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"God is Love." This simple yet complex statement is found only twice1,
2
in the Bible and is commonly presented out of context. It is generally
misunderstood and often circulated in a fashion that leads many into
Hell. The statement –while very easy to make and accept when presented
in its undefined form– has a depth of reality far beyond what the average
person wants to know even though such knowledge is critical to
salvation.
* This usage of the term "us" refers only to men of faith. In the
following important prelude to the above passages the term "if" is
used five (5) times. Entry into eternal life must always be
considered as conditional:
"Now this is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to
you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, "We
have fellowship with him," while we continue to walk in darkness, we
lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light,
then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus
cleanses us from all sin. If we say, "We are without sin," we deceive
ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins,3 he is
faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every
wrongdoing. If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar, and
his word is not in us." [1 John 1:5-10]
3. "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain
are retained." [John 20:23] — This authority was given by Jesus to the
eleven apostles –even though only ten were present at the time– and to
their validly ordained successors on Easter Sunday during His first
visitation with them. All validly ordained priests (also known by the
terms presbyters and elders) have this authority even though not
materially present during this visitation. NOTE: The references in the
book of Hebrews to Jesus being High Priest should be seen as a clear
statement that there were other priests serving under His authority.
(Priests can only be ordained by someone with demonstratable authority
from God to ordain. They can never be elected or self-appointed.)
SUMMARY:
God, being love, has the perfection of that love which is goodness. He
sheds Light(knowledge) upon those who seek truth and then put the
acquired truths into practice(justice - good works versus misdeeds or
indifference). One who truly loves God will act in a way that
demonstrates a sincere love of God. One must give God sincere worship
and humble himself before Jesus. Service to Jesus is through placing into
action spiritual knowledge that has been obtained. A major part of
learning is focused upon love of neighbor. The simple way to
accomplish this is to put into practice the Golden Rule, that is, "Do unto
others as you would have them do unto you." The corporal and spiritual
works of mercy are of major importance in relation to serving others in
this life in the service of almighty God.
Father David C. Trosch
Feast of Saint Callistus
14 October 1999