Continuing the study on Eternal Verities (Eternal Truths) -
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper about the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
In the book of Acts, two insights of the Holy Spirit are given. One involves Ananias and his wife, Sapphira. Both had publicly committed themselves to the support of the early Church. In fulfilling this pledge, the price received for the dedicated land was more than anticipated, so they decided to retain a part of the funds received. In presenting these funds to Peter, Ananias left the impression that the total price received was being brought. Peter responded:
Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ... Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (Acts 5:3,4)
Here is clearly set forth two orders of Being - created (men) and uncreated (God). The Holy Spirit is not of the order of men, thus leaving only one conclusion; the Holy Spirit is as much God as the Logos, or God Himself. Further, lying is not done to an influence or a power but to a Person.
*******
My thoughts--
They lied to the Holy Spirit.
They lied unto God.
Lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to a God. In lying to the Holy Spirit they were NOT lying to anything like a fellow man, or just a ministering spirit. They were lying to God the Holy Spirit.
*******
Cont. thought paper--
The second insight is revealed in the call of Paul and Barnabas to a special work. The record reads: Now there was in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers: ... As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:1-2)
Observe the language: The Holy Spirit stated that He called them - "the work whereunto I have called them."
Further, it states that these two men were "sent forth by the Holy Spirit." (ver. 4) The Holy Spirit was in command of the activities and program of the Church. (It is interesting to observe that the Holy Spirit did not relay His directive through the leadership of the Christian Church at Jerusalem. It was given to men possessed by the gifts of the Spirit - Pneumatikoi) The question arises - Did Christ leave His Church under a "power" or "influence"? No, by "another Paracletos" the authority was exercised. He did not leave them comfortless nor guideless. He came to them in the Person of the Holy Spirit - His alter ego.
One more reference must be considered before going to the final book of the New Testament. Paul in his second letter to the Corinthian Church, writes to the believers defining them as being an "epistle of Christ ..., written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in the fleshy tables of the heart." (3:3) He then draws a contrast between the ministration written in stone, and the ministration of the Spirit written in the heart. While the ministration written in stone was glorious, so much so that Moses had to veil his face in speaking to Israel, Paul indicates that the veil is done away in Christ (v.14). If the Israel of the flesh would turn to the Lord "the veil shall be taken away." (v.16) Then Paul writes - "the Lord is that Spirit." It is this Spirit which ministers to the living "epistles" so that they are "the epistles of Christ." The close working relationship is further heightened by the fact that Paul differentiates between Him to whom the Israelite of the flesh can turn - "the Lord" - and He who changes the believer into "the same image." The change is "by the Lord, the Spirit" (apo kupiou pneumatou). [See verse 18, margin]
This close working relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit is emphasized in symbol and context in the book of Revelation. First, John extends the blessings of Heaven - grace and peace - "to the seven churches which are in Asia." These blessings come from Him, Who Is, Who was, and Who is to come; and from "the seven Spirits which are before the throne," and from Jesus Christ. (1:4 -5) The most apt language to describe these Three Beings is to be found in the Writings - "the Heavenly Trio." (Special Testimonies, Series B, #7, p.62) There is One who is constant, unchangeable, without "variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) The other Two, due to the entrance of sin, to accomplish the redemption of men, and to maintain the security of the Eternal Throne, have altered. What further activity is anticipated by the Heavenly Trio is only intimated in this unveiling of Jesus Christ.
*******My thoughts--
There is so much truth here, truth that we seldom think on but need to comprehend. The Heavenly Trio. The Heavenly Three. God the Father- Spirit being from eternity. God the Son- took on flesh and became humanity's Savior. God the Comforter- lives among mankind as 'Another Comforter' sent by Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior to guide us to Him in all truth. The Heavenly Trio. The Three Gods who agree as one in all things, not ONE God in three persons, but three Gods as individual Gods in their OWN right who agree as one in all they do. It sounds foreign to us doesn't it? It sounds wrong, but Biblically it's right, it's factual, it's in the word of God- God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, all three.
May we be blessed as we continue this study to have full understanding. May the Holy Spirit guide us, as Jesus' grace and righteousness cleanses and saves us, as God the Father keeps us from evil while not removing us from this world.
Joh 17:15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
In the love of Jesus Christ forever and ever without end.
Amen.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Eternal Verities 8A
Continuing the study on Eternal Verities (Eternal Truths) -
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper about the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
Because the thought paper I'm taking this from is written by a former Seventh-day Adventist there will be many indications of this throughout the paper. I urge you to read through it all and take from it what you believe God would have you take from it. I'm not advocating Seventh-day Adventism as it is today in any way shape or form, they've gone far away from the original truths given to them.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
1998 Feb -- XXXI -- 2(98) - WWN
In the previous study, we noted that the Holy Spirit was involved in the birth of Jesus. This means in the simplest of terms that the Holy Spirit antedated the Incarnation. In the Scriptures He is described as "the Eternal Spirit." (Heb. 9:14) The designation, "Holy" Spirit sets Him apart from the angelic hosts who are "ministering" spirits. (Heb. 1:14) While the gospel of Luke revealed the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Jesus at the Incarnation, the Gospel of John revealed first, the Heavenly Duo - the Logos (Word) and God (John 1:1-2) - and then recorded the ultimate relationship between the Logos made flesh, and the Holy Spirit. Of this latter relationship, Jesus Himself was the revealer. Let us observe closely what Jesus said: I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16-17)
**Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?**
**Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?**
**Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.**
**Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.**
Two Greek words need to be noted - paraklhtoV (Comforter), and alloV (another). In his first Epistle, John declares Jesus to be a Parakletos (2:1; KJV - "advocate"). This close relationship was further emphasized by Jesus in His continuing revelation in the upper room. He said, "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." (John 14:18)
**Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. **
While this close identity is emphasized, the distinction between the Two is also clearly defined by the word, alloV (another). There are two words in the Greek for "another." Besides, allos, there is heteros. The contrast between these two words is seen by Paul's use in Galatians 1: 6-7. He wrote: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another (heteros) gospel, which is not another (allos).
**Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.**
Both words indicate two distinct things or beings, but the use of heteros defines the two as different in kind, even to the extent of one being inferior to the other. John in his Gospel and Epistle indicates that the Comforter to come from the Father, and the Advocate that was "with the Father," were both of the same kind - allos - God. Even as "God is spirit" (John 4:24), likewise the Comforter is a HOLY Spirit, in contrast to the "unclean" spirit beings who are antagonistic to God.
**Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.**
Jesus in his continuing conversation with the disciples on the way to Gethsemane, speaks of the Comforter as "He, the Spirit of truth," twice emphasizing the "He" (ekeinoV ) rather than "it" (ekeino), which would be demanded by the neuter word "Spirit" in the Greek (John 16:13, 14). In the very designation itself, "the Spirit of truth," the closeness of His relationship to Jesus Christ dare not be overlooked. Jesus declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6) This close identification covered by al-loV paraklhtoV ; is described in theological works as an alter ego relationship. (See The Expositor's Greek Testament, Vol. V, p.195 in comments on I John 5:6) From His incarnation (Luke 1:35) through to the cross (Heb. 9:14) the mysterious relationship prevailed. The "how" is enshrouded in mystery, the fact remains for our contemplation. This closeness is further emphasized in the Revelation of Jesus Christ which we will note later.
**Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.**
**Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.**
**
*******
My thoughts--
There is no doubt that Biblically it is proven that the Holy Spirit has existed with God the Father and God the Son from everlasting. All three *SPIRIT* beings until Christ was conceived in the womb of Mary, God taking on flesh as a babe, holy united with humanity's flesh. Divested of His Spirit form so that He would become God with us in the fullest form, suffering as we suffer, knowing what it is to be tempted as a flesh being. Christ stepped down from a very lofty height in order to save us creatures He created. Did He HAVE to take on flesh? No. We could have been wiped out of existence that was in His power to ordain. He did take on flesh so He could save us, so He could prove that human beings, flesh beings could resist temptations by the grace of God. Make no mistake, Christ relied on His Father fully not Himself. He faced temptations we'll never have to face in a way we could never face them and He overcame them the SAME way we need to overcome, through His Father, and of course through HIM. He came so we would have a way to the Father. He came to make it possible for us to be at one with God again. It's Christ's ability to overcome that we must accept and believe, it is His righteousness and His righteousness alone that makes the atonement possible. We need to cling to Christ relying on Him for ALL things. Self tries to get in the way and will never stop. Satan will use any and all means at his disposal to keep us with Him and away from Christ. This part of the thought paper has revealed truth of the Holy Spirit we need to contemplate.
May God help us to do this, to seek to understand through Him. By the grace and mercy of Jesus, in His love, by His forgiveness, now and forever.
Amen.
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper about the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
Because the thought paper I'm taking this from is written by a former Seventh-day Adventist there will be many indications of this throughout the paper. I urge you to read through it all and take from it what you believe God would have you take from it. I'm not advocating Seventh-day Adventism as it is today in any way shape or form, they've gone far away from the original truths given to them.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
1998 Feb -- XXXI -- 2(98) - WWN
In the previous study, we noted that the Holy Spirit was involved in the birth of Jesus. This means in the simplest of terms that the Holy Spirit antedated the Incarnation. In the Scriptures He is described as "the Eternal Spirit." (Heb. 9:14) The designation, "Holy" Spirit sets Him apart from the angelic hosts who are "ministering" spirits. (Heb. 1:14) While the gospel of Luke revealed the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Jesus at the Incarnation, the Gospel of John revealed first, the Heavenly Duo - the Logos (Word) and God (John 1:1-2) - and then recorded the ultimate relationship between the Logos made flesh, and the Holy Spirit. Of this latter relationship, Jesus Himself was the revealer. Let us observe closely what Jesus said: I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth. (John 14:16-17)
**Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?**
**Heb 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?**
**Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.**
**Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.**
Two Greek words need to be noted - paraklhtoV (Comforter), and alloV (another). In his first Epistle, John declares Jesus to be a Parakletos (2:1; KJV - "advocate"). This close relationship was further emphasized by Jesus in His continuing revelation in the upper room. He said, "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." (John 14:18)
**Joh 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. **
While this close identity is emphasized, the distinction between the Two is also clearly defined by the word, alloV (another). There are two words in the Greek for "another." Besides, allos, there is heteros. The contrast between these two words is seen by Paul's use in Galatians 1: 6-7. He wrote: I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another (heteros) gospel, which is not another (allos).
**Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.**
Both words indicate two distinct things or beings, but the use of heteros defines the two as different in kind, even to the extent of one being inferior to the other. John in his Gospel and Epistle indicates that the Comforter to come from the Father, and the Advocate that was "with the Father," were both of the same kind - allos - God. Even as "God is spirit" (John 4:24), likewise the Comforter is a HOLY Spirit, in contrast to the "unclean" spirit beings who are antagonistic to God.
**Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.**
Jesus in his continuing conversation with the disciples on the way to Gethsemane, speaks of the Comforter as "He, the Spirit of truth," twice emphasizing the "He" (ekeinoV ) rather than "it" (ekeino), which would be demanded by the neuter word "Spirit" in the Greek (John 16:13, 14). In the very designation itself, "the Spirit of truth," the closeness of His relationship to Jesus Christ dare not be overlooked. Jesus declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6) This close identification covered by al-loV paraklhtoV ; is described in theological works as an alter ego relationship. (See The Expositor's Greek Testament, Vol. V, p.195 in comments on I John 5:6) From His incarnation (Luke 1:35) through to the cross (Heb. 9:14) the mysterious relationship prevailed. The "how" is enshrouded in mystery, the fact remains for our contemplation. This closeness is further emphasized in the Revelation of Jesus Christ which we will note later.
**Joh 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Joh 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.**
**Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.**
**
*******
My thoughts--
There is no doubt that Biblically it is proven that the Holy Spirit has existed with God the Father and God the Son from everlasting. All three *SPIRIT* beings until Christ was conceived in the womb of Mary, God taking on flesh as a babe, holy united with humanity's flesh. Divested of His Spirit form so that He would become God with us in the fullest form, suffering as we suffer, knowing what it is to be tempted as a flesh being. Christ stepped down from a very lofty height in order to save us creatures He created. Did He HAVE to take on flesh? No. We could have been wiped out of existence that was in His power to ordain. He did take on flesh so He could save us, so He could prove that human beings, flesh beings could resist temptations by the grace of God. Make no mistake, Christ relied on His Father fully not Himself. He faced temptations we'll never have to face in a way we could never face them and He overcame them the SAME way we need to overcome, through His Father, and of course through HIM. He came so we would have a way to the Father. He came to make it possible for us to be at one with God again. It's Christ's ability to overcome that we must accept and believe, it is His righteousness and His righteousness alone that makes the atonement possible. We need to cling to Christ relying on Him for ALL things. Self tries to get in the way and will never stop. Satan will use any and all means at his disposal to keep us with Him and away from Christ. This part of the thought paper has revealed truth of the Holy Spirit we need to contemplate.
May God help us to do this, to seek to understand through Him. By the grace and mercy of Jesus, in His love, by His forgiveness, now and forever.
Amen.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Eternal Verities 7A
Continuing the study on Eternal Verities (Eternal Truths) -
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper about the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
Because the thought paper I'm taking this from is written by a former Seventh-day Adventist there will be many indications of this throughout the paper. I urge you to read through it all and take from it what you believe God would have you take from it. I'm not advocating Seventh-day Adventism as it is today in any way shape or form, they've gone far away from the original truths given to them.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
Scripture reveals that Satan, as Lucifer before his fall, was one of "the anointed cherub(s) that covereth," and was so set by God (Eze. 28:14). Sanctuary symbolism reveals that there were two cherubs that stood in the presence of God. At this point, we must introduce a suggestive thought which cannot be documented. Michael was the other covering cherub as His first step of condescension, made mandatory because of His exercise of the Divine prerogative and power to create. From what is revealed, this condescension was not of the magnitude of what would be the ultimate. "God is spirit" (John 4:24). [ No article in the Greek text ] The angels are defined as "ministering spirits" (Heb. 1:14).
