Theology for Troubled Believers: A Lenten Journey 3. The Divine Sacrifices Sunday, April 3, 2011 10...

Theology for Theology for Troubled Believers:Troubled Believers:A Lenten JourneyA Lenten Journey

3. The Divine Sacrifices3. The Divine Sacrifices

Sunday, April 3, 201110 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor

Presenter: David Monyak

March 13 and March 20: The Nature of God.March 13 and March 20: The Nature of God. Topics: Introduction to Theology. The Holy One of Israel. The Topics: Introduction to Theology. The Holy One of Israel. The

Maker of Heaven and Earth. The Limits of Science. What is Maker of Heaven and Earth. The Limits of Science. What is Meant by “God”Meant by “God”

March 27: SufferingMarch 27: Suffering Topics: Nature as a Witness and Innocent Suffering. Innocent Topics: Nature as a Witness and Innocent Suffering. Innocent

Suffering and Life Beyond Death. Suffering from Nature and Suffering and Life Beyond Death. Suffering from Nature and Extreme Human Cruelty.Extreme Human Cruelty.

April 3: The Divine Sacrifices.April 3: The Divine Sacrifices. Topics: Topics: The Sacrifice in Creation. Incarnation as The Sacrifice in Creation. Incarnation as

Sacrifice. The Temptations in the Wilderness. The Sacrifice. The Temptations in the Wilderness. The Sacrifice of the Cross.Sacrifice of the Cross.

April 10: The New Life in God.April 10: The New Life in God. Topics: Topics: The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Life. Jesus as The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Life. Jesus as

Lord and Jesus as Servant. Revelation and Faith.Lord and Jesus as Servant. Revelation and Faith. April 17: Responding to God.April 17: Responding to God.

Topics: Topics: The Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Sacraments. Sin, The Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Sacraments. Sin, Evil, and Hope for the Future.Evil, and Hope for the Future.

ReferenceReference

Theology for a Theology for a Troubled Believer. Troubled Believer. An Introduction to An Introduction to the Christian the Christian Faith.Faith. Diogenes Diogenes Allen, 2010. Allen, 2010. Chapters 9, 10, 11, Chapters 9, 10, 11, and 12and 12

ReferenceReference

Theology for a Troubled Believer. An Theology for a Troubled Believer. An Introduction to the Christian Faith.Introduction to the Christian Faith. Diogenes Allen, 2010Diogenes Allen, 2010

Praise to you, saving sacrifice, offered on the wood Praise to you, saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious blood, flowing from the wounds noble and precious blood, flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world. Remember, Lord, your the sins of the whole world. Remember, Lord, your creature, whom you have redeemed with your blood. creature, whom you have redeemed with your blood. I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done. Merciful Father, take away all my offenses done. Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; purify me in body and soul, and make me and sins; purify me in body and soul, and make me worthy to taste the holy of holies.worthy to taste the holy of holies.

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Doctor of the Church, c.339-397Doctor of the Church, c.339-397

Feast Day: December 7Feast Day: December 7

This week:This week:The Divine SacrificesThe Divine Sacrifices

The Sacrifice in CreationThe Sacrifice in CreationIncarnation as SacrificeIncarnation as SacrificeThe Temptations in the The Temptations in the

WildernessWildernessThe Sacrifice of the CrossThe Sacrifice of the Cross

The Sacrifice in The Sacrifice in CreationCreation

Sacrifice in CreationSacrifice in CreationCreation Reveals the Power of GodCreation Reveals the Power of God

Creation Reveals the Power of God. Creation Reveals the Power of God. For For example:example: Our galaxy consists of one hundred billion starsOur galaxy consists of one hundred billion stars Yet our galaxy is only one of billions of galaxiesYet our galaxy is only one of billions of galaxies The complexity of the universe, unveiled by The complexity of the universe, unveiled by

thousands gifted minds over the centuries, can thousands gifted minds over the centuries, can only add to our wonder at God’s almighty power.only add to our wonder at God’s almighty power.

Sacrifice in CreationSacrifice in CreationCreation Requires More Than PowerCreation Requires More Than Power

But it takes more than sheer power to create.But it takes more than sheer power to create. Dorothy Sayers and Iris Murdoch, both creative Dorothy Sayers and Iris Murdoch, both creative

writers, have claimed that the creation of writers, have claimed that the creation of characters for a story requires some renunciation characters for a story requires some renunciation on the part of their creator:on the part of their creator: Writers must restrain their own personalities to create a Writers must restrain their own personalities to create a

personality that is not their own. personality that is not their own. In order that something may exist beyond and apart In order that something may exist beyond and apart

from themselves, good writers are required to hold from themselves, good writers are required to hold back and to renounce something of their own selves.back and to renounce something of their own selves.

