CHRIST FOUGHT, FIGHTS, AND WILL FIGHT

   Pope Leo XIII wrote "we were born for combat."  And then in my own lifetime Pius XII (the last true bad-ass pope; i.e. I want popes tellin' Lutherans that we're going to hell and not namby-pambying it all up in logomachy and tricks--makes it easier to focus on the Anti-Christ designation)...where was I?  Oh, Pius XII wrote: "fight or die, that has always been the story."  And recently, Roman Catholic lay-apologist (and actually a decent guy vis a vis ALL the "life" issues) Michael Voris wrote: "God gives the hardest battles to the strongest soldiers."

   I find much in these three statements to agree with, but only to a point.  I am afraid that the context of their utterance (writing) factors heavily into Trentian theology of synergistic sanctification at best, and "means of salvation" at worst.  To be sure, from a "kingdom of the left" perspective, in our vocations, we will indeed be immersed in combat for our families, communities, parishes, and confessions. And yes, it behooves us all to develop a "thick skin," strong spiritual muscles, an active and resiliant level of stamina, and the ability to "take a punch."    Life is certainly not easy.

But - -

   I think from a Pauline (i.e. Holy Spirit) perspective I would rather believe, teach, and confess:

"The Second Person was Incarnated the God/Man FOR US...and He died the substitutionary death FOR US.  Jesus obeyed the Law, paid for our Sins, and fought the only real combat that mattered when He met Satan, Sin, Death, & Hell on the Tree.  Our fight now, IN HIM, is to be what He has already made us, and to fight the "old Adam" in daily drowning our sins in contrition and repentance, ever looking TO HIM."

And - -

   "Christ fought and died FOR US, that IS the ONLY Story that matters. We are buried with Him into death and raised with Him in His Easter Triumph."

Finally - -

   "While there certainly have been brave and hearty Christian soldiers (Apostles, Evangelists, missionaries, pastors, laymen, mothers, martyrs, and more) we need never worry or despair over our weakness, frailty, fear, or inadequacies, for as the Apostle wrote 'And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee; for My Strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.' "

It's all about not just emphasis, but as Dr. Nagel says: "Who is doing the what!"

   We preach Christ Crucfied.  Our Sanctification is Christ active in us.   Our battle has been won though the daily "clean-up" skirmishes still have to be endured--IN CHRIST!