Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 3: Doctrinal Paradoxes in Salvation
1. Introduction
At the heart of the Christian message lies a paradox that defies worldly logic: in order to truly live, one must die. Jesus declared, “He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 10:39), and Paul wrote, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). This death is not merely physical, but spiritual—referring to the death of self, sin, and worldly ambition. The paradox invites believers to discover that true life in Christ begins when the old self is crucified.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 Call to Die
- Luke 9:23–24 – “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily…”
- John 12:24–25 – “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone…”
- Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live…”
2.2 Promise of Life
- Romans 6:4–5 – “We are buried with him by baptism into death… that like as Christ was raised… we also should walk in newness of life.”
- Matthew 10:39 – “He that findeth his life shall lose it…”
- 2 Timothy 2:11 – “If we be dead with him, we shall also live with him.”
3. Theological Meaning
To “die” is to surrender the sinful nature, selfish desires, and autonomous will, and to submit to Christ’s lordship. True spiritual life begins only when the old self is put to death—a continual, conscious act empowered by the Holy Spirit.
4. Paradox Explained
| Death Required | Life Received |
|---|---|
| Deny self (Luke 9:23) | Receive eternal life (John 3:16) |
| Crucify the old nature (Gal. 5:24) | Walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4) |
| Lose temporal comfort for Christ (Phil. 3:8) | Gain spiritual fullness (John 10:10) |
5. Christ’s Pattern and the Believer’s Path
- Jesus Himself entered glory through suffering and death (Philippians 2:5–11),
- His followers must follow the same pattern: death to sin leads to resurrection life,
- Discipleship requires cross-bearing, yet ends in life everlasting.
6. Historical Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Ignatius of Antioch: Longed for martyrdom as a way to truly live in Christ,
- Origen: Interpreted daily self-denial as spiritual martyrdom.
6.2 Augustine and Medieval Thought
- Augustine: “The soul must die to itself in order to live to God.”
- Bernard of Clairvaux: Saw self-death as the gateway to union with divine love.
6.3 Reformation
- Martin Luther: Viewed the Christian life as a daily death and resurrection,
- John Calvin: Emphasised mortification of the flesh as essential to sanctification.
6.4 Modern Theology
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.”
- Watchman Nee: Spiritual death of the self is prerequisite for victorious Christian life.
7. Doctrinal Implications
- Sanctification: Death to sin is not a one-time act but a continual process,
- Union with Christ: Believers participate in His death and resurrection,
- Eternal Life: Begins now through new birth and culminates in bodily resurrection.
8. Devotional Applications
- True joy and purpose emerge when we surrender the self,
- Trials and sufferings, if embraced in Christ, lead to transformation and maturity,
- Dying to self grants freedom from sin, love for others, and peace with God.
9. Summary Table
| Die To… | Live In… |
|---|---|
| Sin (Rom. 6:11) | Righteousness (Rom. 6:13) |
| Self (Gal. 2:20) | Christ (Phil. 1:21) |
| World’s values (1 John 2:15–17) | Kingdom values (Matt. 6:33) |
| Flesh (Rom. 8:13) | Spirit (Rom. 8:14) |
10. Conclusion
The paradox “Die to Live” expresses one of Christianity’s most profound truths: death is not an end but a beginning. As the seed must fall and die to bear fruit, so must the believer surrender the old life to gain the new. In dying with Christ, we live truly—both now and for eternity.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Augustine. Confessions
- Luther, M. The Freedom of a Christian
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion
- Bonhoeffer, D. The Cost of Discipleship
- Watchman Nee. The Normal Christian Life