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This is part of a series of posts based on the Churches Together in England publication one light: one world. If you click on the link you will find the biblical texts. This post of the same name covers the purpose of this series.
Romans 5: 10 - 11
It beats me what this has to do with ecumenism, although once again it is about the reconciliation of all to God. And of course, the wrath of God is not far away (in verse 9).
So, let's nail this - how are a God of Love and the wrath of God compatible? This question is muddied by 1000 years of atonement theology. This theology is alien to the Bible and Paul would not have recognised it. So, what is this passage about?
The powerful use fear of death to control others. Jesus through his death and resurrection conquered death and so also the fear of death. The thing that makes God wrathful is not individual sins but the way in which we all collude with power, out of fear.
When we abandon fear, we no longer depend upon things that distract us from God and so we are reconciled to God. No longer fearing death, we are saved.
In addition verse 11 is saying, those who no longer fear death may boast in God. Those who live by control, use God to justify their actions. They practice unspeakable cruelty in God's name. Those who know Jesus abandon control, as they are no longer fearful. In this they are modelling themselves on Jesus and so reconciled with God.
And presumably this is the nature of the unity that exists between Christians, despite the best efforts of the institutional churches to find ways to keep Christians apart.
I am aware I'm sounding negative about the institutional churches in this series of posts. I hope for an opportunity to redress the balance as the series continues.
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