Sacrifice in CreationSacrifice in CreationCreation Requires SacrificeCreation Requires Sacrifice

In the same way, when God creates, God In the same way, when God creates, God brings into existence a universe that is not part brings into existence a universe that is not part of God.of God.

This requires an act of profound renunciation, This requires an act of profound renunciation, of sacrifice, for God is creating real beings, of sacrifice, for God is creating real beings, with their own active natures, not just with their own active natures, not just imaginary ones.imaginary ones.

Sacrifice in CreationSacrifice in CreationCreation Requires SacrificeCreation Requires Sacrifice

In creating, God must also renounce God’s status as the In creating, God must also renounce God’s status as the only reality.only reality.

God, who filled all reality, chose out of love to “pull God, who filled all reality, chose out of love to “pull Godself back,” to limit Godself, and to make from Godself back,” to limit Godself, and to make from nothing utterly new realities that are not God or part of nothing utterly new realities that are not God or part of God.God.

By allowing creatures to be themselves, active By allowing creatures to be themselves, active according to the natures God gives, God has limited according to the natures God gives, God has limited Godself: Godself: For there to be free creatures, God must limit the way God For there to be free creatures, God must limit the way God

exercises God’s power, or they cease to be free creatures.exercises God’s power, or they cease to be free creatures. Similarly, God must limit Godself in the treatment of Similarly, God must limit Godself in the treatment of

nonfree creatures, so that they operate according to their nonfree creatures, so that they operate according to their created natures.created natures.

Sacrifice in CreationSacrifice in CreationSelf-Sacrificing LoveSelf-Sacrificing Love

God’s action in creation is an act of God’s action in creation is an act of perfect, perfect, self-sacrificing loveself-sacrificing love, because God lacks , because God lacks nothing, needs nothing:nothing, needs nothing: Precisely because God does Precisely because God does notnot need us, nor any need us, nor any

other creature, God’s freely chosen creative action other creature, God’s freely chosen creative action is an act of is an act of perfect loveperfect love..

Precisely because God’s life is Precisely because God’s life is completecomplete in the in the inner life of Father, Son, and Spirit, God’s inner life of Father, Son, and Spirit, God’s self-self-giving love giving love in creating others is an action that is in creating others is an action that is wholly graciouswholly gracious. .

Sacrifice in CreationSacrifice in CreationThe Inner Life of God: The TrinityThe Inner Life of God: The Trinity

The “movement” in God’s inner life:The “movement” in God’s inner life: the “begetting” of the Son by the Father, and the “begetting” of the Son by the Father, and the “giving” of the Holy Spirit as the act of mutual the “giving” of the Holy Spirit as the act of mutual

love of the Father and the Son, love of the Father and the Son, can help us gain some understanding of:can help us gain some understanding of:

why God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, why God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, The fullness and completeness of God’s life, The fullness and completeness of God’s life,

enabling God freely to create, and to love with a enabling God freely to create, and to love with a pure or perfect lovepure or perfect love


BonaventureBonaventure (1217-74) in his (1217-74) in his Disputed Disputed Questions on the Mystery of the Trinity Questions on the Mystery of the Trinity gives gives the most helpful and useful understanding of it.the most helpful and useful understanding of it.

According to Plato, According to Plato, goodgood is by its nature is by its nature “self-“self-diffusive”diffusive” (diffusing, spreading, sharing, (diffusing, spreading, sharing, giving, expressing itself). giving, expressing itself).

God is the God is the highesthighest or or perfectperfect good, and good, and therefore, God must be the therefore, God must be the mostmost self-diffusive self-diffusive being, giving or “diffusing” God’s self fully.being, giving or “diffusing” God’s self fully.


What can be the perfect or full self-diffusion What can be the perfect or full self-diffusion or expression of God? or expression of God? It cannot be the created universe, for the universe It cannot be the created universe, for the universe

is a creature and thus limited. is a creature and thus limited. The only possible perfect or full self-diffusion The only possible perfect or full self-diffusion

of God of God isis God: God: The The SonSon is one “radiance” of God’s diffusing of is one “radiance” of God’s diffusing of

God’s self.God’s self. The The SpiritSpirit is another “radiance” of God’s diffusing is another “radiance” of God’s diffusing

of God’s selfof God’s self


Aristotle had said there are only three ways things Aristotle had said there are only three ways things can happen: by accident, by nature, and by will.can happen: by accident, by nature, and by will.

God’s diffusion of Godself God’s diffusion of Godself by nature by nature is the is the SonSon who, as the perfect diffusion of the Father, is who, as the perfect diffusion of the Father, is himself God. himself God.

