Upside down (Part II)

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(I write this reflection as one who was neither born into a Christian household nor brought up in one.)

Why I am a Christian. This is a continuation from my previous post: Upside down (Part I)

There could be many reasons one chooses to make Jesus Christ his/her Lord and Saviour. But I think there can be only one ultimate reason. At least this is my ultimate reason: HOPE. Not just wishful thinking. Not just an intellectual acceptance that lacks the commitment of heart. Rather, the Christian hope is an assurance founded on evidence - historical and spiritual.

Therefore, I don't think faith should be defined as "believing against all odds", or "believing contrary to fact". Neither should it imply taking a blind leap despite our circumstances. I used to hold such views until the rosy pictures faded and life's trials got me questioning. For example, how much money should go into the offering bag to count as "faith" when I am broke? How should I counsel the friend who has been diagnosed with cancer and plans on forgoing medical care in the name of religious faith? How much spiritual hope can I squeeze out by willing myself fiercely to believe that "nothing is impossible" when it comes to prayer against an undesired outcome? Does such "faith" really please God?  

Biblical faith is simply... knowing the Christian hope based on evidence. Consequently, it is the conviction that spurs one to actions (cf. Hebrews 11:1) - which includes but is not limited to trusting God regardless of one's understanding of the circumstance (cf. Prov 3:5) or against all odds if you like. Biblical faith motivates actions based on our Spirit-led interpretation of Scripture (as well as prayer, circumstances, and human counsel) and yet, without obliterating or disregarding our human tendencies to misinterpret God's voice.

I digress.

The essence of a Christian's life is hope. To be Christian is to live with and by hope. The Christian hope is the hope of glory. (Romans 5:1-2)

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Whose glory?

God's glory. The Bible, for example in the Book of Romans, uses "glory" to express God's might and power revealed through Creation; the honour due God; God's resurrection process in those buried with Christ through baptism into His death; etc. Glory is portrayed as the opposite of mortality, corruption, and ruin - the captivities of those who fail to meet the righteous requirements of God and are therefore not in a right relationship with Him.

God's glory is also in the End of all ends, infinitely happier than the happily ever afters of fairy tales. The Eternal Christmas foreshadowed by our annual celebration of the joy, peace, love, and warmth that December 25th brings. We observe Advent to pause. And to rediscover the unquenchable light in our darkness. We look back to a time in the ancient world when God's people anticipated the birth of a Saviour. And then, we look forward to the return of the risen Saviour King. We will see Him face to face. We will have whole, restored bodies that will not fall sick - whole, restored souls that will not be so attracted to sin anymore.

How amazing it is that God's glory is also the reward for those who persevere in goodness!

For further reading on how suffering and glory are inseparable, here is the link to Upside down (Part III).