**Eze 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.**
**Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?**
The Great Controversy Motif -- Perhaps one of the greatest contributions, if not the greatest, to Adventist thinking, which God introduced through His "messenger," was the concept of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Through the Writings we learn that the plan and purpose of God for the creation of man was the spark that ignited a rebellion which had been long - we do not know how long - simmering in the heart of one of the highest of the angelic orders - Lucifer.
In one of the earliest of the recorded visions on the great controversy motif, Ellen White wrote: The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Jesus Christ ... And I saw that when God said to his Son, Let us make man in our image, Satan was jealous of Jesus ... He wished to be the highest in heaven, next to God, and receive the highest honors. Until this time all heaven was in order, harmony and perfect subjection to the government of God. (Spiritual Gifts, Vol.1, p.17)
It is also reasonable to assume that Lucifer was party to the conversation between God and the Logos (John 1:1). The plan of the Elohim was to create a "new order" of beings. The exact language used by the Lord's messenger is thought provoking; "Human beings were a new and distinct order." (R&H, Feb.11, 1902) "God created man a superior being; he alone is formed in the image of God, ..." (R&H, April 21, 1885) Then in 1895, Ellen White wrote - "Man is the crowning act of the creation of God, made in the image of God, and designed to be a counterpart of God; ..." (R&H, June 18) Yet man was created flesh, not spirit. The difference between "flesh" and "spirit" is spelled out in Scripture. Jesus said - "A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." (Luke 24:39) Yet God who is "spirit" has a form which has been reflected in the image of man (Phil. 2:6). Further, the resurrected body of Jesus, while no longer limited as in the incarnate state, is referred to as a "glorious body," into which likeness all the saved will be imaged (Phil. 3:21).
**Luk 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.**
**Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God**
**Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.**
At this point some interesting questions can arise, the answers to which we do not have. Did Lucifer question the feasibility of creating a being of flesh rather than one of spirit? What was the purpose of creating a being of flesh and one of that flesh becoming "a counterpart of God"? How far into eternity was God planning and thinking? When man sinned, was one basic element in the accusation, the suggestion that God did not create one capable of withstanding the power of a "spirit" being? It needs to be kept in mind that the incarnation is described as "a divine spirit dwelt in a temple of flesh." (YI, Dec. 20,1900) In this encounter the fallen flesh withstood the most fierce assault of a fallen spirit.
It is at this point that a problem behind the incarnation comes into focus. Adam was created a mature being, not a baby, and did not have a childhood, nor an adolescence. It was with this mature being of flesh with which Satan contended and won. All that the Logos needed to demonstrate was that in the flesh in which Adam was created, He could conquer. However, the Logos did more than that. He took the flesh of fallen man and conquered, and then even submitted to death itself as a ransom for many.
At this point another question arises. How could the Logos get to the mature state of Adam, so that the contest could be unquestioned? If God created another body of flesh, it would not be of the line of Adam, and perhaps on the second try, He could do a better job, or at least it could so be alleged. So He came taking our flesh and blood, which meant He would begin the contest handicapped from where the first Adam stood. So coming as a baby, how could He be preserved, till as an accountable being He could make His own decisions?
Various theories and assumptions have been made to circumvent the reality of the condescension. The Roman dogma of the Immaculate Conception is the basic concept from which all other concepts are but variation in degree. The evangelical position is that only a part of the womb of Mary was sanctified from which Jesus was conceived. Certain "historic" Adventist voices are speaking of Jesus coming as a born again, converted person. Let us let that which is hidden remain hidden, from the developing fetus through the babyhood of Jesus. Jesus did make a decision when at twelve years of age, and that is recorded. He declared to His mother, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49) The same Father whose business He perceived, kept Him till His hour was come.
The response is that Jesus then had an advantage over us. Yes and No. Let us consider the "No" first. When I, a sinner, accept "the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24), I stand before God as if I had never sinned. What advantage then did Jesus have in this respect? While you may reluctantly answer, None, you will be quick to let me know there are other "respects." This is true. He had a tremendous advantage over us. He was "God manifest in the flesh" (I Tim. 3:16; KJV). He was "the Word made flesh" (John 1:14). We are not. Even partaking of the"divine nature" does not make us God in the flesh. But the same "messenger" who introduced us to the great controversy motif, has also emphasized Jesus Christ as Substitute and Surety. While the emphasis on "substitution" may make one wince a bit, and draw back in fear that "cheap grace" is being suggested, perhaps the approach through "surety" would be more helpful in understanding the depth of "the redemption in Christ Jesus."
Furthermore, while Jesus emptied Himself at the incarnation, laying aside the "form" of God, would it be too much to suggest that at His baptism, He laid aside the use of His powers as God manifest in the flesh, and accepted what we each have to accept when we are placed on vantage ground - the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To perceive of the incarnation and its objective outside of the motif of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, is to fail to take in the whole of God's plan and purpose in the original creation of man. Further, this failure has blurred our perception of what the judgment scene in Daniel is telling us.
A Footnote -- This issue of WWN begins our 31st year of publication. The original idea and objective in publishing was to produce a monthly "thought paper," with articles to stimulate thinking - articles which might on occasion raise some questions and challenges. Over the years, the issues of WWN have tended to report events within the community of Adventism of a questionable nature and comments on these events. We plan to veer the issues of 1998 toward the original objective, and make secondary the reporting of events within the community of Adventism which are of a questionable nature. The above article on the great controversy motif is an example of the "thought paper" type of articles we have in mind. We do not expect the readers to agree with every thought expressed, but we would hope that all who read would do some thinking. We will preface each such article with the intent of its being written, or will make a notation even as we are doing now.
As we have written on other occasions, not only are the youth in their studies to be trained to be thinkers, but adults as well need to come to grips with concepts which require more than surface thinking. Traditionalism under the guise of "historic" Adventism, only keeps us Laodicean bound. One may break away from the corporate structure, but still not open the door for Jesus to come in and "sup" with him. --- (1998 Jan) ---
*******
My thoughts-
There is so much in this bit of the thought paper that gives pause to make us really think and yet at the same time it is admitted that there ARE things we can't know. Some people use what they cannot figure out to keep them from God. They hold up their inability to comprehend the things of God fully as an excuse to disobey Him and deny Him. They let the mystery, the murky glass we see through destroy their hope, their beliefs. Satan would have us all get to that point. Satan would have us all question God, isn't that was He did Himself? He loves when we follow in His footsteps and will do all He can to hurry us onto His path. Being able to admit that there are things we don't fully understand about God is only admitting that He is greater than us, He is our God, He is our Creator and we have to bow down to His superiority. People don't like the idea of being made to bow down before anyone, why? Because they believe that they are too good to bow down, because bowing down shows subservience and being subservient is something we abhor. People would put themselves in the place of God, to be worshipped, to be catered to, to be served and bowed down to. People love having others consider them special and deserving of their awe. So to tell people that God wills for us to serve Him, that we should bow down before God and honor Him as being far above us in all ways, this will cause some people to give pause and others to out right reject the notion of serving God. God won't force any of His creatures to worship Him. There is NO forcing involved whatsoever. Some might argue there is bribing. He bribes us with eternal life- do this and get that. If that's how it is perceived then that person or persons do not know what God is all about at all whatsoever and is putting the sin of mankind upon God. God is revealed in the facts. He created us to be special to Him, to give us a life that we can scarcely imagine any more. When we chose to disobey Him, like any child choosing to disobey the order of a parent, the consequences are suffered. Obeying for our own good, not to deprive us of something wonderful, but obeying for our own protection, our own welfare, this is what God wanted, a trust in Him to know that He as our Creator would only ever want what was best for us. When we chose to disobeyed we revealed a lack of trust. We stopped believing that God was protecting us out of love. The first earthly sin came about and has been perpetuated endlessly throughout time- disobeying God, believing that God doesn't really love us and is acting out of love with His commands for us. So out of love God has created a way for us to return to Him and the end result of that way is eternal life, but it's not the objective. The objective is to return to the love of God, the acceptance of God as creator, redeemer, of the fact God is love. So admitting that there are things we don't understand isn't something to allow to overwhelm us, but it gives us an opportunity to trust that God knows what is best for us and will reveal all we need to know to love Him.