God’s diffusion of Godself God’s diffusion of Godself by will by will is the is the Holy Holy Spirit Spirit who, as the perfect diffusion of God the who, as the perfect diffusion of God the Father and Son, is also God.Father and Son, is also God.

Since one diffusion is Since one diffusion is by natureby nature, and the other , and the other by by willwill, the Son and the Spirit are , the Son and the Spirit are distinctdistinct..

God does not act by accident; hence there is only God does not act by accident; hence there is only FatherFather, , SonSon and and SpiritSpirit..


The The SonSon and and SpiritSpirit are the self-diffusions of the are the self-diffusions of the FatherFather, and they in turn, as divine goodness and , and they in turn, as divine goodness and greatness, greatness, returnreturn themselves fully to the Father. themselves fully to the Father.

This eternal and never-ending self-diffusion and This eternal and never-ending self-diffusion and return is the divine life; this is the living Godreturn is the divine life; this is the living God

This inner life of God, This inner life of God, FatherFather, , SonSon, and , and Holy Holy SpiritSpirit, is infinitely , is infinitely fullfull and and completecomplete. God lacks . God lacks nothing, needs nothing. God nothing, needs nothing. God freelyfreely creates out of a creates out of a perfect self-sacrificing loveperfect self-sacrificing love..

Incarnation as Incarnation as SacrificeSacrifice

Incarnation as SacrificeIncarnation as SacrificeA Far Inferior Level of BeingA Far Inferior Level of Being

To become a human being is degrading for God. To become a human being is degrading for God. It means changing from one level of being to It means changing from one level of being to

another, far inferior level of being.another, far inferior level of being. It is perfectly all right to be a human being, but It is perfectly all right to be a human being, but

for God to become a human being is a deep for God to become a human being is a deep reduction in God’s status.reduction in God’s status. It is actually an infinite step downward. It is actually an infinite step downward. God’s being is infinite, and for God to become a God’s being is infinite, and for God to become a

human being is for God to become profoundly, human being is for God to become profoundly, abysmally limited.abysmally limited.

Incarnation as SacrificeIncarnation as SacrificeA Far Inferior Level of BeingA Far Inferior Level of Being

In the In the incarnationincarnation – by becoming a human being – – by becoming a human being – God the Son is subject to the laws of nature: God the Son is subject to the laws of nature: God incarnate must eat, get tired, sleep, and be vulnerable God incarnate must eat, get tired, sleep, and be vulnerable

to injury and death.to injury and death. Paul in Philippians 2:Paul in Philippians 2:

... Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of ... Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God God [preexistent and divine], [preexistent and divine], did not regard equality did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited with God as something to be exploited [never [never relinquished], relinquished], but emptied himself but emptied himself [the extreme limit of [the extreme limit of self-denial], self-denial], taking the form of a slave, being born taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.the point of death—even death on a cross.

Incarnation as SacrificeIncarnation as SacrificeGod the Son Becoming a Human BeingGod the Son Becoming a Human Being

Throughout Jewish history there was a Throughout Jewish history there was a yearning for God to be near and present.yearning for God to be near and present.

The surprise in Jesus is that the nearness of The surprise in Jesus is that the nearness of God is Jesus himself: for Jesus is the God is Jesus himself: for Jesus is the incarnationincarnation, the embodiment of God as a , the embodiment of God as a human beinghuman being


Kierkegaard (1813-1855), in his difficult book Kierkegaard (1813-1855), in his difficult book Philosophical Fragments, Philosophical Fragments, gives us an analogy gives us an analogy about what it means for God the Son to about what it means for God the Son to become a human being.become a human being.

Kierkegaard tells a story of a king who fell in Kierkegaard tells a story of a king who fell in love with a humble maiden.love with a humble maiden.

He is a very unusual king, one who wishes in He is a very unusual king, one who wishes in no way to embarrass or offend the humble no way to embarrass or offend the humble maiden.maiden.


If the king goes to her cottage to announce his love in If the king goes to her cottage to announce his love in all his kingly glory, he would utterly overwhelm the all his kingly glory, he would utterly overwhelm the girl. girl.

Furthermore, even if the maid manages to rise to the Furthermore, even if the maid manages to rise to the occasion and responds to his love, it will never be occasion and responds to his love, it will never be wholly clear to the king whether it is he or the external wholly clear to the king whether it is he or the external glory of his power and majesty she loves.glory of his power and majesty she loves.

One possible solution: the king could disguise himself One possible solution: the king could disguise himself as a beggar. as a beggar.

But a new problem would then arise. If king actually But a new problem would then arise. If king actually succeeds in winning the girl’s love disguised as a succeeds in winning the girl’s love disguised as a beggar, she would not really love beggar, she would not really love himhim: : He is a king, but she would love a beggar. He is a king, but she would love a beggar.


