The Gospel - God's Great Tradition

In my previous blog I pointed to the tension we Christians have over the topic of traditions. Today I want to explore what the Bible says about them, especially since we Christians of most traditions hold the Bible as the revealed Word of God.  


Traditions are statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc. that are handed down from generation to generation. For instance, many in my family went to college at Texas A&M University. TAMU is an institution rich in traditions. One of the very first thing incoming students learn are the Aggie traditions. One such is the 12th Man tradition. Every student attending a home football game remains standing throughout, because this is their way of saying we're ready to suit up and play. In other words, "Hey team, we're with you all the way!" 


Does the Bible talk about traditions like this? Yes indeed. Look whom God has handed down to us. Start with Romans 8:32-34. 

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

God the Father gave up His Son Christ Jesus to die. The giving up in NT Greek is the verb form of the noun we translate as tradition. Our heavenly Father gave up or handed down Jesus for us. This is the Good News that we now hand down from generation to generation. Here's the proof that God loves us. Its there in Jesus, God's Son, who died and was raised from the dead by the Father and sits at God's right hand to intercede for us. This is the prime tradition, the Great Tradition, the Gospel! All other traditions must be measured against this one. This is God's way of saying to us down here on the playing field of this world, "Hey, I'm with you all the way!" (cf. also Hebrews 12:1-2)

The Apostle Paul writes about this giving up again and again. Not only did the Father give up His Son; Jesus gave up himself for us. He and His Father are One in the great act of giving up.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And 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). 

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2). 

 As I said, this giving up is the Great Tradition, God's tradition, the Gospel. There are, however, human traditions that can deceive us. Paul warns of such in his letter to the Colossians.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority (Colossians 2:6-10). 

Like the 12th man tradition, human traditions are handed down and have the power to deceive and capture your imagination and thoughts. They can sound so very appealing. They have the power to hook you and modify your beliefs. But, asks Paul, do they strengthen your faith in Jesus? He and He alone is the One who cancelled the record of debt you and I owe to God. Human traditions can and often do lead people away from this Great Tradition. This is why he warns us about human wisdom and philosophy.

As we examine the traditions passed on, whether in the world or in the Church, we must always measure them against this Great Tradition, the Gospel of God's giving up Jesus Christ for us all. More on this next time.