The questions above, the suppositions formed, the idea of how things possibly were are all food for thought as the paper intended. There is no concrete proof and therefore for the most part I'm going to just leave everyone to think on this themselves and form their own opinion of what might have been, and what is.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior, by the will of the Heavenly Father, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit into all things may we live and seek to understand, accepting the Love of God as paramount in our lives.
In Christ's everlasting all merciful love and forgiveness, in His righteousness now and forever.
Amen.
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper about the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
Because the thought paper I'm taking this from is written by a former Seventh-day Adventist there will be many indications of this throughout the paper. I urge you to read through it all and take from it what you believe God would have you take from it. I'm not advocating Seventh-day Adventism as it is today in any way shape or form, they've gone far away from the original truths given to them.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
Scripture reveals that Satan, as Lucifer before his fall, was one of "the anointed cherub(s) that covereth," and was so set by God (Eze. 28:14). Sanctuary symbolism reveals that there were two cherubs that stood in the presence of God. At this point, we must introduce a suggestive thought which cannot be documented. Michael was the other covering cherub as His first step of condescension, made mandatory because of His exercise of the Divine prerogative and power to create. From what is revealed, this condescension was not of the magnitude of what would be the ultimate. "God is spirit" (John 4:24). [ No article in the Greek text ] The angels are defined as "ministering spirits" (Heb. 1:14).
**Eze 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.**
**Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?**
The Great Controversy Motif -- Perhaps one of the greatest contributions, if not the greatest, to Adventist thinking, which God introduced through His "messenger," was the concept of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Through the Writings we learn that the plan and purpose of God for the creation of man was the spark that ignited a rebellion which had been long - we do not know how long - simmering in the heart of one of the highest of the angelic orders - Lucifer.
In one of the earliest of the recorded visions on the great controversy motif, Ellen White wrote: The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Jesus Christ ... And I saw that when God said to his Son, Let us make man in our image, Satan was jealous of Jesus ... He wished to be the highest in heaven, next to God, and receive the highest honors. Until this time all heaven was in order, harmony and perfect subjection to the government of God. (Spiritual Gifts, Vol.1, p.17)
It is also reasonable to assume that Lucifer was party to the conversation between God and the Logos (John 1:1). The plan of the Elohim was to create a "new order" of beings. The exact language used by the Lord's messenger is thought provoking; "Human beings were a new and distinct order." (R&H, Feb.11, 1902) "God created man a superior being; he alone is formed in the image of God, ..." (R&H, April 21, 1885) Then in 1895, Ellen White wrote - "Man is the crowning act of the creation of God, made in the image of God, and designed to be a counterpart of God; ..." (R&H, June 18) Yet man was created flesh, not spirit. The difference between "flesh" and "spirit" is spelled out in Scripture. Jesus said - "A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have." (Luke 24:39) Yet God who is "spirit" has a form which has been reflected in the image of man (Phil. 2:6). Further, the resurrected body of Jesus, while no longer limited as in the incarnate state, is referred to as a "glorious body," into which likeness all the saved will be imaged (Phil. 3:21).
**Luk 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.**
**Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God**
**Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.**
At this point some interesting questions can arise, the answers to which we do not have. Did Lucifer question the feasibility of creating a being of flesh rather than one of spirit? What was the purpose of creating a being of flesh and one of that flesh becoming "a counterpart of God"? How far into eternity was God planning and thinking? When man sinned, was one basic element in the accusation, the suggestion that God did not create one capable of withstanding the power of a "spirit" being? It needs to be kept in mind that the incarnation is described as "a divine spirit dwelt in a temple of flesh." (YI, Dec. 20,1900) In this encounter the fallen flesh withstood the most fierce assault of a fallen spirit.
It is at this point that a problem behind the incarnation comes into focus. Adam was created a mature being, not a baby, and did not have a childhood, nor an adolescence. It was with this mature being of flesh with which Satan contended and won. All that the Logos needed to demonstrate was that in the flesh in which Adam was created, He could conquer. However, the Logos did more than that. He took the flesh of fallen man and conquered, and then even submitted to death itself as a ransom for many.
At this point another question arises. How could the Logos get to the mature state of Adam, so that the contest could be unquestioned? If God created another body of flesh, it would not be of the line of Adam, and perhaps on the second try, He could do a better job, or at least it could so be alleged. So He came taking our flesh and blood, which meant He would begin the contest handicapped from where the first Adam stood. So coming as a baby, how could He be preserved, till as an accountable being He could make His own decisions?
Various theories and assumptions have been made to circumvent the reality of the condescension. The Roman dogma of the Immaculate Conception is the basic concept from which all other concepts are but variation in degree. The evangelical position is that only a part of the womb of Mary was sanctified from which Jesus was conceived. Certain "historic" Adventist voices are speaking of Jesus coming as a born again, converted person. Let us let that which is hidden remain hidden, from the developing fetus through the babyhood of Jesus. Jesus did make a decision when at twelve years of age, and that is recorded. He declared to His mother, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49) The same Father whose business He perceived, kept Him till His hour was come.
The response is that Jesus then had an advantage over us. Yes and No. Let us consider the "No" first. When I, a sinner, accept "the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 3:24), I stand before God as if I had never sinned. What advantage then did Jesus have in this respect? While you may reluctantly answer, None, you will be quick to let me know there are other "respects." This is true. He had a tremendous advantage over us. He was "God manifest in the flesh" (I Tim. 3:16; KJV). He was "the Word made flesh" (John 1:14). We are not. Even partaking of the"divine nature" does not make us God in the flesh. But the same "messenger" who introduced us to the great controversy motif, has also emphasized Jesus Christ as Substitute and Surety. While the emphasis on "substitution" may make one wince a bit, and draw back in fear that "cheap grace" is being suggested, perhaps the approach through "surety" would be more helpful in understanding the depth of "the redemption in Christ Jesus."
Furthermore, while Jesus emptied Himself at the incarnation, laying aside the "form" of God, would it be too much to suggest that at His baptism, He laid aside the use of His powers as God manifest in the flesh, and accepted what we each have to accept when we are placed on vantage ground - the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To perceive of the incarnation and its objective outside of the motif of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, is to fail to take in the whole of God's plan and purpose in the original creation of man. Further, this failure has blurred our perception of what the judgment scene in Daniel is telling us.
