Christianity is not about principally about ethics. It was the Cross on the Hill rather than the Sermon on the Mount that produced the impact of Christianity upon the world.
The words “sanctify” and “sanctification” have deep roots in the Old Testament. There, holiness is about nearness to the presence of God. He is the holy-maker. Sanctification is his gift. The Old Testament helps us to avoid the common misunderstanding today that sanctification is all about our life of good works.
How was Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ,” really only half a confession? How does the two-stage healing of a blind man prepare us for Peter’s confession? Why did people think Jesus was one of the prophets come back to life (redivivus)? And how does the Hebrew meaning of satan/Satan clarify why Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan”…
Get behind me bourgie theology! Pick up your cross and turn on your radio to Ringside Preachers. Talking about Rush Limbaugh’s legacy, shaking hands like a man and not a fish, and you-know-who: Jesus.