John Gresham Machen: 'I'm so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it.'

I'm so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it.

The quote by John Gresham Machen, "I'm so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it," encapsulates the essence of the Christian belief in the redemptive power of Jesus. In straightforward terms, it signifies that Machen acknowledges and appreciates the active obedience of Christ as a crucial aspect of salvation. By delving deeper into this concept, we can explore an unexpected philosophical perspective, juxtaposing the traditional Christian doctrine with a contrasting viewpoint.To grasp the meaning and importance of Machen's quote, we must first understand the theological background. In Christian theology, the active obedience of Christ refers to Jesus' perfect fulfillment of God's law during his time on Earth. This obedience encompasses both the moral and ceremonial aspects of the law, portraying Jesus as the ultimate example of righteousness. By leading a sinless life and willingly submitting to God's commandments, Jesus fulfills the righteous requirements of the law that no human being could achieve on their own. This obedience becomes the foundation on which salvation rests.Machen's expression of gratitude for the active obedience of Christ signifies his acknowledgment that without Jesus' perfect obedience, there would be no hope for humanity's redemption. Traditional Christian understanding holds that due to the Fall, all people are born with a sinful nature and are incapable of fully obeying God's law. Consequently, humanity stands condemned under the weight of their transgressions. However, through Jesus' active obedience, he accomplishes what humanity cannot, thereby bridging the gap between God and humanity.Now, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept into the discussion to add intrigue and novelty to the article. Consider the philosophy of existentialism, which emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility. In exploring this concept, we can draw a contrast to the idea of the active obedience of Christ and its significance for salvation.Existentialism encompasses a diverse range of doctrines, but a central tenet is that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life. Existentialists argue that freedom of choice is paramount, and that by embracing this freedom, individuals define their existence and take responsibility for their actions. This perspective diverges starkly from the traditional Christian notion of the active obedience of Christ being imperative for salvation.From an existentialist standpoint, the idea of relying on someone else's obedience for salvation might be seen as surrendering one's personal freedom and failing to take responsibility for oneself. Instead of finding hope in the obedience of another, existentialists might advocate for examining the boundaries of personal agency and striving to create a meaningful existence through their own actions.While this may seem to contradict Machen's sentiment, it is crucial to recognize that these philosophical perspectives offer distinct interpretations of existence and meaning. The Christian belief in the active obedience of Christ offers solace, providing a pathway to redemption for those who embrace faith. Meanwhile, existentialism proposes a life-affirming perspective that encourages individuals to embrace personal responsibility and the freedom to forge their own destiny.In conclusion, John Gresham Machen's quote, "I'm so thankful for the active obedience of Christ. No hope without it," underscores the paramount importance of Jesus' active obedience in Christian theology. It highlights the belief that without Jesus fulfilling the law on behalf of humanity, redemption would be unattainable. By introducing the contrasting philosophy of existentialism, we shed light on an alternative perspective that emphasizes personal agency and responsibility. While these viewpoints may diverge, they both contribute to the rich tapestry of human beliefs, provoking contemplation and offering insight into the complexity of human existence.