Reformation should start with ‘me’ and ‘us’
“(God) is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom, our righteousness, and sanctification and redemption.” 1 Corinthians 1:30, revised standard version.
On the last Sunday in October, Protestants remember the Reformation, which officially started Oct. 31, 1517, when Martin Luther posted his 95 statements in Wittenberg, Germany. The legacy of Reformers is to continue the spirit of renewal, re-dedication and returning to the roots. Our text helps us to do so.
Christ is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption but not as the world likes to think.
Our Lord said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” John 14:27/a. Not only is the divine peace different from that of the world, but so is the wisdom and righteousness that follows these attributes.
Wisdom: to be educated, smart, intelligent and wise are not exactly the same. Earning a college diploma proves that the person is knowledgeable in a given field or branch of science, but not necessarily experienced and wise in all aspects of life. The Bible does not claim to be an authentic book on scientific subjects but the Holy Scriptures help us know more about God and strengthen our spiritual relationship with him.
Righteousness: divine righteousness is not based on the testimony of witnesses or admissible evidence, but on his grace and mercy. Apostle Paul was right again: “Abraham ‘believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.'” Galatians 3:6. We are right in God’s eyes not because we have done nothing wrong, but because we accepted Christ’s sacrificial death through faith. Please read Ephesians 2:8 9.
Sanctification: if our sanctification were to be granted according to our ability to avoid sins and be perfect in every circumstance, who could count on it? Yet we are sanctified as the continuation of our justification.
Redemption: wisdom, righteousness and sanctification, based on human logic, legality and good behavior will not lead us to redemption. Only the divine love and mercy, and our submission to the power of the Spirit will lead us to redemption.
It is the “cross” of the church to be human and divine at the same time, and not give up one for the sake of the other. We are aware of the shortcomings of the organized church, and also the challenge to remain the institutionalized “proclaimer” of the Good News. The message of the Reformation helps to achieve this if we know and practice this basic biblical truth. Our relationship with the church will not determine our love of God, but our love of God will define our relationship with the church.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Ligonier.