Topic: human sin

G C Berkouwer's book on Barth is entitled, The Triumph of Grace in the Theology of Karl Barth. Barth was not happy with this title.

For Barth, Christ is the key to understanding our human life. If Christ, God’s revelation, is taken away, man is thrown into an abyss of meaninglessness.

Chapter 10 What a lot of names! Why is all this included in God's Word? It may describe the historical context of God's unfolding purpose of providing salvation for sinners, but what does it say to us? The inclusion of so many obscure names emphasizes that everyone - however obscure - is important. 'God so loved the world' (John 3:16) - not only the 'important' people but all people. Names are important to God.

Sometimes we say, 'I can't' when we mean, 'I won't'! We are 'busy here and there' - too busy for God, for doing His will, for obeying His Word. Is this a case of 'I can't'? No! It is 'I won't'. We choose. We decide how we will use our time. God looks at our life. He sees what is most important to us and He says, 'You yourrself have decided it'. He sees that our choices have been self-centred rather than Christ-centred.