I think many people read about the second cheek and use it as the main idea of Christianity because its easiest and requires less effort. Thats where the myth that salvation is enough comes from. Christ himself didn't sit passively, he worked, tavelled and helped the poor.
I forget where I read it, but in the Greco-Roman world, it was considered dishonorable to use the left hand to slap someone or to backhand slap someone. So they would forward swing the right hand across the left cheek.
But turning the other cheek, the right cheek, so it was the only other one accessible would force the attacker to either backhand or forward slap with the left, thereby bringing dishonor upon themselves.
So, the whole point is to meet dishonor with dishonorโฆin a way. To make no peace with evil.
Iโm Protestant, and I appreciate this. While we can debate semantics, I think we both agree that good works do not cause salvation, rather they flow from salvation. I think where the real debate often lies isnโt around what justifies, but what works actually are.
Romans 4:5 clearly states that the one who does not work, but believes is still justified. But believing could also be considered a work in itself to some. This isnโt contradictory when proper context is applied.
Works used to justify, like in circumcision in Galatians are meaningless. However, real faith will produce โfruitโ such as confessing Christ.
The question, I think, then shifts matters of Eternal Security (a debate for another time).
I get โYou Catholics and your requirements to get to heaven, all you have to do is believe!โ
That is the start. When you truly believe in your heart the Lord Jesus and confess with your mouth that God raised Him,
Your life totally changes.
You just do things that show Who you believe in.
And what a lot of Protestants call working our way to heaven we call sacraments, mercy and grace from our Lord. I donโt HAVE to do these things, I GET to. And in doing so I honor my Lord.
I think many people read about the second cheek and use it as the main idea of Christianity because its easiest and requires less effort. Thats where the myth that salvation is enough comes from. Christ himself didn't sit passively, he worked, tavelled and helped the poor.
Turn the other cheek is so misunderstood.
I forget where I read it, but in the Greco-Roman world, it was considered dishonorable to use the left hand to slap someone or to backhand slap someone. So they would forward swing the right hand across the left cheek.
But turning the other cheek, the right cheek, so it was the only other one accessible would force the attacker to either backhand or forward slap with the left, thereby bringing dishonor upon themselves.
So, the whole point is to meet dishonor with dishonorโฆin a way. To make no peace with evil.
Iโm Protestant, and I appreciate this. While we can debate semantics, I think we both agree that good works do not cause salvation, rather they flow from salvation. I think where the real debate often lies isnโt around what justifies, but what works actually are.
Romans 4:5 clearly states that the one who does not work, but believes is still justified. But believing could also be considered a work in itself to some. This isnโt contradictory when proper context is applied.
Works used to justify, like in circumcision in Galatians are meaningless. However, real faith will produce โfruitโ such as confessing Christ.
The question, I think, then shifts matters of Eternal Security (a debate for another time).
Hit the nail on the head here.
Reading this morning.
St Thomas Aquinas said,
โThe believerโs act of faith does not terminate in the propositions, but in the realities which they express.โ
True faith is expressed in our lives.
Never thought about the connection between faithfulness and allegiance. Great article.
Your works show your faith. Your works are the fruit of your faith. Doesnโt matter what you put your faith in, your actions show what you believe.
Should've cited the passage where we're warned, "You will know them by their fruit." Because it certainly applies. But I forgot.
I get โYou Catholics and your requirements to get to heaven, all you have to do is believe!โ
That is the start. When you truly believe in your heart the Lord Jesus and confess with your mouth that God raised Him,
Your life totally changes.
You just do things that show Who you believe in.
And what a lot of Protestants call working our way to heaven we call sacraments, mercy and grace from our Lord. I donโt HAVE to do these things, I GET to. And in doing so I honor my Lord.