Maybe you remember that old fashioned theological word –
propitiation. In many modern translations it gets easier to pronounce, and
probably more likely understood, with the phrase “atoning sacrifice.” For
example, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but
also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) It seems so obvious that it
can’t be missed – but atonement has to do with sin.
In Brian Zahnd’s Water
to Wine, he describes Francis of Assisi as one who “could uncompromisingly
denounce systemic sin, while extending genuine compassion to the people caught
in its pernicious web. To be a prophetic witness against systems of sin and a
preacher of God’s pardon for sinners at the same time is the peculiar grace at
which Francis excelled and to which the church is called.” (Kindle, Location
1484)
In our culture right now it seems that the church is often
viewed as excelling at “uncompromisingly denouncing systemic sin,” but not so
good at “extending genuine compassion to the people caught in its pernicious
web.” I think Zahnd is right when he says that is a balancing act that is not
quite as easy as it may seem.
In my life as a believer right now, it seems as though
culture is pleased if we are “preachers of God’s pardon for sinners” but not so
pleased if we “denounce systemic sin.” But like noted above about atonement,
grace has to do with sin. If it weren’t for sin, atonement nor grace would be
on our radar screens. We seem to be living in one of the terrible times in human history where people think killing each other is the proper response to anything that displeases you. Just read the metro section of the Atlanta Journal Constitution most days for all the evidence you need - and Chicago right now makes our city seem amateurish when it comes to horrendous headlines.
In my adult life and ministry contexts, I’ve always valued
the need for the church (or a Christian college) to be a redemptive community. But can you be a redemptive community without
being clear about sin and the need for redemption? Redemptive communities must
call sin what it is – but in a way that offers God’s grace. To merely wink at
sin in a dismissive manner makes us a permissive community, but not a
redemptive one. Unless I’ve misread the Scripture all my life, if we don’t own
up to sin for what it is, the opportunity for forgiveness isn’t there.
The idea of finding the balance between redemptive, but not
permissive, is as “peculiar a grace” as is being a prophetic witness against
sin as we proclaim God’s offer of pardon. As I read the gospels it seems that
Jesus managed to pull off that balance at every turn. “Go and sin no more” or
“go in peace, your faith as saved you” are phrases He spoke to some pretty
serious sinners. He wasn’t being permissive, but redemptive.
Propitiation. Not the most common word in our religious
vocabulary these days, but few words are more needed as I learn to own up to my
own sin and help others do the same.