No solution can be found in “reversing the No solution can be found in “reversing the procedure,” and elevating the maiden:procedure,” and elevating the maiden: For this would suggest that as a humble maiden, she is For this would suggest that as a humble maiden, she is

not good enough to be loved by the king, but it is not good enough to be loved by the king, but it is precisely as a humble maiden that the king loves her.precisely as a humble maiden that the king loves her.

The only solution possible if a happy love The only solution possible if a happy love between the king and the maiden is ever to be between the king and the maiden is ever to be achieved is:achieved is: for the king to actually become a beggarfor the king to actually become a beggar, and not , and not

merely pretend to be a beggar,merely pretend to be a beggar, and as a and as a beggarbeggar seek to win the maiden’s love. seek to win the maiden’s love.

Incarnation as SacrificeIncarnation as SacrificeFully God and Fully HumanFully God and Fully Human

The Son of God incarnate continues to be the The Son of God incarnate continues to be the Son of God.Son of God.

A simple analogy from plane geometry can A simple analogy from plane geometry can help us understand how Jesus can be fully help us understand how Jesus can be fully divine and fully human.divine and fully human.

Imagine a flat surface, a plane, and assume Imagine a flat surface, a plane, and assume that everything we can experience is on that that everything we can experience is on that plane—the “human plane.”plane—the “human plane.”


Imagine now a “plane” of a divine reality.Imagine now a “plane” of a divine reality. We could have no experience of divine reality We could have no experience of divine reality

unless the plane of divine reality touched or unless the plane of divine reality touched or intersected our own human plane. intersected our own human plane. Most of it would still not be on our plane, only that Most of it would still not be on our plane, only that

small part of it that crossed or intersected the small part of it that crossed or intersected the human plane. human plane.

Most of the divine reality would remain outside Most of the divine reality would remain outside and still be unknown. and still be unknown.


The place of intersection of two planes is a The place of intersection of two planes is a straight line, simultaneously part of both straight line, simultaneously part of both planes. planes.

Jesus, the Son incarnate, is both on the Jesus, the Son incarnate, is both on the human human planeplane and part of it, but also on the and part of it, but also on the divine divine plane plane and part of the divine plane, extending and part of the divine plane, extending to all infinity.to all infinity.

The The Temptations in Temptations in the Wildernessthe Wilderness

Temptations in the WildernessTemptations in the Wilderness A New Path to the Father A New Path to the Father

As a human being, the Son of God must face the same As a human being, the Son of God must face the same temptations as we face if he is to lead us from where temptations as we face if he is to lead us from where we are onto a path that leads into his Father’s kingdom.we are onto a path that leads into his Father’s kingdom.

Right after his baptism by John, before he begins his Right after his baptism by John, before he begins his public ministry, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the public ministry, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he is tempted for forty days and wilderness, where he is tempted for forty days and nights. nights. Note it is God’s Spirit that leads him.Note it is God’s Spirit that leads him. The number The number fortyforty is sign or symbol of a decisive change, is sign or symbol of a decisive change,

for Jesus’ temptations are:for Jesus’ temptations are: A struggle in which a new path to the Father is being created for us A struggle in which a new path to the Father is being created for us

to follow. to follow. A hinge on which a turn is made into a new future for us all.A hinge on which a turn is made into a new future for us all.

Temptations in the WildernessTemptations in the Wilderness The First Temptation The First Temptation

Exposed to terrible hunger, his body giving Exposed to terrible hunger, his body giving him no rest, Jesus looks at the smooth stones him no rest, Jesus looks at the smooth stones that lie at his feet and notices how they look that lie at his feet and notices how they look something like the smooth loaves just out of a something like the smooth loaves just out of a baker’s oven.baker’s oven.

It strikes him: It strikes him: “Turn these stones into “Turn these stones into bread.” bread.” (Matthew 4:3)(Matthew 4:3)


It is a personal temptation: It is a personal temptation: To avoid the pains of a bodily life,To avoid the pains of a bodily life, To avoid suffering as a being who must eat, be To avoid suffering as a being who must eat, be

vulnerable to starvation, be in need of material vulnerable to starvation, be in need of material goods and therefore tempted to become greedy, goods and therefore tempted to become greedy, covetous, and envious. covetous, and envious.

Hebrews 2:18: Hebrews 2:18: “For because he himself “For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.” able to help those who are tempted.” (RSV).(RSV).


