), and as usually happens, ended up with a nasty close-up of my own sin, judgements and self-righteous behavior. In reading some of the thoughts of the denizens of the Boar's Head, I found myself once again quick to judge... but then I clicked on this link and now I'm really feeling flummoxed.
Haggard's words in November 2003. It's almost creepy, really. A bit of irony, of foreshadowing, perhaps a subconscious plea for help? What really got me to thinking, though, was his mention of Martin Luther's "[lament] at the end of his life that he might not be justified." (Anyone have any insight into this? Was Haggard presenting this idea out of context?) Haggard warns us all, and for good reason, that we must "ensure that we are not the whitewashed tombs and snakes of our day." But I find some of his reasoning troubling. He gives the very Biblical warnings that we are to be known as Christians by our love, that our actions are important. But he seems to make the claim that if we are not loving, if we are not taking care of the least of these, and if we are doing that which we do not want to do, then it is a warning sign that our salvation may not be secure. Maybe no one else got that idea from his article, but it unnerved me.
Is it not better to rely on God's sovereign power and gracious choice of us, while we were yet still enemies, as the binding seal and sign of our salvation? Okay, I may be getting out of line here, but it is indeed a very short jump from, "Good fruit is a sign of salvation" to "Salvation through works." I just don't like relying on my fallible actions to reassure me that Christ has chosen and redeemed me. I find it very comforting that no matter how badly I screw up (daily!), God is with me and will not forsake me. Is it perhaps the difference between our own assurance of our salvation and what bears testimony to others? I think I may better understand the urges that would prompt a person to tear out the book of James. Speaking of blasphemy. And redemption.
Okay, if I've been wildly heretical here, tell me! In the mean time, I'm off to sacrifice goats. (What a smartass ending to a rather heartfelt post!)
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2 comments:
Hey Chandra,
Relying on your own life to provide "signs of salvation" is almost always the path to losing any assurance of your standing before God. Our assurance always has to rest outside of us, because even though we are redeemed, we're still sinners.
I don't know whether or not Haggard's statement about Martin Luther is accurate. I do know, though, that whenever Luther felt like the Devil was trying to shake his faith and instill doubt, Luther responded by simply shouting "I am baptized!" Baptism is one of the signs and seals of our salvation. Granted, we have to take care that this doesn't become a kind of magic/superstition. But rightly understood, baptism gives us a promise about our salvation in Christ. The question is, do we believe that promise? Our assurance has to rest in Christ and His faithfulness, not our own.
Gaines, I like the reminder that these physical things (good works, baptism, etc.) are promises about our salvation in Christ. Someday, I will be perfected in Christ and I will sin no longer. Someday I will experience the bodily resurrection with Christ. All promises of things to come, of an earth renewed and a Kingdom come!
I am baptized! I am chosen! I am not in charge! I am created in the image of God for his glory!
All very comforting things to shout, although perhaps not loudly enough to scare the neighbors.
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