Lost Lyrics - We have caught the vision splendid

Howard's Yoder's The Politics of Jesus is a fascinating read that challenges what he calls the introspective and emotional stance with regards to justification that stems from the contemporary and partial translation of understanding of 2 Corinthians 5:17.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

Yoder's point is that rather than 'the ontological or metaphysical transformation of an individual it really points to a new social reality'. Mirroring sentiments elsewhere (Galatians 6:15 Ephesians 2:15. 1 Peter 2:13) Yoder argues that Paul's 'putting to rights' had in mind the fulfilment of new humanity; that Jews and Gentiles one become one, the reconciliation of different kinds of people; a new community where the brokenness of humanity is put right.

Could be that Doris got it right when she penned song 833

We have caught the vision splendid
Of a world which is to be,
When the pardoning love of Jesus
Freely flows from sea to sea,
When all men from strife and anger,
Greed and selfishness are free,
When the nations live together
In sweet peace and harmony.


Doris N. Rendell

Yoder, J. H. (2002). The Politics of Jesus. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.


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