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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Doesn’t that seem a bit odd? To proclaim the death of an individual and the apparent defeat of their cause, as a victory? That’s part of the uniqueness of Christ’s gospel; winning by losing, living through dying. (Matthew 10:39) His power revealed in death’s defeat at his resurrection. (And his promise to return to retrieve the rest of us – thus the “…till He comes.”; from the latter part of 1 Corinthians 11:26) His love shown at all points during his life and ministry, reaching a pinnacle in his voluntary substitutionary death for us all. His life and ministry surpassing all others by the power of his resurrection and his relationship to God. (John 3:16)
In spite of all that, questions of ethics are posed of Christianity as well as other religions. As it’s the nature of man to try to impose some form of order on disorder and then rebel and resent that forced behavior modification. John the Baptist, in counseling those who came seeking his guidance and wisdom, challenged religious leaders to be genuine, political leaders to be just, government employees to be fair and honest. (Luke 3:10-14) He was killed in part as a result of his counsel; mirroring in many ways the life, message and death of Christ. (Not to mention the times the Israeli’s rebelled against Moses in their wilderness wandering and their later rebellion against the prophets who sought to guide their kings and the nation in the ways of righteousness.)
Christianity deals with family relationships, especially those that provide stability to society through emotionally healthy families. (Matthew 15:3-9; Ephesians 6:1-4 & 5:22-32; Colossians 3:18-20) Treatment of the elderly is addressed – as members of one’s family or as members of the family of God. (Mat. 15:3-9,1 Timothy 5:12 and following.) Sexual matters are dealt with throughout the Old and New Testaments, elevating the husband/wife relationship to its highest level and declaring purity a matter of the mind as well as the body. (Matthew 5:27,28) Scripture declaring that all people are to be treated with respect (1 Peter 2:17), preference always being given to those other than ourselves. (Romans 12:10 & 16; 1 Corinthians 10:24) Provision is made for widows and orphans (James 1:27), as well as the homeless and needy. (James 2:14-18) Health and hygiene are addressed (Particularly in the Old Testament but still applicable in the New.) The parameters of marriage, divorce and re-marriage are set. (Matthew 5:31,32; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Hebrews 13:4) Money; it’s place and importance in our lives noted. (1 Timothy 6:9,10) The sanctity of life highlighted by Christ’s comment about his coming to seek and save the lost – all of us – indicating worth and value for everyone. (Luke 19:10) A diligent work ethic (Colossians 3:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:10), and various issues of law and order (Hebrews 13:17), punishment of wrong (Romans 3:1-5), and our obligation to our fellow-man (Matthew 25:31-46) were set in motion as well; while it’s not too much of a stretch to see employer and employee relationships dealt with in Ephesians 6:5-9.
All this and more is contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ and subsequent Christian writings; but they are not the gospel of Jesus Christ, nor are they of primary importance to His gospel. They are side issues – important ones – but losing all significance if we don’t understand the real purpose of Christ and His Word.
The core of the Gospel being: God so loved the world (John 3:16), even as it continued to sin and was unappreciative of his love (Romans 5:8), that he sent his son to die for us. For all have sinned (James 2:10), falling short of the perfection of God, and are therefore unfit for communion with him in heaven. Loving us as he does, and realizing our inability to keep the whole law yet not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9), he devised a way out – a “scape goat” (Lev.16:10) – a substitute to take our place as a sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 9:24-28) In return we are to live sacrificially for him (Romans 12:1), which will be expressed in obedience to the will of Christ and in many instances manifested as service to others. (Matthew 25:31-40)
So what’s the big deal? What’s the difference between one religion’s gospel and another? Issues can and often do change, definitions of right and wrong adapted to meet the definers purpose, many failing to recognize any law as being absolutely applicable. Which is nothing new. Mankind, inspired by Satan, has been questioning and challenging God’s plan from the very beginning. (As in Genesis 3Did God really say that? What did he really mean?) But if Christ was crucified for our sin and resurrected for all eternity – we must respond on his terms! When we don’t, God’s judgment will be realized as civility breaks down, societies are ruined and civilization is destroyed. (For example: Several countries of middle Africa, more in the Mid-East and a number from the former Soviet Union have spiraled into barbarity over the last handful or years.) Many of these countries seeing not only the death and destruction of war but the almost total breakdown of all civil services; leading to disease of epidemic proportions, increased lawlessness and the dissolution of family ties – drunkenness, prostitution, homosexuality, rape and murder being rampant.
We should listen well to Paul as he describes the content and purpose of the gospel, proclaiming it as the “good news” of Jesus. (Luke 2:10, Acts 5:42 & 17:8) Further stating that, “By this gospel you are saved… For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins… that he was buried, that he was raised… according to the scriptures,…” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4It’s a message of hope, love, mercy and grace. And IT’S A MESSAGE THAT DEMANDS A RESPONSE. Paul again forcefully asserting, “…we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:23,24
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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