It is also a temptation to change his mission:It is also a temptation to change his mission: Jesus can change his mission to the world to be a mission to Jesus can change his mission to the world to be a mission to

satisfy people’s bodily needs. satisfy people’s bodily needs. He can try to make sure everyone has food, clothing, and shelter; He can try to make sure everyone has food, clothing, and shelter;

that everyone’s physical needs and desires are fully satisfied.that everyone’s physical needs and desires are fully satisfied. His Father faced this decision when he made the universe:His Father faced this decision when he made the universe:

He could have protected us from all shortages, from being He could have protected us from all shortages, from being vulnerable to starvation. vulnerable to starvation.

But his Father chose But his Father chose notnot to govern the world or to govern the world or overruleoverrule people's people's actions, including those that lead to hunger.actions, including those that lead to hunger.

Now Jesus faces the decision the Father made at creation to Now Jesus faces the decision the Father made at creation to allow this. He has to ratify or to reject his Father's decision allow this. He has to ratify or to reject his Father's decision by deciding what his mission is to be.by deciding what his mission is to be.


Jesus faces it by quoting the Old Testament: Jesus faces it by quoting the Old Testament: “One does not live by bread alone, but “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4; compare (Matthew 4:4; compare Deuteronomy. 8:3) Deuteronomy. 8:3)

Temptations in the WildernessTemptations in the Wilderness The Second Temptation The Second Temptation

The devil takes Jesus to Jerusalem and sets him The devil takes Jesus to Jerusalem and sets him on the pinnacle of the temple (perhaps in a on the pinnacle of the temple (perhaps in a vision).vision). There was a Jewish tradition that the Messiah, when he There was a Jewish tradition that the Messiah, when he

comes, will appear on a pinnacle of the temple.comes, will appear on a pinnacle of the temple. ““If you are the Son of God, throw yourself If you are the Son of God, throw yourself

down; for it is written, ‘He will command down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone’” will not dash your foot against a stone’” (Matthew. 4:6; compare Psalm 91:11-12).(Matthew. 4:6; compare Psalm 91:11-12).


This may in part have been a personal temptation to test This may in part have been a personal temptation to test Jesus’ confidence in his mission and his Father’s care. Jesus’ confidence in his mission and his Father’s care.

It is also another temptation to change his mission:It is also another temptation to change his mission: When God created the universe, God had to decide whether When God created the universe, God had to decide whether

there were to be creatures who were not only spirits—able there were to be creatures who were not only spirits—able to choose their destiny—but who were also “spiritual to choose their destiny—but who were also “spiritual animals,” creatures liable to harm and destruction.animals,” creatures liable to harm and destruction.

God decided to make creatures who were spiritual animals, God decided to make creatures who were spiritual animals, creatures whose situation would be one in which we would creatures whose situation would be one in which we would have to find God, learn to trust God and love God, while have to find God, learn to trust God and love God, while we are exposed to injury and destruction.we are exposed to injury and destruction.


Jesus is faced with the task of convincing other people who Jesus is faced with the task of convincing other people who he is. He has to do something or give us something that we he is. He has to do something or give us something that we can recognize as coming from God.can recognize as coming from God. A non-coercive way of doing so is through a A non-coercive way of doing so is through a “sign” “sign” = deeds that = deeds that

reveal God to people who have spiritual discernment.reveal God to people who have spiritual discernment. To appear at the pinnacle of the temple as the Messiah, To appear at the pinnacle of the temple as the Messiah,

jump, and be miraculously saved by angels could be very jump, and be miraculously saved by angels could be very convincing. convincing. But it would not be a sign. It would require no spiritual insight to But it would not be a sign. It would require no spiritual insight to

be understood. be understood. And it would feed an incorrect expectation about what God does And it would feed an incorrect expectation about what God does

for us: worship me and you will be protected from danger.for us: worship me and you will be protected from danger. It would negate the decision made at creation: that we will be It would negate the decision made at creation: that we will be

spiritual animals, creatures whose situation is one in which we spiritual animals, creatures whose situation is one in which we would have to find God, learn to trust God and love God, while would have to find God, learn to trust God and love God, while we are exposed to injury and destruction.we are exposed to injury and destruction.


Jesus answers: Jesus answers: “Again it is written, ‘Do “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’”not put the Lord your God to the test’”

Temptations in the WildernessTemptations in the Wilderness The Third Temptation The Third Temptation

When Satan shows Jesus the kingdoms of this When Satan shows Jesus the kingdoms of this world and their glory, he offers him success and world and their glory, he offers him success and all the prestige, deference, and acclaim that goes all the prestige, deference, and acclaim that goes with success. with success.

Jesus is not immune from feeling the lowliness of Jesus is not immune from feeling the lowliness of his position. In Matthew 8:20, he complains:his position. In Matthew 8:20, he complains: ““Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have

nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head”his head”

Nonetheless, the main attractiveness of Satan’s Nonetheless, the main attractiveness of Satan’s offer is not the prestige that goes with success, but offer is not the prestige that goes with success, but success itself.success itself.


