RELIGION versus GRACE
Speaking out (a) conscience stirred
Speaking out (a) conscience stirred
The final goal at which this instruction aims is love, issuing from a pure heart,
a clear conscience and a sincere faith. Some people have missed the way
to these things and turned to empty speculation, trying to be teachers of the Law;
but they understand neither the words they use nor the matters about
which they are make such strong assertions
1 Timothy 1:5-7, Jerusalem Bible
a clear conscience and a sincere faith. Some people have missed the way
to these things and turned to empty speculation, trying to be teachers of the Law;
but they understand neither the words they use nor the matters about
which they are make such strong assertions
1 Timothy 1:5-7, Jerusalem Bible
What social issue gets your goat? Many courageously speak out in protest when their sense of justice is outraged. When these injustices occur under the aegis of religion and among believers, things can be especially difficult to resolve. Thankfully we have the terms of the New Covenant reminding us that God has already forgiven us through Christ enabling us to forgive others – not the reverse (Heb 10:16-17; Col 3:13), and also, Jesus practical guidance to help resolve matters when it proves necessary to speak up (Matt 5:23-24; 18:15).
Conscience speaks out. Consider the case of someone belonging to a high control religion. He finds his conscience often stifled, supressed, as he is told to conform to a detailed list of dos and don’ts regarding personal matters of grooming, education and medical matters. Maintaining the glossy image of ‘worldwide unity’ is the purpose; ‘loyalty’ is the watchword; control the modus operandi; shunning the penalty.
Christ speaks in. At some point this imprisoned person may realise that this is not Christ’s way. True unity and freedom are founded on God’s Spirit producing ‘agape’ love – a love not conditioned upon conformity to a set of rules. Only loyalty to God and His Son are absolute (1 Cor 3:11,21-23; Gal 5:1-6). His conscience has not only awoken to the injustices in the religious organisation, but far more importantly the Holy Spirit is awakening him to Christ! Not just trying to imitate him, but for the first time in his life, the desire for relationship with him - to belong to Christ.
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Christ sets us free, don’t return to slavery – Gal 5:1
Christ sets us free, don’t return to slavery – Gal 5:1