A Footnote -- This issue of WWN begins our 31st year of publication. The original idea and objective in publishing was to produce a monthly "thought paper," with articles to stimulate thinking - articles which might on occasion raise some questions and challenges. Over the years, the issues of WWN have tended to report events within the community of Adventism of a questionable nature and comments on these events. We plan to veer the issues of 1998 toward the original objective, and make secondary the reporting of events within the community of Adventism which are of a questionable nature. The above article on the great controversy motif is an example of the "thought paper" type of articles we have in mind. We do not expect the readers to agree with every thought expressed, but we would hope that all who read would do some thinking. We will preface each such article with the intent of its being written, or will make a notation even as we are doing now.
As we have written on other occasions, not only are the youth in their studies to be trained to be thinkers, but adults as well need to come to grips with concepts which require more than surface thinking. Traditionalism under the guise of "historic" Adventism, only keeps us Laodicean bound. One may break away from the corporate structure, but still not open the door for Jesus to come in and "sup" with him. --- (1998 Jan) ---
*******
My thoughts-
There is so much in this bit of the thought paper that gives pause to make us really think and yet at the same time it is admitted that there ARE things we can't know. Some people use what they cannot figure out to keep them from God. They hold up their inability to comprehend the things of God fully as an excuse to disobey Him and deny Him. They let the mystery, the murky glass we see through destroy their hope, their beliefs. Satan would have us all get to that point. Satan would have us all question God, isn't that was He did Himself? He loves when we follow in His footsteps and will do all He can to hurry us onto His path. Being able to admit that there are things we don't fully understand about God is only admitting that He is greater than us, He is our God, He is our Creator and we have to bow down to His superiority. People don't like the idea of being made to bow down before anyone, why? Because they believe that they are too good to bow down, because bowing down shows subservience and being subservient is something we abhor. People would put themselves in the place of God, to be worshipped, to be catered to, to be served and bowed down to. People love having others consider them special and deserving of their awe. So to tell people that God wills for us to serve Him, that we should bow down before God and honor Him as being far above us in all ways, this will cause some people to give pause and others to out right reject the notion of serving God. God won't force any of His creatures to worship Him. There is NO forcing involved whatsoever. Some might argue there is bribing. He bribes us with eternal life- do this and get that. If that's how it is perceived then that person or persons do not know what God is all about at all whatsoever and is putting the sin of mankind upon God. God is revealed in the facts. He created us to be special to Him, to give us a life that we can scarcely imagine any more. When we chose to disobey Him, like any child choosing to disobey the order of a parent, the consequences are suffered. Obeying for our own good, not to deprive us of something wonderful, but obeying for our own protection, our own welfare, this is what God wanted, a trust in Him to know that He as our Creator would only ever want what was best for us. When we chose to disobeyed we revealed a lack of trust. We stopped believing that God was protecting us out of love. The first earthly sin came about and has been perpetuated endlessly throughout time- disobeying God, believing that God doesn't really love us and is acting out of love with His commands for us. So out of love God has created a way for us to return to Him and the end result of that way is eternal life, but it's not the objective. The objective is to return to the love of God, the acceptance of God as creator, redeemer, of the fact God is love. So admitting that there are things we don't understand isn't something to allow to overwhelm us, but it gives us an opportunity to trust that God knows what is best for us and will reveal all we need to know to love Him.
The questions above, the suppositions formed, the idea of how things possibly were are all food for thought as the paper intended. There is no concrete proof and therefore for the most part I'm going to just leave everyone to think on this themselves and form their own opinion of what might have been, and what is.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior, by the will of the Heavenly Father, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit into all things may we live and seek to understand, accepting the Love of God as paramount in our lives.
In Christ's everlasting all merciful love and forgiveness, in His righteousness now and forever.
Amen.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Eternal Verities 6A
Continuing the study on Eternal Verities (Eternal Truths) -
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper and we're going to delve into more about what I was talking about yesterday, the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
Zechariah 6:12-13 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: Even he shall build the temple of the Lord: and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne: and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
The literal Hebrew reads that "the counsel of peace shall be between the Two of Them." It was "through our Lord Jesus Christ" that man could be once more at peace with God. (Rom. 5:1) He, as the great High Priest, sits upon His "throne of grace" (Heb. 4:15-16), at "the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Heb. 1:3) It is in this context that the Sonship motif is set. Observe closely Hebrews 5:5-6
**Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ**
**Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He who said unto Him, Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee. As He saith also in another place, Thou art a priest forever after the Order of Melchisedec.**
**Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high**
**Heb 5:5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. Heb 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.**
The "Sonship" came to Christ in the same way that the High Priesthood came to Him - by the calling and decree of God. This calling is emphasized in the context of Hebrews 1. The rhetorical question is asked - "For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" (1:5) The first question is drawn from Psalms 2:7, and the second from II Samuel 7:14.
The Messianic second Psalm speaks of Christ by three titles or offices: the "Anointed" One (ver. 2); the "King" (ver. 6); and the "Son" (ver. 7). He who became the Anointed One (Messiah), and the Son, and who will come as King of kings, emanated from times eternal as the Logos. It is clearly stated in language that should not be misanderstood by anyone, that the "Sonship" was by "decree." Peter set forth to Cornelius that He who is "Lord of all" was "anointed ... with the Holy Spirit and with power" at His baptism. (Acts 10:36-38) While He is now a priest upon His throne, He anticipates His return as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev. 19:16) In this prophetic picture of Revelation, He is called "the Word (Gr. Logos) of God."
**Act 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) Act 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; Act 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.**
**Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.**
When one reviews the second quotation from II Samuel 7:14 in context, he can see, if he has eyes to see, that it is a literal promise made to David concerning Solomon. No stretch of the imagination can perceive of Solomon as having been "conceived" or "generated" by God. It was a commitment by God to David to make his son, Solomon, His son. Paul, recognizing this as an apt illustration of the relationship of the Logos to God in the redemptive process, lifted it from context and applied it to the "Sonship" of Jesus Christ.
In this same setting of Hebrews 1 there is another word, firstbegotten (prwtotokoV ), which has been misrepresented so that its true meaning is misunderstood. The same word is used of Christ in Colossians 1:15, 18 - "first born (prwtotokoV) of every creature" and "the firstborn (prwtotokoV ) from the dead." One has but to review the record of the Old Testament to know that Jesus was not the first to have been resurrected from the dead. (II Kings 4:34,36) The Gospels tell of the Widow of Nain whose son was restored to her, and the resurrection of Lazarus. What then is the force of this word? Paul states it clearly - "that in all things, He might have the pre-eminence." (Col. 1:18) This concept of "pre-eminence" is the force used in Heb. 1:6. The One coming into the world is so pre-eminent that God instructs the angels of Heaven - "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Even though a Babe in Bethlehem's manger, He is God manifest in the flesh, to be the pre-eminent One of humanity, to stand at the head of the fallen race, the Second Adam.
To this same Son by decree, pre-eminent in every way, God speaks - "Thy throne, 0 God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom." (Heb. 1:8) He "forever" will be as He "ever" has been, the I AM. He "laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of His hands." (v.10)
Romans 9:4-5 My kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; ... and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God, blessed for ever. Amen.