When the Father created the universe and decided When the Father created the universe and decided to make spirits who could be like himself—to make spirits who could be like himself—creative, with imagination, capable of moral creative, with imagination, capable of moral insight, and of spontaneous devotion—God faced insight, and of spontaneous devotion—God faced a dilemma. a dilemma.

God faced the problem of allowing people God faced the problem of allowing people freedomfreedom, or using God’s power in such a way as , or using God’s power in such a way as to to compelcompel them to recognize God’s sovereignty. them to recognize God’s sovereignty.

For the greatest and first commandment of the For the greatest and first commandment of the universe is that only God is to be worshiped; only universe is that only God is to be worshiped; only God is the foundation and fountain of life. God is the foundation and fountain of life.


How is that commandment to be kept? How is that commandment to be kept? By By forceforce? By ? By punishmentpunishment when we do not turn to God, so when we do not turn to God, so

that it becomes obvious that it that it becomes obvious that it payspays to worship God? to worship God? Or by God’s restricting Godself, by pulling back on the Or by God’s restricting Godself, by pulling back on the

exercise of his power, by limiting Godself, and letting us exercise of his power, by limiting Godself, and letting us seek God because of our hunger, because we have learned seek God because of our hunger, because we have learned to love God?to love God?

To chose the latter is a terrible choice because it means To chose the latter is a terrible choice because it means exposing creatures to awful suffering—to all the ills exposing creatures to awful suffering—to all the ills and torments and ravages that our history and life are and torments and ravages that our history and life are full of. It is to expose us to evil, to rampant and hidden full of. It is to expose us to evil, to rampant and hidden evil that can destroy us utterly. evil that can destroy us utterly.

At creation, our Father chose the latter.At creation, our Father chose the latter.


Jesus in the wilderness now faces the temptation Jesus in the wilderness now faces the temptation to accept or to deny his Father’s choice. to accept or to deny his Father’s choice.

He could use his power and impose himself on He could use his power and impose himself on people. Through sheer force he could stop people. Through sheer force he could stop people’s suffering, stop their wandering in people’s suffering, stop their wandering in darkness, end the terrible beastliness and darkness, end the terrible beastliness and destruction that plagues us.destruction that plagues us.

In the end, Jesus does not try to use force any In the end, Jesus does not try to use force any more than his Father does in order to get his way.more than his Father does in order to get his way.


As a consequence:As a consequence: He suffers in He suffers in sorrow at the failure of many to follow the sorrow at the failure of many to follow the

path he opens up: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the path he opens up: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!” would not!” (Matt. 23:37 RSV).(Matt. 23:37 RSV).

He renounces the social prestige that goes with its successful use He renounces the social prestige that goes with its successful use of power and might”of power and might”

He has no place to lay his head. He has no place to lay his head. He bears the contempt of his detractors who jeer at him as the mere son He bears the contempt of his detractors who jeer at him as the mere son

of a carpenter. of a carpenter. The third consequence becomes apparent near the end of his life: The third consequence becomes apparent near the end of his life:

his lack of social position and renunciation of physical might his lack of social position and renunciation of physical might make it possible for others to use force against him.make it possible for others to use force against him.

The Sacrifice of The Sacrifice of the Crossthe Cross

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossThe Temptation on the CrossThe Temptation on the Cross

To open access for us to the Father, Jesus To open access for us to the Father, Jesus endured a final and decisive trial or temptation endured a final and decisive trial or temptation on the cross. on the cross.

There he experienced the full force of the There he experienced the full force of the effects of sin and evil effects of sin and evil without losing without losing confidence in the love of his Father. confidence in the love of his Father.

This endurance of Jesus on the cross is a This endurance of Jesus on the cross is a victory over the power of sin, evil, and deathvictory over the power of sin, evil, and death , ,

It forms the core of the Christian faith.It forms the core of the Christian faith.

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossAtonement TheoriesAtonement Theories

That Jesus is our Savior is never a matter of That Jesus is our Savior is never a matter of dispute. dispute.

There are however several theological There are however several theological speculations of speculations of howhow Jesus’ death on the cross Jesus’ death on the cross makes our salvation possible: makes our salvation possible: “Atonement “Atonement theories.” theories.”

““Atonement” Atonement” or or “at—one—ment” “at—one—ment” = how = how sinfulsinful human beings can be made one (be united) in human beings can be made one (be united) in fellowship with God, who is fellowship with God, who is holyholy. .

The church has never designated any of these The church has never designated any of these theological theory as definitive, or the orthodox theological theory as definitive, or the orthodox doctrine, or dogma.doctrine, or dogma.

