Article September 15, 1997 Issue

Keep it simple; God is Love

David Hoyme

The Aitken Independent Age

Every believer has a theology whether we recognize this or not. Our theology should not get so complicated that we lose track of the simplest message of our faith. As a seminary professor approached retirement, he was asked by a member of his class to give a summary of his Christian faith. This was a learned person who had dedicated his whole life to the study of theology. He had degrees from several outstanding universities and seminaries. He had written many books on his discipline. Without hesitation he responded to the question by saying, God is love.

The seminary student was not satisfied with the professor's answer. That is too simple a reply. That is too contrite a response. It has to be more complicated than this. You summarize a lifetime of learning with three simple words, "God is love." Reflect back on the theological arguments you have had, recall the many words that you have written. Everything that you know and everything that you believe is summarized by these three words, "God is love."

God is love. Is that it? Furthermore, the summary of the content of the Bible verse, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life," John 3:16. God so loved the cosmos. God so loved you and me. God so loved everyone that we all have the same opportunity for salvation free for the receiving through faith.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Loving others heals us