In these verses, Paul is contrasting the origin of the Messiah - from the "flesh" of Israel, yet God in that flesh. Some have attempted to make this merely a doxology to God - "Blessed be God" - instead of Christ as God "over all ... blessed forever." The word, euloghtoV (blessed) follows the word, qeoV (God). Alford in commenting on this verse writes - "Without one exception in Hebrew or Greek, whenever an ascription of blessing is found, the predicate euloghtoV precedes the name of God." (Vol.11, p.405) In Romans 9:5, it follows, therefore cannot be interpreted as a blessing on God.
**Rom 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.**
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at anytime; the only begotten Son; which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
This verse is the final verse of the preface to John's gospel, which is recognized as one of the last, if not the last book written of the books in the New Testament. Textual evidence is divided as to whether this verse should read - "only begotten Son" or "only begotten God." It must be understood, which ever reading is chosen, that John is writing from his viewpoint in time. He is saying that He who had declared Him in the flesh (verse 14), was then, at the time of the writing, in the "bosom of the Father."
The Greek word, monogenhV , is translated by two words in the KJV, "only begotten." This is a faulty translation and thus a false interpretation is drawn by those promoting the neo-Gnosticism.
In analyzing this word, we will first give every reference in the New Testament where this word is used and how it is translated in each verse:
Luke 7:12- the only son of his mother,
8:42- For he had only one daughter,
9:35 - for he is my only child.
John 1:14 - as of the only begotten of the Father,
1:18 - the only begotten Son, which is
3:16 - his only begotten Son, that whosoever
3:18 - of the only begotten Son of God.
Heb. 11:17- offered up his only begotten (son),
I John 4:9 - God sent his only begotten Son
A careful comparison of the use of monogenhV in the New Testament indicates that only John uses the word in reference to Jesus. To translate it as "only begotten" places the Scriptures in error as seen by its use in Hebrews 11:17. Isaac was not the "only begotten" son of Abraham; but he was uniquely begotten, a son of promise by the intervention of God. The Greek word, monogenhV is from two words meaning "only" and "kind," thus could be translated "only (one) of a kind," or unique.
The translation "only begotten" in John's Gospel and First Epistle, originated with the Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church. It entered early English translations of the Bible through the influence of the Latin Vulgate, the official Bible of the Roman Church. Various Old Latin manuscripts which preceded the Vulgate read, "only" rather than "only begotten." The idea that Christ "was born of the Father before all creation" appears first in the writings of Origen, about A.D. 230. Arius, about one hundred years later, was the first to use gegennemenon, the correct Greek word for "begotten" if used in reference to Christ to affirm that He was "begotten of God before all ages." This Greek word is never used in the Bible in reference to the pre-incarnate Christ. "The idea that Christ was 'begotten' by the Father at some time in eternity past is altogether foreign to the Scriptures."
TO BE CONTINUED.
I keep saying it and I keep meaning it, this is a very deep study and bears reading and re-reading. Little nuances, subtle and yet meaning so much are things we need to pay attention to. When light can be shed on deception; when the Greek and Hebrew interpretations can be clarified we really need to obtain the knowledge and use the new understanding as God would have us. It's so interesting to note that words such as 'only begotten' have been misinterpreted. Part of me wants to deny it, because I've only known the verses as such. But in light of the true meaning... 'only (one) of a kind, or unique' we have to realize that we aren't limiting Christ as a God, existence. He was in the beginning with God, we know this. However we know too that He took on flesh and became, Immanuel, God with us.
Just because I want to do it, I'm going to use the real translation in that tiny list of verses above.
Luke 7:12- the only son of his mother, (No change)
8:42- For he had only one daughter,(No change)
9:35 - for he is my only child.(No change)
John 1:14 - as of the only ONE of the Father,(changed)
1:18 - the UNIQUE Son, which is (changed)
3:16 - his UNIQUE Son, that whosoever (changed)
3:18 - of the Unique Son of God.(changed)
Heb. 11:17- offered up his UNIQUE (son),(changed)
I John 4:9 - God sent his UNIQUE Son(changed)
Do the changed verses lose any of their power? No. Unique holds it's own as describing God's Son, unique.
Dictonary Def-
unique (y¡-nêk´) adjective
1. Being the only one of its kind
2. Without an equal or equivalent; unparalleled.
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary
If anything it gives the context more power, more meaning.
May God bless and keep us in Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, by the grace and mercy of His Unique Son, in their love.
Amen.
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper and we're going to delve into more about what I was talking about yesterday, the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
Zechariah 6:12-13 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: Even he shall build the temple of the Lord: and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne: and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
The literal Hebrew reads that "the counsel of peace shall be between the Two of Them." It was "through our Lord Jesus Christ" that man could be once more at peace with God. (Rom. 5:1) He, as the great High Priest, sits upon His "throne of grace" (Heb. 4:15-16), at "the right hand of the Majesty on high." (Heb. 1:3) It is in this context that the Sonship motif is set. Observe closely Hebrews 5:5-6
**Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ**
**Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Christ glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He who said unto Him, Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee. As He saith also in another place, Thou art a priest forever after the Order of Melchisedec.**
**Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high**
**Heb 5:5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. Heb 5:6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.**
The "Sonship" came to Christ in the same way that the High Priesthood came to Him - by the calling and decree of God. This calling is emphasized in the context of Hebrews 1. The rhetorical question is asked - "For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" (1:5) The first question is drawn from Psalms 2:7, and the second from II Samuel 7:14.
The Messianic second Psalm speaks of Christ by three titles or offices: the "Anointed" One (ver. 2); the "King" (ver. 6); and the "Son" (ver. 7). He who became the Anointed One (Messiah), and the Son, and who will come as King of kings, emanated from times eternal as the Logos. It is clearly stated in language that should not be misanderstood by anyone, that the "Sonship" was by "decree." Peter set forth to Cornelius that He who is "Lord of all" was "anointed ... with the Holy Spirit and with power" at His baptism. (Acts 10:36-38) While He is now a priest upon His throne, He anticipates His return as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev. 19:16) In this prophetic picture of Revelation, He is called "the Word (Gr. Logos) of God."
**Act 10:36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) Act 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; Act 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.**
**Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.**
When one reviews the second quotation from II Samuel 7:14 in context, he can see, if he has eyes to see, that it is a literal promise made to David concerning Solomon. No stretch of the imagination can perceive of Solomon as having been "conceived" or "generated" by God. It was a commitment by God to David to make his son, Solomon, His son. Paul, recognizing this as an apt illustration of the relationship of the Logos to God in the redemptive process, lifted it from context and applied it to the "Sonship" of Jesus Christ.
In this same setting of Hebrews 1 there is another word, firstbegotten (prwtotokoV ), which has been misrepresented so that its true meaning is misunderstood. The same word is used of Christ in Colossians 1:15, 18 - "first born (prwtotokoV) of every creature" and "the firstborn (prwtotokoV ) from the dead." One has but to review the record of the Old Testament to know that Jesus was not the first to have been resurrected from the dead. (II Kings 4:34,36) The Gospels tell of the Widow of Nain whose son was restored to her, and the resurrection of Lazarus. What then is the force of this word? Paul states it clearly - "that in all things, He might have the pre-eminence." (Col. 1:18) This concept of "pre-eminence" is the force used in Heb. 1:6. The One coming into the world is so pre-eminent that God instructs the angels of Heaven - "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Even though a Babe in Bethlehem's manger, He is God manifest in the flesh, to be the pre-eminent One of humanity, to stand at the head of the fallen race, the Second Adam.
