Meditations Upon Faith – Romans 4:16-24 –
Part Six
It is peculiar to observe disciples who
are very proud of their conservative Christian ideology, politics and lifestyle
while simultaneously tolerating social injustices of racism, classism,
militarism, misogyny, imperialism and myriad other sociopolitical and
geopolitical inequities. To be fair, disciples from a liberal ideological
perspective have ravaged mainline denominations and local churches about the
issue of sexuality to gain acceptance of their lifestyle choices while
remaining equally indifferent about the foregoing societal dilemmas. Cynically,
some of them can tolerate a parade of social ills as long they achieve
psychosocial respectability and theological sanction of their preferences and
lifestyle. They seem willing to destroy longstanding institutions to achieve
this goal. Though espousing rhetoric opposing social injustice, they do not
fight it with any vigor. In their private beliefs and choices, some of them are
the biggest example of everything that they allegedly oppose. As I write, I
immediately think of several people whom I knew in graduate school and with
whom I worked. Their liberalism appeared as self-seeking and self-aggrandizing
as the conservatism that they fiercely condemned in other people. The practice
of spiritual disciplines, especially self-reflection and introspection, is
necessary lest we proudly condemn in other people’s lives the very actions that
we so easily forgive in our own. Nonetheless, irrespective of disciples’
position on the ideological spectrum, tolerating genocide and uncritically
supporting a regime that furthers it can hardly be characterized as
righteousness. The failure to comprehend these inconsistencies and grapple with
the moral quandary that they create undermines any claims of righteousness and
religiosity.
Ever the apostle to the Gentiles, Paul,
in the twenty-third and twenty-fourth verses, emphasizes that God’s promises to
Abraham extends to everyone who believes. The commendation of righteousness and
its ensuing rewards belong to those of us who believe in a miracle far greater
than the birth of Isaac. Following Abraham’s example in his belief that
Almighty God would fulfill the promise of giving him a natural heir despite its
scientific impossibility, we believe in God’s ability to conceive a son via the
Holy Spirit and no male human participation. Furthermore, His “One and Only
Begotten Son” is the “Anointed One” who preaches, teaches and heals during a
three-year earthly ministry that culminates in His death on a cross. Amazingly,
we believe that God raised His Son from the dead. Belief in the resurrection of
the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead is a far greater triumph over natural law
and science. The Lord credits as righteous those disciples who believe in
resurrection. Beyond accumulation of material possessions and financial gain,
the daily blessings of redemption, transformation and revitalization unfold in
the lives of disciples who believe in God’s ability and willingness to perform
these miracles.
The final verse on this passage
reminds us of the atoning work of Christ. In this very pastoral letter to the
Christians in Rome, Paul clarifies two doctrinal matters. With the zealous
complicity of religious leaders, the Lord Jesus Christ was delivered over to
the Roman governmental authorities. His death serves as an atoning sacrifice on
behalf of all Christians. His punishment and death engraft the totality of
human sin. His perfect life recompenses human error and transgression against
God’s holy character. Second, Christ’s resurrection cancels human sin and
imparts justification through faith to everyone who believes in Christ. This theological
term means to be righteous before. Literally, it means to stand without any scintilla
of sin before God. Disciples achieve justification before God through their
unwavering belief in the sinless life, sacrifice, death, resurrection and
atonement of Christ.
This passage summarizes the
justification of Abraham through faith in Almighty God. His example offers hope
and encouragement to contemporary disciples. Notwithstanding rapid scientific
and technological advances, uncritical acceptance of the scientific method as
the primary means of determining truth and progress in psychology and mental
health, Christians still have access to God’s grace and power through faith. Abraham,
“the father of faith,” exemplifies righteousness borne from an unwavering faith
in God. His example demonstrates the necessity of remaining faithful despite myriad
adversities and daily complexities. He perfectly and humanly reflects how to genuinely rely upon
Almighty God.
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