Sunday, February 03, 2019

Death & resurrection

The relationship between the crucifixion and resurrection nicely illustrates the difference between providence and miracle. On the one hand, the crucifixion was a natural event. On the other hand, the resurrection was a supernatural event. 

Even if humans were naturally immortal, if they didn't die from aging or disease, they could still be killed. The body isn't indestructible. 

And the naturalness of his death supplies a necessary point of contrast to frame the supernaturalness of his resurrection. What's naturally possible or impossible furnishes the background for miracles. 

If a thunderbolt from a clear blue sky struck Christ dead, that would send the wrong message. He had to die at human hands–just as he had to rise from the dead by divine power. 

There's a similar relationship between the Incarnation and many other incidents in the life of Christ. An interplay of providence and miracle. 

No comments:

Post a Comment