N
neophyte
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I saw this asked at a different forum site, and after much thought came up with this. I’d appreciate any feedback.
Thanks.
…
If we are new creatures in Christ, why do we still sin?
We are not restored to the original state of intellect and will that Adam enjoyed. Concupiscence (that is, desires of the lower appetites that are contrary to reason) remains, and with our will still weakened and our intellect still darkened, we continue to fall into sin.
Why does God allow us to continue in this state?
I think the answer may be found in the Christian meaning of suffering. “Suffering must serve for conversion, that is, for the rebuilding of goodness in the subject.”* It must be offered up in union with Christ’s suffering on the cross, so that it may take on a redemptive meaning both individually for each believer and corporately as the Body of Christ. In this way we are able to participate in Christ’s suffering and redemptive work, as is fitting for his Bride.
God created us to be his children, both individually and coporately as the whole human race. Part of his suffering on the cross was due to our repeated rejection of him on both levels: by Adam (his first human son and representative of the entire race), by the nation Israel (his adopted people and spouse), and by his disciples (his closest personal friends and family). The only way for us to participate in that aspect of his suffering is to be similarly rejected by members of our own body: other Christians.
By allowing us to continue to fall, he gives us the opportunity to experience his grace in ways that would not otherwise be possible. As in the liturgy of the Easter Vigil, “Oh happy sin of Adam”, which made it possible for an aspect of God’s glory to be manifest that would not have been known if it were not for the fall.
Our struggle with our fallen nature draws us closer to God and his Church, prompts us to support and bind each other, grants us the continued opportunity to help repair the world, shows the world an alternate way, and displays the riches of God’s mercy to the glory of his name. We are blessed indeed to be able to participate in this.
*From the Apostolic Letter of John Paul II, “On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering”.
Thanks.
…
If we are new creatures in Christ, why do we still sin?
We are not restored to the original state of intellect and will that Adam enjoyed. Concupiscence (that is, desires of the lower appetites that are contrary to reason) remains, and with our will still weakened and our intellect still darkened, we continue to fall into sin.
Why does God allow us to continue in this state?
I think the answer may be found in the Christian meaning of suffering. “Suffering must serve for conversion, that is, for the rebuilding of goodness in the subject.”* It must be offered up in union with Christ’s suffering on the cross, so that it may take on a redemptive meaning both individually for each believer and corporately as the Body of Christ. In this way we are able to participate in Christ’s suffering and redemptive work, as is fitting for his Bride.
God created us to be his children, both individually and coporately as the whole human race. Part of his suffering on the cross was due to our repeated rejection of him on both levels: by Adam (his first human son and representative of the entire race), by the nation Israel (his adopted people and spouse), and by his disciples (his closest personal friends and family). The only way for us to participate in that aspect of his suffering is to be similarly rejected by members of our own body: other Christians.
By allowing us to continue to fall, he gives us the opportunity to experience his grace in ways that would not otherwise be possible. As in the liturgy of the Easter Vigil, “Oh happy sin of Adam”, which made it possible for an aspect of God’s glory to be manifest that would not have been known if it were not for the fall.
Our struggle with our fallen nature draws us closer to God and his Church, prompts us to support and bind each other, grants us the continued opportunity to help repair the world, shows the world an alternate way, and displays the riches of God’s mercy to the glory of his name. We are blessed indeed to be able to participate in this.
*From the Apostolic Letter of John Paul II, “On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering”.