To this same Son by decree, pre-eminent in every way, God speaks - "Thy throne, 0 God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom." (Heb. 1:8) He "forever" will be as He "ever" has been, the I AM. He "laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of His hands." (v.10)
Romans 9:4-5 My kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; ... and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God, blessed for ever. Amen.
In these verses, Paul is contrasting the origin of the Messiah - from the "flesh" of Israel, yet God in that flesh. Some have attempted to make this merely a doxology to God - "Blessed be God" - instead of Christ as God "over all ... blessed forever." The word, euloghtoV (blessed) follows the word, qeoV (God). Alford in commenting on this verse writes - "Without one exception in Hebrew or Greek, whenever an ascription of blessing is found, the predicate euloghtoV precedes the name of God." (Vol.11, p.405) In Romans 9:5, it follows, therefore cannot be interpreted as a blessing on God.
**Rom 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.**
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at anytime; the only begotten Son; which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.
This verse is the final verse of the preface to John's gospel, which is recognized as one of the last, if not the last book written of the books in the New Testament. Textual evidence is divided as to whether this verse should read - "only begotten Son" or "only begotten God." It must be understood, which ever reading is chosen, that John is writing from his viewpoint in time. He is saying that He who had declared Him in the flesh (verse 14), was then, at the time of the writing, in the "bosom of the Father."
The Greek word, monogenhV , is translated by two words in the KJV, "only begotten." This is a faulty translation and thus a false interpretation is drawn by those promoting the neo-Gnosticism.
In analyzing this word, we will first give every reference in the New Testament where this word is used and how it is translated in each verse:
Luke 7:12- the only son of his mother,
8:42- For he had only one daughter,
9:35 - for he is my only child.
John 1:14 - as of the only begotten of the Father,
1:18 - the only begotten Son, which is
3:16 - his only begotten Son, that whosoever
3:18 - of the only begotten Son of God.
Heb. 11:17- offered up his only begotten (son),
I John 4:9 - God sent his only begotten Son
A careful comparison of the use of monogenhV in the New Testament indicates that only John uses the word in reference to Jesus. To translate it as "only begotten" places the Scriptures in error as seen by its use in Hebrews 11:17. Isaac was not the "only begotten" son of Abraham; but he was uniquely begotten, a son of promise by the intervention of God. The Greek word, monogenhV is from two words meaning "only" and "kind," thus could be translated "only (one) of a kind," or unique.
The translation "only begotten" in John's Gospel and First Epistle, originated with the Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church. It entered early English translations of the Bible through the influence of the Latin Vulgate, the official Bible of the Roman Church. Various Old Latin manuscripts which preceded the Vulgate read, "only" rather than "only begotten." The idea that Christ "was born of the Father before all creation" appears first in the writings of Origen, about A.D. 230. Arius, about one hundred years later, was the first to use gegennemenon, the correct Greek word for "begotten" if used in reference to Christ to affirm that He was "begotten of God before all ages." This Greek word is never used in the Bible in reference to the pre-incarnate Christ. "The idea that Christ was 'begotten' by the Father at some time in eternity past is altogether foreign to the Scriptures."
TO BE CONTINUED.
I keep saying it and I keep meaning it, this is a very deep study and bears reading and re-reading. Little nuances, subtle and yet meaning so much are things we need to pay attention to. When light can be shed on deception; when the Greek and Hebrew interpretations can be clarified we really need to obtain the knowledge and use the new understanding as God would have us. It's so interesting to note that words such as 'only begotten' have been misinterpreted. Part of me wants to deny it, because I've only known the verses as such. But in light of the true meaning... 'only (one) of a kind, or unique' we have to realize that we aren't limiting Christ as a God, existence. He was in the beginning with God, we know this. However we know too that He took on flesh and became, Immanuel, God with us.
Just because I want to do it, I'm going to use the real translation in that tiny list of verses above.
Luke 7:12- the only son of his mother, (No change)
8:42- For he had only one daughter,(No change)
9:35 - for he is my only child.(No change)
John 1:14 - as of the only ONE of the Father,(changed)
1:18 - the UNIQUE Son, which is (changed)
3:16 - his UNIQUE Son, that whosoever (changed)
3:18 - of the Unique Son of God.(changed)
Heb. 11:17- offered up his UNIQUE (son),(changed)
I John 4:9 - God sent his UNIQUE Son(changed)
Do the changed verses lose any of their power? No. Unique holds it's own as describing God's Son, unique.
Dictonary Def-
unique (y¡-nêk´) adjective
1. Being the only one of its kind
2. Without an equal or equivalent; unparalleled.
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary
If anything it gives the context more power, more meaning.
May God bless and keep us in Him, through the power of the Holy Spirit, by the grace and mercy of His Unique Son, in their love.
Amen.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Eternal Verities 5A
Continuing the study on Eternal Verities (Eternal Truths) -
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper and we're going to delve into more about what I was talking about yesterday, the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
Exodus 3:13-14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is His name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM; and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel , I AM hath sent me unto you.
The Hebrew word translated, "I AM" is the imperfect form of the verb, hahyah, "to be." Most of us have names which are classified as nouns. Not so the name chosen by God to designate Himself.
Further the verb is in the imperfect tense denoting unfinished action. Gesenius suggests in his Lexicon that the meaning of "I Am that I Am" is that God "will never be other than the same" and is. (p.384)
In other words, by this name God designates Himself as eternal and immutable. This word is the root for the name Jehovah. Jesus in His humanity claimed this name for Himself. (John 8:58)
A comparison of various verses in Revelation (1:10-11,17-18; 22:12-13 with 1:8) indicates that both He who liveth and was dead but is alive forevermore, has the same designation as "the Almighty." This reinforces the Hebrew Shema that the Gods of Israelis is one Jehovah. Gesenius observes in his discussion of the Hebrew word, Yehowah that "several ancient writers" relate "that the God of the Hebews was called IAW." (ibid.) ["I am Alpha and Omega"]
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given . . . and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Young's Literal Translation of the Holy Bible, following closely the Hebrew, renders the titles of the prophesied God-man, as: "Wondeful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Mighty God." The expression, "the Father of Eternity" is the best that human language can find to express the eternal pre-existence of the Logos.
Eternalness is an attribute of Deity, and thus "eternity" is synonymous with God, and not a creation of God.
It is the "time" frame of God's ever-existence which the human mind, limited as it is by time as we know it, cannot comprehend.
The same thought is given in Micah 5:2 where the Messianic prophecy, revealing the place of the birth of the Coming One, describes His "goings forth" as being "from everlasting." The word translated "everlasting" (gohlahm) is the same word used in Psalm 90:2 - "From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."
