Egzystencjalna godność chrześcijanina – podstawą dla jego postępowania moralnego (Rz 14,7-9)

Abstract

In the dialogue with the addresses of his letters, Paul gives various reasons to motivate them for just moral actions. The crucial reason on which Paul grounds his argument is the new existential dignity received in Baptism. Romans 14:7-9 is the representative text which discusses the relationship between the new dignity of the Baptized and their actions. The baptismal initiation (ontological level) makes Christians the property of Christ: their lives should be oriented but toward Christ Himself (moral level). In other words, the ontological dignity of Christians conditions their moral actions. As being-of-Christ, they must live and die for Him. Moreover, already in the zone of Christ’s dominion, they should subdue their entire comportment to Him for only in this way they can ensure a proper spiritual growth. By living for Christ in the present, the Baptized already actualize their ultimate vocation to become the definitive property of Christ (1 Cor 15:23) and God the Father for eternity (Eph 1:14).