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Unconditional
Legal Definition: The word “unconditional” is an adjective that needs an additional word to which the adjective describes. The word “unconditional”, according to Black’s Law Dictionary, modifies six words. They are as follows:
· Unconditional delivery
· Unconditional discharge*
· Unconditional heir
· Unconditional pardon*
· Unconditional promise*
· Unconditional release*
Of the six definitions, only four will be relevant to this post. These four will also have a counterpart in the religious context.
The first of which is unconditional discharge. Unconditional Discharge is defined under two distinct definitions. “1. A release from an obligation without any conditions attached. 2. A release from confinement without parole requirements to fulfill.”
The second of which is unconditional pardon. Unconditional pardon is actually listed under “Absolute Pardon”. Absolute Pardon is defined as, “A pardon that releases the wrongdoer from punishment and restores the offender’s civil rights without qualification.”
The third of which is unconditional promise. Unconditional Promise is defined as, “A promise that either is unqualified or requires nothing but the lapse of time to make the promise presently enforceable. – A party who makes an unconditional promise must perform that promise even though the other party has not performed according to the bargain.” An unconditional promise is also termed as an independent promise.
The fourth and final of which is unconditional release. Unconditional Release is defined as, “The final discharge of a prisoner or inmate from custody.” To best understand the definition of unconditional release, it must be compared to a conditional release. A conditional release is, “A discharge from an obligation based on some condition, the failure of which defeats the release.”
Of these four definitions, I believe that the Unconditional Promise best reconciles the legal definition with my understanding of God’s unconditional actions. There is nothing required of us as Christians. Although the argument could be made that we must believe in Christ, this act places no burden upon us. We can always refuse the gift that the promise bestows, but the gift must be offered regardless of our actions. This seems especially pertinent to the status of sinner. Although it is impossible for us as humans to be anything but a sinner, God still must offer grace. This concept is extremely one sided. What is amazing is that God made this offer, which He knew was a bad deal from himself. If God had consulted an attorney before making this promise, He would have been strongly advised to not make this promise. With little to no condition placed upon us, there is no motivation for us to act in accordance with God’s wishes. We must choose to live and act according to God’s wishes because we want to follow his direction. That act, to do what is right when no one is holding you to it, is what separates adults from children. It separates the mature choice from the selfish choice. Regardless of our choice, our sins are unconditionally released. In the face of the “Unconditional”, how will you act?
Part 2 - "LOVE"
Love is an important biblical topic that has been rather unfortunately hijacked in our popular culture. Devoid of understanding outside the lyrics of a typical country western song, love today is almost always understood as a reference to romantic love. Not that the bible does not give ample examples of this type of love, read Song of Songs for a sample. The bible also speaks of what might best be described as brotherly love, such as one might find among family members or close friends.
Yet the most important category of biblical love is what the New Testament calls Agape. It is the love most closely associated with the very character of God, and is sometimes described as unconditional love. This requires a little bit of further investigation, because such love is not common to our human experience. Even our best relationships rely upon some version of: “If you...then I”. Our relational love is sorely tested anytime this basic contract is violated. Many problems that arise in the marital bond have roots in one party trying to get the other to act is such a way that is pleasing or beneficial to the other. When they do not, resentment, anger and brokenness sprout. It is easy for us to transfer this dynamic which is familiar to all of us onto our relationship with God...”If I...then God...will act favorably on my behalf.” We think we can heal the sacred relationship through human effort and striving.
We have been learning in the book of Romans that this is indeed a trap. Even though the law of God is holy and just, we, because of the depth of sin within us, are never capable of keeping God’s law. We always fall short. How can a sinner possibly stand in the presence of a Holy God?
The Apostle Paul illuminates his answer throughout his letter. One great summation of his thought, and a foundation stone of evangelical faith may be found in Romans 5: 8: (NIV)
This is the bibles version of unconditional love: God, acting out of the depth of his character loves us, even and especially in our unrepentant state. When we deserved it the least, God sent the Son into the world to die in our place, and to receive in his holy body the punishment that all of us deserve. There was no test to determine our worthiness of such a sacrifice. God did not say: “If you...then I”. No, he acted to save us.
When we were weak and broken, when there was nothing that we could give in return, God chose to love us. This is Agape. The love that calls us into eternal relationship. Into obedience. Into deep purpose and passion for the work and kingdom of God.
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I hope you enjoy the message and can live by it. If you would like to be part of a great Christian community, join us next Sunday at:
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