Justification by Faith

Happy February SPV Fam! 
We’ve been working our way through the book of Galatians the last several weeks and the subject of “Justification by Faith”   has come up as it is definitely “a theme” of this epistle. And I put “a theme” in quotes because in certain theological traditions it is more regarded as “THE theme” and not just of Galatians but even for the Bible as a whole. While I believe justification is an important and rich concept, I would definitely push back against those who would place all of their proverbial theological eggs in that basket. 
For many, what they are saying and how they are defining Justification by Faith is this: we are all born sinners and therefore separated from God’s life. They are also saying that we  are even actual enemies of God UNTIL…we place our faith in the saving work of Jesus and once we do that, at that very specific moment in time, we go from being an enemy of God to becoming a child of God and our name written in the lamb’s book of life. 
I can see that, there are definitely some truths sprinkled about in that breakdown and even specific Bible verses to justify (wink, wink) each point but for me, some of those verses are taken just a tad bit out of context and the concept of God’s work of salvation is FAR more nuanced than this (which is very good news for us all). 
I won’t get into all of the details right here with this, you’ll need to actually listen to the entire sermon series if you want the full breakdown, but I came across this quote the other day that really spoke to me and I hope you find it useful/helpful as well: 
“He (Christ Jesus my Savior) is not only my final destination but the inn at which I rest each evening. He is the one who awaits me at my journey’s end, but equally he is the inseparable companion who walks by my side at every step in my pilgrimage.”
-St Nicolas Cabasilas, 14th Century 
And I would add to that, the Christ is also the very author of our life as a whole, even before we were born if your brain can allow you to go there/fathom that. Each one of us has the Imago Dei, the mark and imprint of God.  God is very much with us and has been intricately involved with us from the beginning. Therefore I categorically reject the notion that we are born as Godless creatures and enemies of our creator, that’s just really bad theology in my humble opinion. 
That’s why I state with confidence each and every week to ALL of you, whether you consider yourself a Christian/Christ follower or not (yet): “you are loved, you are loved, you are loved.” And I stand by that with all that’s within me.
Much love (& faith) to you all, Pastor Chris. 
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Christopher Cahall
chris@stpetevineyard.org
www.spv.org