Substitution and transformation in Leviticus
It seems to me that Professor Gane
has left something out of part 2 of
his article (“Legal Substitution and
Experiential Transformation in the
Typology of Leviticus”—January 2014).
Indeed, the priests in Leviticus are said
to forgive sins in cooperation with the
sinner and following specific procedures.
In the New Testament, Christ
gave the apostles power to forgive or
retain sins.
But what Christ also said, and the
laws of the universe seem to echo, is
that as you sow, so shall you reap. That
is, the consequences of the sin remain;
what forgiveness does is reestablish
communion with the Holy Ghost so
that one has the best chance of coping
with and ameliorating the “bad karma”
caused by the sin. If one discharges toxic
waste into a stream and then confesses
the sin and is forgiven, the toxic waste
remains; both you and society have
the duty to clean it up—you, because
you did it; and society, because you are
part of it and have enjoyed its benefits.
—Dean Bekken, email
The wedding at the well
I truly appreciated Kendra Haloviak
Valentine’s article, “The Wedding
at the Well” (January 2014). I have
preached many times on John 4 and
have led Bible studies on it and thought
I understood this Samaritan woman.
Valentine provided fresh insight that will
change forever how I interpret this tale.
—Thomas W. Goodhue, Long Island Council of
Churches
Dr. Valentine’s article “The Wedding
at the Well” is a delightful and
insightful exposition on a most provocative
Gospel passage. She invites
the reader to consider the risks Jesus
took as He crossed traditional and religious
boundaries. She challenges us to
experience the misgivings the disciples
expressed when they discovered what
their Lord and Master had been up to
in their absence. Especially helpful is
the author’s elaboration of the “thirst”
motif. I found this article to be a delight
and a fine example of an expositor’s
hermeneutical skills.
—Lawrence G. Downing, email
The gospel’s worldwide ethos
I enjoyed Larry Lichtenwalter’s article
“The Gospel’s Worldwide Ethos:
Culture, Identity, and Heart Implications
of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit’s
Outpouring—Part 2” (January 2014). It
built up Christ, and I feel we need more
imagination and effort to make Christ the
center of our doctrines and preaching.
—Ellsworth Wellman, Yakima, Washington, United
States
Loving by listening
Kudos for Larry Yeagley’s article
“Listening Love” (January 2014).
As he has done in previous articles,
Yeagley offers an insightful, practical
approach to ministry. He understands
human need and describes a ministry
and outreach that relates to people as
humans rather than potential pelts on
a harvester’s belt.
—Lawrence G. Downing, email
Spiritual intimacy
Thank you for the exceptional
article “Spiritual Intimacy: The
Challenge and Delight” (January 2014).
It is heartwarming, practical, and full of
possibilities for deeper shared spiritual
journeys as pastoral couples. We will
be translating the article to share with
the pastoral couples in our territory. We
know they will be blessed too.
—Lynn Ripley, Ilsan, South Korea
