April 16, 2023

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. 2 Corinthians 2:15-16a

These two sentences comprise a mini-chiasm. The two concepts presented are: A B (v.15)—B A (v.16a). Paul’s writing here is a commentary that alludes to Simeon’s prophecy when holding the eight-day-old Baby Jesus in his arms:

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:34-35

Why does Yahweh care to reveal the thoughts of our hearts to us? Could it be that such a revelation will lead us to repentance? He is constantly revealing His own great heart of love to us. His love shines a light on the wickedness deep in my own heart (Jeremiah 17:9) so that I may know and understand that He wants me to hand that thing—whatever it is—that He is showing me over to Him in exchange for the gift of His righteousness. It is certainly a mysterious exchange! He asks me to hand over to Him an awful package of darkness and He gives me the costliest gift of Light in all the universe. As I move forward through time, I see His gospel message at work in me conquering (present tense) and to conquer (in the future as He reveals more light to me). See Revelation 6:2.

My prayer life and time in His word provide a venue by which He patiently and methodically roots out sins as well as sinful tendencies, for with them is the potential to erupt into future sins. He is so gentle and kind that He does not show them to me all at once, lest I be overwhelmed with sorrow. As He reveals, His love compels me (2 Corinthians 5:14) to respond in loving obedience and thankfulness for the correction of a loving heavenly Father. Or do [I] show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead [me] to repentance? Romans 2:4 (NIV) Those are the two choices I have: obedience borne of love or disobedience which implies contempt. Contrary to what the world teaches, there is no neutral ground.

This process, known as sanctification, is what the devil fully intends to interrupt. And he uses deceived people as his instruments to step into the role of impostor between God and men. A textbook used in teaching priests states:

            “The poor sinner kneels [in confession]. He knows he is not speaking to an ordinary man but to another Christ. He hears the words “I absolve thy sins…” and the hideous load of sins drops from his soul forever.” from the textbook SHALL I BE A PRIEST by William Doyle 1915

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13