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossA Ransom to the DevilA Ransom to the Devil

Mark 10:45 speaks of the Son of Man giving Mark 10:45 speaks of the Son of Man giving his life as a ransom for many.his life as a ransom for many.

This is the basis for the theory that Jesus’ This is the basis for the theory that Jesus’ death was a ransom paid to the devil, under death was a ransom paid to the devil, under whose power we had fallen by sin and evil.whose power we had fallen by sin and evil.

This theory has never satisfactorily explained This theory has never satisfactorily explained how Satan had a right to possess us in the first how Satan had a right to possess us in the first place, nor how the ransom was paid.place, nor how the ransom was paid.

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossTheory of RecapitulationTheory of Recapitulation

Paul drew a contrast between Adam as the old Paul drew a contrast between Adam as the old Adam and Christ as the new Adam.Adam and Christ as the new Adam.

Adam had failed to live the life God intended, Adam had failed to live the life God intended, resulting in our being sinful and subject to death. resulting in our being sinful and subject to death.

Jesus is the new Adam, who by his incarnation Jesus is the new Adam, who by his incarnation passed though (“recapitulated”) all the stages of passed though (“recapitulated”) all the stages of life from birth to death, thereby sanctifying them, life from birth to death, thereby sanctifying them, making them holy. making them holy. Jesus as the new Adam thus “generates” a new Jesus as the new Adam thus “generates” a new

humanity.humanity.

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossSatisfaction = Substitutionary TheoriesSatisfaction = Substitutionary Theories

Anselm, in Anselm, in Why God Became ManWhy God Became Man, 1097, fathered what , 1097, fathered what are now called are now called “satisfaction theories” “satisfaction theories” or or “substitutionary theories.” “substitutionary theories.” This line of thinking became the most widely used way to This line of thinking became the most widely used way to

discuss our redemption by Christ in the Western Churchdiscuss our redemption by Christ in the Western Church We have incurred a debt to God by our sin that we We have incurred a debt to God by our sin that we

cannot repay. Only God can pay it.cannot repay. Only God can pay it. Jesus pays our debt (“substituting” for us) by becoming Jesus pays our debt (“substituting” for us) by becoming

both God and man in the incarnation and by suffering both God and man in the incarnation and by suffering death on our behalf.death on our behalf.

Jesus by his death thus renders “satisfaction” to his Jesus by his death thus renders “satisfaction” to his Father. Father.

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossSatisfaction = Substitutionary TheoriesSatisfaction = Substitutionary Theories

Problem with Problem with satisfaction = substitutionary satisfaction = substitutionary theoriestheories: they raise profound moral problems:: they raise profound moral problems: Where is the justice of substituting a sinless victim Where is the justice of substituting a sinless victim

for a sinful one, as the means of dealing with the for a sinful one, as the means of dealing with the latter's sin? latter's sin?

And what are we to make of the depiction of God And what are we to make of the depiction of God as fundamentally wrathful [toward us] and as fundamentally wrathful [toward us] and determined [even required by justice] to exact determined [even required by justice] to exact punishment?punishment?

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossAbelard’s TheoryAbelard’s Theory

Abelard (d. 1142) claims that Christ saves us Abelard (d. 1142) claims that Christ saves us by by inspiring us inspiring us to live in accord to God’s will to live in accord to God’s will by his by his exampleexample. .

The vast majority of theologians have felt that, The vast majority of theologians have felt that, in spite of its element of truth, this theory by in spite of its element of truth, this theory by itself is not able to do full justice to the biblical itself is not able to do full justice to the biblical witness.witness.

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossThe Father and The SonThe Father and The Son

Allen suggest that understanding the relationship Allen suggest that understanding the relationship of the of the FatherFather and the and the SonSon is critical to is critical to understanding as much as we can of the understanding as much as we can of the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus.significance of the crucifixion of Jesus.

The The FatherFather, , SonSon, and , and SpiritSpirit are are oneone God God through through their love for one another before the foundation of their love for one another before the foundation of the world. the world. The The SonSon is the full and perfect expression of the is the full and perfect expression of the

Father’s being and, as the full and perfect expression Father’s being and, as the full and perfect expression of the Father, the Son is also divine. of the Father, the Son is also divine.

The The Holy Spirit Holy Spirit is the full and perfect expression of is the full and perfect expression of the Father and Son and, as their full and perfect the Father and Son and, as their full and perfect expression, the Holy Spirit is divine.expression, the Holy Spirit is divine.

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossA “Distance” Between Father and SonA “Distance” Between Father and Son

The The SonSon, when he became incarnate, became , when he became incarnate, became “separated” by a “distance” from the “separated” by a “distance” from the FatherFather. .

