Paul understands that theology cannot just be reduced to the sociology of knowledge. We can use the sociology of knowledge as a critical tool for helping us understand truth. But biblical truth is always transcendent.
When is loss gain? When we surrender our control and our search for security in tangible things, and we discover that trusting in God and God’s design is ultimately more satisfying.
As a historian I understand and firmly believe that human history is always reconstructed, it is never created. When someone gives me a theory of history–including his own– I ask what evidence does the person marshall to build his case. History is always reconstructed from evidence.
But what Paul is telling us that Salvation is out of history. That it is really something new. Something is created that was not here. A New Birth. And that is worth more than all the knowledge, money, or prestige in the whole world.
As I consider, and my past, I understand now why Gals. 2:20 has been such a strong theme of my life: for it is at the cross where I will find my essence of being. “I am crucified with Christ and yet I live . . .” I am forever captured in this paradox . . .
These hard days, then, are ok. Because long ago–thirty-seven years ago–I made a decision to make Christ Lord of my life. And, from that time until now, I have turned my eyes to glory! He is faithful, and so very good, this God we serve! I thank God for these last five years that I have served you as pastor. I would not change a thing; and even if I knew all this would happen, I would still come. I would come for all the people whose lives were touched by my ministry. I would come for all the good things that have happened in my life and my family’s life. We all have grown so much!
Come, let us glorify our Lord together!