Cute argument - bad theology
Submitted by forgiven on December 26 1999 at 15:53:09
In reply to Re:Fear vs. Love Submitted by Chris on December 26 1999 at 08:42:31
|
Like so much that my more liberal siblings spout this argument is very attractive, but won't stand up to taking the bible seriously. It is the case that the Old Testament comes before the New, and the Law comes before grace. Although the old lie that the Old tells us nothing of God's love for the human race is completely untrue (Hosea and Jeremiah are beautiful expressions of God's love) there is a clear element at the heart of the revelation of God that point first to other things. This is reflected in the pattern of ministry in the New Testament - Jesus's preaching is summarised by Mark as 'Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand' Mk 1 - and Paul in his sermon to the entirely pagan audience in Athens focuses on God the creator and ruler calling his rebelliuos subject back to obedience (Acts 17 v 22f), not the love of God. As I've said - it would be nice if it were not true. But that seems to be the pattern of those whom we should be seeking to emulate. please convince me otherwise - this is a live issue for me at the moment in my own church, so other's input is of value. |