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| Open Theism Discussion Board > Public Forums > Tearing down walls > Ascribing Unsurpassable Worth to Anyone But God... | Forum Quick Jump
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Truth Aficionado
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Date Joined Dec 2003
Total Posts : 1544
| Posted 1/30/2005 11:56 PM (GMT -6) |   | |
In my opinion, the term “unsurpassable worth” is not quantitative but qualitative and it was never meant to be used as a comparative to God’s worth. I believe it was meant to be used to describe the unsurpassable “worth”, displayed in the gifts given by God for those that choose Christ. Once you choose to ascribe unsurpassable worth to God, he will reflect worth back to you, and you can reflect His image and ascribe his worth towards others. We should be transformed from one degree of glory to another, into the image of God. It’s the imago Dai standing in the mirror, our image is the reflection of His unsurpassable worth. The emphasis should be placed on the potential “worth” that God makes available if accepted. It’s unsurpassable compared with any treasures of this world, including the love of your spouse and family.
So why even use the word “unsurpassable” why not immeasurable? Let me try and explain by saying when we enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, God’s treasure for us may be a strawberry lollipop. As a child of heaven, a lollipop might bring unsurpassable joy for the moment, similar as it did here on this earth in our youth. But as we grow towards God, becoming right with him, we develop a scale of importance and worth, and in turn a lollipop does not mean as much to an adult, we will no longer cry if we drop it in the dirt. As our worth grows In heaven, God will give us a new treasure to surpass the last treasure. This could be described as an ever-increasing scale of perpetual love. We aspire to each increment of increasing love and solidify our character by making choices that display our current walk with God. God’s love for his sheep is infinite. With that said, love is an exchange, it is reciprocal and has to be freely accepted. We can choose at any time to turn back to the lollipop, or even succumb to the temptations that will escort us to hell. Or we can continue our journey by fixing our eyes on Jesus who will escort us on a traveling adventure of unsurpassable love and “worth”.
The urgency to ascribe unsurpassable worth to others is commanded by God. By our fruits, we are to reflect the Kingdom of God’s treasures, unsurpassed by treasures of this world and the temptations that can lead us to the lake of fire. The paradox is in giving the love away, it in turn stores up treasures of love in heaven. Fuel tanks of agape love are replenished through our communion with the trinity. Love has to be accepted to be completed; it is a union and communion with the target of love. Love has a diminished value if any of the parties involved discount its worth. And since God is the source of all treasures of love, discounting Him will discount your own worth to him.
Hope to see you all in heaven,
Mark
 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Post Edited (sparknheart) : 1/30/2005 11:43:04 PM (GMT-6) | | Back to Top | | |
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Truth Aficionado
Registered Member
Date Joined Dec 2003
Total Posts : 1544
| Posted 2/5/2005 1:49 AM (GMT -6) | |
JEE said...
If God's love is unconditional, it seems to me to completely lose its force, just like if it is described using the term, "unsurpassable." In both the Old and New Testaments, God plainly states conditions to being in a favorable relationship to Him, and the terrible consequences of not being in a favorable relationship to Him.
Hi John,
Actually, the full coined term Dr. Boyd used was: “ascribe unconditional unsurpassable worth”. Meph takes it even further when he says “God ascribes unqualified unconditional love”.
Sin separates us from a relationship with God.
Isaiah 59:2 (NRSV)
Rather, your iniquities have been barriers
between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
so that he does not hear.
I agree with you John, “God plainly states conditions to being in a favorable relationship to Him”. I apologize if I’m postulating the narrative thread of scripture, but as I see it, sin emerged with the first Divine command not to eat from the prohibited tree. As a consequence, we fell from grace/favor and lost our state of innocence. Following the story line, we discover a continued pattern of disobedience towards God and God reacting unfavorably towards our disobedience. Call it what you like, disobedience or a lack of cooperation; in any case, it would be a dysfunctional love if God continued to give unconditional love to those being disobedient. Universally, God offers worth to all people. The value of such worth is contingent on obedience towards God. Realized, then reciprocated with Him in the form of love.
I conclude, the bottom line is God has not been real happy with the return on his investment. He wants love returned. Would that be characterized as unconditional love or reciprocal love?
Reciprocating sacrificial love,
Mark 
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Post Edited (sparknheart) : 2/6/2005 12:22:39 AM (GMT-6) | | Back to Top | | |
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JEE
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2004
Total Posts : 1466
| Posted 2/6/2005 12:26 AM (GMT -6) | | |
Hi John,
Actually, the full coined term Dr. Boyd used was: “ascribe unconditional unsurpassable worth”. Meph takes it even further when he says “God ascribes unqualified unconditional love”.
Hi Mark,
I honestly don't see how adding the word, "unconditional" makes any real difference in the gist of the statement. Of course, as I don't find God's love for us is revealed in scripture as unconditional or unsurpassable (which really mean, I don't really see the point they're trying to make here. Perhaps it is just poor terminology. I agree that God's love for us is incalculable.
I agree with you John, “God plainly states conditions to being in a favorable relationship to Him”. I apologize if I’m postulating the narrative thread of scripture, but as I see it, sin emerged with the first Divine command not to eat from the prohibited tree. As a consequence, we fell from grace/favor and lost our state of innocence. Following the story line, we discover a continued pattern of disobedience towards God and God reacting unfavorably towards our disobedience. Call it what you like, disobedience or a lack of cooperation; in any case, it would be a dysfunctional love if God continued to give unconditional love to those being disobedient. Universally, God offers worth to all people. The value of such worth is contingent on obedience towards God. Realized, then reciprocated with Him in the form of love.
Good points. I agree.
I conclude, the bottom line is God has not been real happy with the return on his investment. He wants love returned. Would that be characterized as unconditional love or reciprocal love?
Reciprocal. by definition, can not be UNconditional.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
JohnE
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