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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. 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)
Questions of ethics arise from all religions. It’s the nature of man to try to impose some form of order on disorder and then to rebel and resent that forced behavior modification. John the Baptist, in counseling those who came seeking guidance, wisdom and forgiveness; 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. (Try to count the times the Israeli’s rebelled against Moses in their wilderness wandering.)
Christianity deals with many of these same issues and more; such as family relationships that provide stability to society through emotionally healthy families. (Matthew 15:3-9, Ephesians 6:1-4, Ephesians 5:22-32 and Colossians 3:18-20) Treatment of the elderly was 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 were dealt with throughout the Old and New Testaments, Christ 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) It was declared that all people were 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 was made for widows and orphans (James 1:27), as well as the homeless and needy. (James 2:14-18) Health and hygiene was addressed (Particularly in the Old Testament but still applicable in the New.) Marriage, divorce and re-marriage is dealt with. (Matthew 5:31,32; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Hebrews 13:4) Money; it’s place and importance in our lives – set. (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, (Col. 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; while its not too much of a stretch to see employer and employee relationships dealt with in Ephesians 6:5-9 as well.
All this and much more can be imparted by the gospel of Jesus Christ; 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 gospel.
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 our 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 and service to the cause of Christ which will in many instances be manifested as service to mankind. (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 has been challenging and questioning God’s plan from the very beginning. (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 justice will be exercised and meted out as civility breaks down, societies are ruined and civilization is destroyed. (For example: Africa, Beirut, Lebanon, Yugoslavia, Serbia, Central America, Russia, etc.) Many of these countries seeing not only the death and destruction of war but the almost total breakdown of all civil services; bringing on disease, increased lawlessness and the dissolution of family units and support groups – prostitution, homosexuality, rape and murder being rampant. As a result, plagues of T.B., syphilis, hepatitis, AIDS and countless other diseases are on the verge of or are at epidemic proportions.
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) “I want to remind you of the gospel… 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. It’s a message of love. It’s a message of grace. Its a message of mercy. And IT’S A MESSAGE THAT DEMANDS A RESPONSE. “…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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