Brother Jim on The Snare Of The Cross

Yet the “snare of the cross” (Gal.5:11b), is the scandalous nature of certain vital aspects of “the word of the cross” (1 Cor.1:18). In essence, the “scandal” of the cross consists in the fact that salvation is achieved solely through the cross. The snare of the cross is that justification, even as all that it entails, is a gratuitous, gracious, saving work on behalf of helpless sinners, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus.

Just think of it: the evangel itself is scandalous! This is because, according to man, it is not right that God should choose whom He will save and when He will save them. This is because, according to man, it is not right to choose some for eonian life but not all; especially when those who are chosen, in their own nature, are children of indignation even as the rest. It is insisted as well that it is not right to exempt them alone from wrath.

The evangel is deemed scandalous as well, since it is claimed that it is not right finally to save all, even those who refused to accept Christ in this life. It is likewise confidently insisted that it is not right–even after severe judging–to grant endless life and glory to all, to those who, in this life, failed to walk in whatever measure of light they had (especially in the case of those who walked instead in extreme uncleanness, even in unspeakable wickedness).

In reply to all of this, we simply declare that, all is of God, ultimately speaking; including all that is not of God, faithfully speaking. We proclaim, not dualism or polytheism, but monotheism; not autosoterism (self-salvation), but divine grace. To those who would protest, “Why, then, is He still blaming? for who has withstood His intention?” (Rom.9:19), our reply is, “O man! who are you, to be sure, who are answering again to God? That which is molded will not protest to the molder, ‘Why do you make me thus?’ ” (Rom.9:20).

— BROTHER JIM CORAM

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