That God is owed suffering and death on account of sin just because the law renders such a curse is like saying you owe it to the other driver to crash into him when you run a stop sign. No, the law renders the curse because it is the curse accomplished by sin. The law reveals the curse, just as it reveals the sin. God, though, claims to not desire the death of a sinner, but that he should turn from his wickedness and live (Ez 18:32).
However, if man chooses sin, God honors his choice, just as the prodigal son demanded his inheritance in order to run off and squander it in sin and his father gave it to him and let him go (St. Luke 15:11ff). And if he comes back, God welcomes him as that same father did, restoring to him everything that was lost through sin and even rejoicing with a great feast. To this end Christ died and rose again, that we could gain back more than just a robe, ring, or sandals, but rather righteousness, holiness, and participation in the Life of God in His kingdom. If God so honors our choices, then we ought to take care not to choose what God curses, but what the world and the devil curses, that we may be rewarded with what Christ has gained.
1 comment:
Well said, as always.
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