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The Spirituality Of The Cross By Gene Veith

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In his book The Spirituality of the Cross, Gene Veith states that humanity can not do anything to achieve a perfect relationship with God. According to the Lutheran perspective, God is the one that dictates salvation in individuals, The brokenness of humanity causes Lutherans to gain dependence on God. In order to truly be saved by faith, one should understand their need for God’s justification and grace, as well as his hiddenness, and how he is seen in one’s earthly and spiritual vocation. Veith states three spiritual aspirations which Lutherans use to try and achieve righteousness. Each aspiration has flaws, causing them to not be able to give one true, saving faith. Moralism is when one tries to achieve perfect conduct. Although good works …show more content…

The hiddenness of God is the work and presence of Christ and how individuals can draw closer to him in their daily lives. Veith emphasizes two different theologies: the theology of glory and the theology of the cross. The theology of glory is self-centered. It is when individuals are dependent on themselves and they do what they want. The theology of the cross is when a believer becomes dependent on God instead of themselves. True, saving faith can only be found through the cross. The cross of Christians connects them to Jesus’ cross. Veith states, “We are utterly dependent on God. Saving faith involves giving up on our pretensions of being self-sufficient, strong, and in control” (77). Individuals fail to achieve things because they depend too much on themselves or other people who are part of the fallen world. Veith gives hope to readers that there is a solution to turning our independence into dependence on God through the Gospel. However, he could make this solution a little more clear for readers by addressing how one can use the Gospel for turning one’s independence into dependence on God. A couple of action steps would be helpful in supporting his …show more content…

He states that God is equally active in both of these kingdoms. Through the spiritual realm, individuals can see God through the Word and scriptures. In the earthly realm, God works through people through their God-given vocations. The purpose of vocation is to love and serve God and one’s neighbors. Although God doesn’t focus on good works, good works are essential in order to love and serve other people. One’s relationship with God is determined by faith and repentance in order to receive forgiveness. Veith refers to Christ as the hidden neighbor which believers serve. All believers have a vocation as earthly citizens as well as heavenly citizens. Veith states, “At one and the same time, the Christian lives in the world through vocation and lives in heaven through faith” (118). Through one’s vocation, Christians can be a part of the culture as well as God’s kingdom because God gives their vocation a purpose in both realms. Veith describes the need for God-given vocations thoroughly and how it applies to individuals in their relationships with others and their relationship with

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