"Knowing God rightly, in, through, and as Jesus Christ, believers can confidently 'seek the things that are above' (3:1). Knowing the good news of salvation (indicative mode), believers are to live a life clothed with love (imperative mode; 3:14). The command follows the proclamation of the good news as a consequence and never as a condition. This order is not reversible. Reverse it, and the gospel is turned into a new law."
-----Andrew Purves, from his brief commentary on Colossians in the "Spiritual Formation Bible"
4 comments:
*golf clap*
purves would be a good example of why i would, given the scenario JJS set up a bit back, have less of a problem with the PCUSA than any broadly Evangelical tradition. you guys still have enough of a confessional template to be able to say something so wonderful. i do believe you also have the weighty likes of hughes oliphant oldes when it comes to worship issues. he's another ecclesial treasure in this regard, if you ask me.
zrim
...oops, i think his surname is olde...
zrim
oliphant? Isn't that how Tolkien says "elephant"? Maybe we should put that on wikipedia. ;)
I figured you'd like this quote, given our conversations around the nature of the Christian life and the more seminal law vs. gospel issues.
The indicative/imperative discussion is helpful, particularly in the light of the letter to the Colossians.
i know i am predictable (what else would you expect from what i would hope to be a good presbyterian?), but i will see your adjective "helpful" and raise you an "essential."
good presbies don't shirk from good natured gambling, you know.
zrim
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