Redemptive, Not Permissive

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.