Being Radical
'Radical' is not exactly the word that would cross anyone's mind when it comes to describing us. Weird, maybe. Safe, perhaps. But radical? That's a word mostly reserved for Che look-alikes or shrill eco-warriors, and not people like us who lead a much more mundane existence that mostly revolves around domestic concerns.
'Radical' people, according to general opinion, are those who possess an unconventional approach to life, who are filled with an insatiable urge to demolish what they feel is warped, and are driven by a need to be paradigm shifters.
When Paul wrote "the just shall live by faith" in his letter to the Romans, he was making a hugely radical statement that was to have a profound theological, social and political impact. No one remained the same after hearing those words. Individuals realised that they do not have to follow religious regulations or go on a pilgrimage or chant prayers to achieve salvation. As a result, these changed lives were inspired to do good work in response to the punishment Jesus took on their behalf and the new life He gave them through His resurrection. Martin Luther changed the cultural and political contours of Europe when these words of Paul showed him the futility of religious observations.
This radical message of the gospel had that kind of effect since it was unlike anything anyone had heard before. Salvation as a free gift from God was quite an unexpected piece of news, and God taking punishment on behalf of human beings was an awesome relief for millions who were burdened by the demoralising demands of religion.
At the centre of this radical message has always been Jesus and His love for us. It is this love that has transformed our mundane lives into something even more radical -- made us God's children and co-heirs with Christ!!!
'Radical' people, according to general opinion, are those who possess an unconventional approach to life, who are filled with an insatiable urge to demolish what they feel is warped, and are driven by a need to be paradigm shifters.
When Paul wrote "the just shall live by faith" in his letter to the Romans, he was making a hugely radical statement that was to have a profound theological, social and political impact. No one remained the same after hearing those words. Individuals realised that they do not have to follow religious regulations or go on a pilgrimage or chant prayers to achieve salvation. As a result, these changed lives were inspired to do good work in response to the punishment Jesus took on their behalf and the new life He gave them through His resurrection. Martin Luther changed the cultural and political contours of Europe when these words of Paul showed him the futility of religious observations.
This radical message of the gospel had that kind of effect since it was unlike anything anyone had heard before. Salvation as a free gift from God was quite an unexpected piece of news, and God taking punishment on behalf of human beings was an awesome relief for millions who were burdened by the demoralising demands of religion.
At the centre of this radical message has always been Jesus and His love for us. It is this love that has transformed our mundane lives into something even more radical -- made us God's children and co-heirs with Christ!!!
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