Jesus Christ Himself is our peace. It is Jesus who brings unity and destroys walls of hostility. This applied to the Jews and Gentiles, but is also true for today's walls of division. The only way for Catholics and Protestants to be truly at peace is for both to be found in Christ. The only way the Isreali-Palestinian conflict will be settled is for both groups to come to Christ. This does not mean we should not try "normal" peace efforts, but only Christ can deal with the root of the problem, and that root is sin, and applies to all people, whatever nationality, ethnicity, social group, of whatever other badge we might like to put upon ourselves.
"by setting aside in His flesh the law .." This does not mean that the commands such as "do not murder" are "set aside". Paul is probably referring to the ceremonial aspects, in particular the need for circumcision. These things created a clear barrier between Jews and Gentiles. On the cross Christ did something far greater, He dealt with the root of sin, this rendered all previous distinctions irrelevant an superseded. As the writer of Hebrews says, the old covenant was a mere shadow of the true covenant.
Christ created one new humanity in Himself. In His one body He reconciled all people to God. Christ reconciles us to God, and to each other.
"by setting aside in His flesh the law .." This does not mean that the commands such as "do not murder" are "set aside". Paul is probably referring to the ceremonial aspects, in particular the need for circumcision. These things created a clear barrier between Jews and Gentiles. On the cross Christ did something far greater, He dealt with the root of sin, this rendered all previous distinctions irrelevant an superseded. As the writer of Hebrews says, the old covenant was a mere shadow of the true covenant.
Christ created one new humanity in Himself. In His one body He reconciled all people to God. Christ reconciles us to God, and to each other.
No comments:
Post a Comment