Orthodox: mercy, justice and a Redeemer

  I've been reading in an old Russian Orthodox systematic theology.  The purpose is to learn, specifically about what has been believed by those who have lived in this area under Christ's name longest.  In this particular instance, the quotation also speaks to the majority beliefs locally. So here, from the sections about sin and salvation is a beautiful expression:

In regard to repentance also, it can never be sincere in the corrupt and unregenerate heart; because, to the end of life, the perpetual commission of sin proves it to be weak and ineffectual; for former acts of repentance, are ever violated by present transgressions. I do not mean evangelical or Christian repentance; it is of another kind: and why it is effectual, we shall soon show.

Let no man, however, suppose, that because God is infinitely merciful, or rather mercy itself, he can, without regarding men's imperfections and their falling into sin, out of his mere goodness, pardon men, and render them fit to be partakers of his blessedness and glory. Such reasoning is base and sinful; it makes the mercy of God blind; it presupposes a God not possessed of eternal and inviolable rectitude. It obliges him to regard the righteous and the wicked alike, a supposition which it is dreadful to apply to the living God. 

Does any one ask, by what way then can man be saved? By that way, I answer, which infinite wisdom has devised, and in which the mercy of our God is united with a full satisfaction of his justice, in the work of our salvation. And what this way is, the word of God has particularly revealed to us. (pg128)

(...)

The love and mercy of God to all his creatures, but particularly to man, is greater than we are capable of comprehending. How could that Being then, whose goodness transcends our comprehension, suffer man, the chief among the creatures, to perish; and who, according to the design of God himself, was created for eternal happiness? But the justice of God is no less real than his mercy, and could not suffer the least violation. Thus, if anywhere, more especially here, we must use the words of the gospel: "The things which are impossible with men, are possible with God." (Luke 18:27) What can be hid from the infinite wisdom of God? To it, the most secret means are all open and revealed. It beheld, that on the part of man there was no way by which he could obtain salvation; because every individual stood in need of this for himself. The angels were not possessed of adequate powers to execute this great work, which required nothing less than infinite might. There remained no hope but in God himself. And hence, in the most secret counsels of the Holy Trinity, which are impenetrable to the powers of angels, it was appointed, that the most exalted Son of God should himself become the Redeemer of the human race, and this office he assumed.

(pg 130)

- Platon, A Summary of Christian Divinity 

("Man is unable to deliver himself" and "For the salvation of man, God himself became incarnate" sections)

Self-swindlers & Daily needs

  I didn't mention one of the books, Dangerous Calling (by Paul Tripp) that I am reading, when I wrote my list of recommended books from last year.  I am about a third of the way through it, and it has been incredibly helpful. Convicting and encouraging and challenging..

 Here's a series of quotes regarding Hebrews 3:12-13 that I thought would be helpful. ("Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.")

Every person still living with sin inside is a very skilled self-swindler. I think we do this way more often than we are aware. 

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But spiritually blind people are not only blind; they are blind to their own blindness. They are blind, but they think that they see well. So the spiritually blind person walks around with the delusion that no one has a more accurate view of him than he does. 

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The blinding ability of sin is so powerful and persuasive that you and I literally need daily intervention. What the writer of Hebrews is crushing with this warning and call is any allegiance we might have to an isolated, individualized, “Jesus and me” Christianity. He is arguing for the essentiality of the ministry of others in the life of every believer. 

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The author argues here that personal spiritual insight is the product of community. It’s very difficult to get it by yourself. 

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This self-righteous blindness also means that they will not deal very well with opposition and accusation. They will not see these things as tools of uncomfortable grace sent by a God who is continuing his work in them. Because they are content with who they are, they will wonder why God has singled them out for this particular difficulty, in moments giving way to questioning the goodness and wisdom of God.