I have been struck by the way in which some some of the classic Bible passages about Christ’s atonement are linked to his example.
To be sure, we cannot follow our Saviour in atoning for our sins or for anyone else’s.
But we can follow him,
Philip Gulley puts it like this:- If the church were more Christian, ‘affirming our potential would be more important than condemning our brokenness.’ (If the Church Were Christian. HarperOne)
The church’s teaching about the sinfulness of human nature, it appears, has done great harm. It has brought the church into disrepute, and caused individuals to feel damaged and guilt-ridden. Gulley supports this with anecdotes of horror stories from which every reasonable person would recoil with horror.…
| Reference | Admonition, in substance | Link to teaching concerning Christ’s person and work |
|---|---|---|
| Rom. 15:2, 3 | Please the neighbor | “for Christ also pleased not himself.” |
| Rom. 15:7 | Extend a hearty welcome to each other. (Receive one another.) | “just as Christ also welcomed (received) you.” |
| 2 Cor. 8:7–9 | Abound in the grace of giving to the needy | “for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that through his poverty you might become rich.” |
