The Daily Hatch

Hitchens PWNS On HLN (Atheist vs Pastor)

Uploaded by C0ct0pusPrime on Nov 9, 2009

________________________

Douglas Wilson

I noted from your book that you are a baptized Christian, so I want to conclude by calling and

inviting you back to the terms of that baptism. Everyone who has been baptized into the name of

the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is carrying in their person the standing obligations of

repentance, belief, and continued discipleship. Your Christian name

Christopher means “bearer

of Christ,” your baptism means the same thing, and the Third Commandment requires you not

to bear or carry that name in vain. Some, as you have done, revolt against the terms of this

discipleship, but it does not mean that the demands of discipleship are somehow negated or

revoked. I do not bring this up in order to upbraid you. I do not know if you departed from the

faith because you drifted from it, bolted from it, or were chased out by hypocritical Christians.

Regardless, the kindness of God is revealed to all of us in Christ, and everyone, whatever their

story, has to come to terms with this kindness.

Jesus was not just one more character in history, however important—rather, he was and is the

founder of a new history, a new humanity, a new way of being human. He was the last and true

Adam. But before this new humanity in Christ could be established and begin its task of filling

the earth, the old way of being human had to die. Before the meek could inherit the earth, the

proud had to be evicted and sent away empty. That is the meaning of the Cross, the whole point

of it. The Cross is God’s merciful provision that executes autonomous pride and exalts humility.

The first Adam received the fruit of death and disobedience from Eve in a garden of life; the true

Adam bestowed the fruit of his life and resurrection on Mary Magdalene in a garden of death, a

cemetery. The first Adam was put into the death of deep sleep and his wife was taken from his

side; the true Adam died on the cross, a spear was thrust into his side, and his bride came forth in

blood and water. The first Adam disobeyed at a tree; the true Adam obeyed on a tree. And

everything is

necessarily different.

Christ told His followers to tell everybody about this—about how the world is being moved from

the old humanity to the new way of being human. Not only has the world been born again, so

must

we be born again. The Lord told us specifically to preach this Good News to every creature.

He has established his great but welcoming household, and there is room enough for you.

Nothing you have ever said or done will be held against you. Everything will be washed and

forgiven. There is simple food—bread and wine—on the table. The door is open, and we’ll leave

the light on for you.

Copyright © 2007

Christianity Today.

Related posts: