a purer conversation...

Third-Tier or Golgotha, Which Is More Important?

“Instead of the Cross holding Jesus, in reality
Jesus upheld the Cross.” -W. Dembski, Research Professor of Philosophy, SWBTS

Amongst all the recent flare in so-called “third tier” issues that have caused uproar in the SBC, there is a principle that amounts to so much more than all of the hubbub that has come up from the mouth pastors and leaders in the wider church. Many seem to engage their entire day’s effort into these issues. Tongues, Private Prayer Languages, Spiritual Gifts and all those issues that can divide or unite believers have somehow blown past the message of such simple, life giving truth: Christ held up the Cross at Golgotha as His impassable divinity allowed his passable humanity to suffer in order that all who believe would be saved! To that, we tip our glass!! In a recent Chapel Service (to view this chapel, click here then click “Chapel Video” on Wednesday October 19, 2006), Dr. William Dembski, a leading expert (if not THE leading expert) on Intelligent Design, breathed out a phrase that caught me somewhat off guard. It was a twisted thought at first, but when my mind was allowed to wrap itself around it I understood just what he was going for. What’s the phrase? You’ve already seen it, but here it is again: “Instead of the Cross holding Jesus, in reality
Jesus upheld the Cross.” Notice the difference? Of course you do, it’s “Plain Jane” and right there in the open. But just to be certain, we’ll review; Christ held up the Cross at Golgotha as His impassable divinity allowed his passable humanity to suffer in order that all who BELIEVE would be saved! The question, though, is does our theology truly match up to this accurate understanding of Jesus Christ?
It may seem like I’ve just tossed a couple of issues together here and labeled a blog. There’s more going on here, though, at least in my attempt. There is an enormous clash (as witnessed by clicking here , and here , and here ….you get the idea…) happening at this moment that seems to ignore the true point of our purpose. My intention is NOT make light of or display indifference towards these third tier issues as they do hold weight. I do, however, see that the foundation of our Faith system rests solely on something in which seems to be lacking in our conversations. I too am guilty of this; I point no fingers. I’ll admit it, “J.C. and the Gang” comes up very little in my conversations with the outside world even though it comes up all the time in my circle of believing buddies. I certainly must change that. (Confession Time is over now, let’s move along)
Christ was a bigger controversy than Private Prayer Languages WILL EVER BE!!! He came hitting on all cylinders and guns a blazin’!!! Sure he was about truth, sure he was about redemption, sure he served in love, sure he fought for peace…but it was these very issues that provided such controversy. All this to say Christ is the only redeeming factor and the only message that brings hope. He held up the Cross for the short few hours that he did because of a choice he made to serve God. He is the light, he is the love, he is the greatest controversy of all time. May we seek after His controversy to glorify the King and show mercy to all!

posted by Bryan Laramore @ 12:29 AM