THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Aquila observes that garments deteriorate due to rust, while Simmachus interprets it as a worm and Theodotion as a moth. Just as moths consume clothing, so too is dishonor and slander a universal affliction. Hezekiah, therefore, implores, "Let the Lord thy God hear the words of the Lord thy God, which reproach the living God" (Isaiah 37:4). Even David prayed, "Deliver me from the slander of men" (Psalm 118:134). When reproach from God emerges, wrath swiftly follows. Here, the prophet reflects on the calumny of humanity. David sought retribution against his adversary Semei, yet he did not take his life but ordered his son to do so, despite Semei having wronged him, in order to deter others like him.
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Thus, the prophet calls to the righteous, "Hearken unto me, ye that know the truth, O ye people that have my law in their hearts," highlighting that, like garments, the moth will consume them. This speaks either of the damned or casts a shadow on them, hence he asserts: "My salvation endureth for ever, and my righteousness shall not pass away," a truth echoed by Christ who proclaimed, "Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12). If the heavens may dissolve and the essence of humanity is transformed, what yet remains steadfast? My salvation will endure eternally.
What do we make of the query? Will salvation exist even amidst punishment and trials? Certainly, though it may not be salvation for the unredeemed, it is for the redeemed—a truth that cannot be thwarted by eternal ages. Just as God's existence is inevitable and His eternal nature is immutable, so too must truth and salvation forever prevail. If one wonders why understanding is elusive, I respond with the words of the Scriptures: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy" (Psalm 50:1). The Psalmist acknowledges mercy but cannot grasp its full depth. Regarding the multitude of His blessings, he states: "according to the multitude of Thy bounties" (ibid.), yet the true extent of these bounties remains beyond human comprehension. Paul similarly asserts, "How immeasurable is the greatness of his might" (Ephesians 1:19), suggesting that such greatness is beyond human examination. The more one seeks to comprehend, the more it eludes understanding.
If one were to ever grasp such majesty fully, it would surpass all thoughts. In another passage, Paul exclaims, "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift" (2 Corinthians 9:15). Even the most articulate cannot fully confess His nature. Yet, can we not understand that which eludes expression? It is true that certain aspects are beyond comprehension, as articulated in the phrase: "The peace of God, which is above all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). This touches upon the divine while we focus on the nature of mercy and the greatest blessings. What could be more splendid than the confluence of peace and mercy?
Let us consider where God’s transcendent mercy is particularly visible: "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have those things come into the heart of man, which God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). Should we ever assume that God’s mercy has limits, we must resist that thought. The analogy found in the scriptures compares God’s grief over His children to a father's sorrow for his own sons (Psalm 102:13). In the Gospel, it is noted: "You, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children" (Matthew 7:11). The prophet proclaims, "Will a woman forget her sucking child, that she may not have compassion on the son of her womb? But if she should forget, yet will I not forget you" (Isaiah 49:15). These examples illustrate that our understanding of mercy is often rooted in the depths of parental love, which may serve as our greatest insight.
With this understanding, when you hear "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our iniquities from us" (Psalm 102:12), do not limit this distance to mere spatial terms; recognize it as far greater. The Psalmist uses a relatable metaphor because no greater measure exists in our experience. However, the subsequent revelation, "I, even I, am he that blots out thy transgressions for mine own sake" (Isaiah 43:25), indicates more than a mere dismissal of sins; it implies their complete eradication.
In another scripture, God is referred to as "the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). This signifies that His mercy is fathomless, just as He is unfathomable. If His power is incomprehensible, can we ascribe limitations to His mercy? No; we must recognize that the grace upon which all existence rests is limitless. Furthermore, concerning His love, we are told, "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16), while about His judgments, we read, "Thy judgments are a great abyss" (Psalm 35:7) and regarding mercy, "Thou showest mercy to thousands" (Jeremiah 32:18).
Through these insights, our intention is not to provoke complacency but to invigorate the hopeless with the hope and mercy of God. Indeed, while His mercy is vast, so too is His wrath. Christ declared, "There is more joy in heaven" (Luke 15:7). But what of man? If it is stated that "the nations are as a drop from a bucket, and are counted as a speck of dust on the scales" (Isaiah 40:15), how can a mere individual hope to stand before the Lord, particularly if he carries the weight of sin? Yet, God is so concerned for humanity’s salvation that the joy of heaven and earth resonates for the sake of one repentant sinner.
God's love is so profound that, if only one person required salvation, He would find it worthy to send His Son. You may ask, on what grounds can this be affirmed? Hear the words of Paul: "He delivered Him up for us all" (Romans 8:32). This illustrates divine justice, for it is not limited to the rich, the strong, the wise, or the free, but extends to all, denoting equal value for every soul. Moreover, Paul states, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
So, why does Paul seemingly restrict God's gifts? He does not; he aims to demonstrate that even if the betrayal of the Son were requisite for one individual, God would gladly fulfill it at any cost. Consider this: Was not the one lost sheep of even greater concern than the ninety-nine that were safe? Did He hesitate to leave them behind, traversing mountains, plains, and valleys in search of that singular lost one? His determination did not wane until He found it. The others, while secure, could not offer Him the comfort He desired for that single, missing sheep. This truth reveals itself vividly in instances of profound love.
Even someone who possesses immense wealth feels sorrow upon misplacing a single coin, for the completeness of their collection matters dearly. Observe how He rejoices upon recovering that one lost sheep, bearing it tenderly on His shoulders without inflicting harm or punishment. True love manifests in such responses, especially in the face of betrayal or injury to one’s spirit. Have we not wronged God and provoked His anger? Nevertheless, He did not retaliate saying, "I came not to judge the world, but to save the world" (John 12:47).
Why do you flee? Why do you withdraw? We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating you through us; in His name, we implore you: be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). Even after offense and humiliation, we plead for reconciliation. Let us therefore eagerly pursue that reconciliation with Him.