““Distance” here is a metaphor, contrasting Distance” here is a metaphor, contrasting what is subject to the power of created forces what is subject to the power of created forces ((The SonThe Son) to what is not () to what is not (The FatherThe Father).).

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossA “Distance” Between Father and SonA “Distance” Between Father and Son

ThroughThrough the the FatherFather, Jesus can command nature, , Jesus can command nature, for example, when he stilled the stormy sea and for example, when he stilled the stormy sea and walked on water. walked on water.

But as himself, But as himself, JesusJesus is subject to the forces of is subject to the forces of gravity, to the need to eat, and to death. gravity, to the need to eat, and to death.

So the So the FatherFather and and incarnate Son incarnate Son are “separated” are “separated” by the “distance” of the created world.by the “distance” of the created world.

Although “separated” from the Although “separated” from the FatherFather in the in the sense of being subject to the forces of creation, sense of being subject to the forces of creation, the incarnate the incarnate SonSon is still is still in communion in communion with the with the FatherFather..

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossLoss of Communion with the FatherLoss of Communion with the Father

The The crucifixioncrucifixion introduces introduces anotheranother way the way the Father and the Son are separated. Father and the Son are separated.

On the cross the Son incarnate is not only On the cross the Son incarnate is not only separated from the Father by the “distance” of separated from the Father by the “distance” of being subject the forces of creation, but the being subject the forces of creation, but the Son incarnate is also “afflicted” so that Son incarnate is also “afflicted” so that communioncommunion between the Son and the Father is between the Son and the Father is threatened.threatened. ““Affliction” = a particular kind of suffering, Affliction” = a particular kind of suffering,

involving physical pain, social humiliation, and involving physical pain, social humiliation, and despair.despair.


At Gethsemane Jesus begins to sense the impending At Gethsemane Jesus begins to sense the impending loss of communion with his Father.loss of communion with his Father. His disciples tell us he is in terrible agony, agitated and His disciples tell us he is in terrible agony, agitated and

trembling.trembling. Jesus prays Jesus prays “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup

pass from me” pass from me” (Matthew 26:39b).(Matthew 26:39b). On the cross, Jesus experiences the full force of sin and On the cross, Jesus experiences the full force of sin and

evil – which is evil – which is completecomplete separation from the Father, the separation from the Father, the completcomplete loss of communion with the Father. e loss of communion with the Father.

Jesus is filled with an emptiness that causes him to cry Jesus is filled with an emptiness that causes him to cry out out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” me?” (Matthew 27:46b). (Matthew 27:46b).


Paul tried to explain this when he wrote: Paul tried to explain this when he wrote: “He “He made him to be sin who knew no sin” made him to be sin who knew no sin” (2 (2 Cor. 5:21):Cor. 5:21): Jesus was Jesus was without sinwithout sin, but on the cross he experiences , but on the cross he experiences

the the fullest possible fullest possible effecteffect of sin and evil: the of sin and evil: the completecomplete absence of the Father, the absence of the Father, the completecomplete loss of communion loss of communion with the Father.with the Father.

No human sinner has ever suffered No human sinner has ever suffered completecomplete separation and separation and completecomplete loss of communion with God. loss of communion with God.

Jesus successfully endures the Jesus successfully endures the completecomplete absence absence of the Father, longing for the presence of the of the Father, longing for the presence of the Father to his death.Father to his death.

Sacrifice of the CrossSacrifice of the CrossThe Victory Over Sin and EvilThe Victory Over Sin and Evil

Although separated by an infinite distance, the Although separated by an infinite distance, the love of the Son for the Father and the Father for love of the Son for the Father and the Father for the Son is able to span the “the Son is able to span the “infinite distance” infinite distance” between between holinessholiness and and sinsin:: This is the This is the victoryvictory over sin and evil: the effects of sin over sin and evil: the effects of sin

and evil could not destroy Jesus’ love and trust of the and evil could not destroy Jesus’ love and trust of the Father.Father.

Our salvation in some way seems to depend on Our salvation in some way seems to depend on the fact that on the cross, the fullest experience of the fact that on the cross, the fullest experience of the worse possible the worse possible effecteffect of sin and evil – the of sin and evil – the completecomplete absence of communion with God – was absence of communion with God – was taken up for eternity into the inner life of God.taken up for eternity into the inner life of God.

Next Time (April 10):Next Time (April 10):The New Life in God.The New Life in God.

Topics: The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Topics: The Resurrection of Jesus and Eternal Life. Jesus as Lord and Jesus as Servant. Life. Jesus as Lord and Jesus as Servant.

Revelation and Faith.Revelation and Faith.

Theology for Troubled Believers: A Lenten Journey 3. The Divine Sacrifices Sunday, April 3, 2011 10...

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