Again, the eternalness of God cannot be limited because of the limitations of human language and thought to express or comprehend what "everlasting" really is. He who has existed from all eternity comes forth in time from that incomprehensible reality.
Zechariah 6:12-13 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: Even he shall build the temple of the Lord: and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne: and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
*******
My thoughts-
Can you ever imagine a time when you were not? Of course you can't *remember* that time. To yourself you always were and it's only history that tells us otherwise. It's only pictures that bring to life a world before ours. Books bring the past to us. Our imaginations fill in a lot of gaps. Most of us can't remember our own first word, our own first step, we start to remember things on an average of about age 4-5 years old. This isn't to say there aren't some who remember earlier, and some who don't start to have self awareness memories until later in their lives. We know we aren't from forever. We have a beginning at conception, an introduction to the world at birth, and a life after birth that eventually will end up in our deaths. We watch people die, maybe not literally, but we live under the shadow of death always. Our great grandparents pass away, then our grandparents and eventually our parents in the natural progression of normal aging without the exceptions of which there are many. When someone we know dies, we begin to comprehend that our life too will end some day. We will cease to have breath in our bodies, a heart beating in our chests, our life on earth will end. I'm not telling you anything you don't already know I'm sure. What I'm emphasizing is that God is ever- God always was, God is, and God always will be, He is infinite we are finite. Jesus in His Spirit form has been with God infinitely, taking on flesh to live and die among us and He lay in the grave three days before rising from the dead. He then had yet to ascend to His Father after rising from the dead. And now Jesus lives infinitely with flesh that has been glorified by God and made new as all who will one day be with Him will have.
We are studying to comprend the truths of the Godhead and we will continue to do so. May God continue to bless us as we learn, relearn, and forever seek to learn.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer now and forever. In His love always!
Amen.
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper and we're going to delve into more about what I was talking about yesterday, the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
Exodus 3:13-14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is His name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM; and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel , I AM hath sent me unto you.
The Hebrew word translated, "I AM" is the imperfect form of the verb, hahyah, "to be." Most of us have names which are classified as nouns. Not so the name chosen by God to designate Himself.
Further the verb is in the imperfect tense denoting unfinished action. Gesenius suggests in his Lexicon that the meaning of "I Am that I Am" is that God "will never be other than the same" and is. (p.384)
In other words, by this name God designates Himself as eternal and immutable. This word is the root for the name Jehovah. Jesus in His humanity claimed this name for Himself. (John 8:58)
A comparison of various verses in Revelation (1:10-11,17-18; 22:12-13 with 1:8) indicates that both He who liveth and was dead but is alive forevermore, has the same designation as "the Almighty." This reinforces the Hebrew Shema that the Gods of Israelis is one Jehovah. Gesenius observes in his discussion of the Hebrew word, Yehowah that "several ancient writers" relate "that the God of the Hebews was called IAW." (ibid.) ["I am Alpha and Omega"]
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given . . . and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Young's Literal Translation of the Holy Bible, following closely the Hebrew, renders the titles of the prophesied God-man, as: "Wondeful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Mighty God." The expression, "the Father of Eternity" is the best that human language can find to express the eternal pre-existence of the Logos.
Eternalness is an attribute of Deity, and thus "eternity" is synonymous with God, and not a creation of God.
It is the "time" frame of God's ever-existence which the human mind, limited as it is by time as we know it, cannot comprehend.
The same thought is given in Micah 5:2 where the Messianic prophecy, revealing the place of the birth of the Coming One, describes His "goings forth" as being "from everlasting." The word translated "everlasting" (gohlahm) is the same word used in Psalm 90:2 - "From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God."
Again, the eternalness of God cannot be limited because of the limitations of human language and thought to express or comprehend what "everlasting" really is. He who has existed from all eternity comes forth in time from that incomprehensible reality.
Zechariah 6:12-13 Thus saith the Lord of Hosts saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord: Even he shall build the temple of the Lord: and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne: and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.
*******
My thoughts-
Can you ever imagine a time when you were not? Of course you can't *remember* that time. To yourself you always were and it's only history that tells us otherwise. It's only pictures that bring to life a world before ours. Books bring the past to us. Our imaginations fill in a lot of gaps. Most of us can't remember our own first word, our own first step, we start to remember things on an average of about age 4-5 years old. This isn't to say there aren't some who remember earlier, and some who don't start to have self awareness memories until later in their lives. We know we aren't from forever. We have a beginning at conception, an introduction to the world at birth, and a life after birth that eventually will end up in our deaths. We watch people die, maybe not literally, but we live under the shadow of death always. Our great grandparents pass away, then our grandparents and eventually our parents in the natural progression of normal aging without the exceptions of which there are many. When someone we know dies, we begin to comprehend that our life too will end some day. We will cease to have breath in our bodies, a heart beating in our chests, our life on earth will end. I'm not telling you anything you don't already know I'm sure. What I'm emphasizing is that God is ever- God always was, God is, and God always will be, He is infinite we are finite. Jesus in His Spirit form has been with God infinitely, taking on flesh to live and die among us and He lay in the grave three days before rising from the dead. He then had yet to ascend to His Father after rising from the dead. And now Jesus lives infinitely with flesh that has been glorified by God and made new as all who will one day be with Him will have.
We are studying to comprend the truths of the Godhead and we will continue to do so. May God continue to bless us as we learn, relearn, and forever seek to learn.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer now and forever. In His love always!
Amen.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Eternal Verities 4A
Continuing the study on Eternal Verities (Eternal Truths) -
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper and we're going to delve into more about what I was talking about yesterday, the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
John 1:1-3 In beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with the God, and God was the Logos. The same was in beginning with the God. All things through Him came into being, and without Him came into being not even one [thing] which has come into being. (Greek, literal translation)
(((Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Standard translation.))))
The Gospel of John was among the last books of the New Testament to be written, if not the last one. In the first eighteen verses of his Gospel, John gives a prologue, setting forth data of what was prior to the Incarnation, as well as what happened at the Incarnation.
From these verses, we can observe the following data:
1) There were Two Beings - the Logos (the Word) and God.
2) The Logos was of the same essence as God. He was as much God as God Himself. "God was the Logos."
((IMPORTANT)) --> The article is used to denote separate Beings; and omitted when defining the nature of the Logos.
((NOTE- Article definition-
4. Grammar. Any of a class of words used to signal nouns and to specify their application. In English, the indefinite articles are a and an and the definite article is the.
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary))
Conclusions which can be drawn:
1) Since "God" is defined as "Spirit" (John 4:24 - no article, literally, "God is Spirit"), then the Logos was as God, also "Spirit."
We are "flesh" in our reality; God is "spirit" in His reality.
Paul could use the word, "form" to designate both the reality of God, and the reality of man. (Phil. 2:6,7)
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men
2) The Logos created all things in conjunction "with the God." Paul states that "God ... created all things by Jesus Christ." (Eph. 3:9)
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ
3) In John 1:1-2, the word "was" (hn ) is used 4x. This is in the Greek imperfect tense and denotes continuous action in past time. John is simply saying that there never was a time when the Logos was not.
p 4 -- Genesis 1:1-2, 26 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. ... And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. ... And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
The Hebrew for "God" in these verses is Elohim, plural in form.
It is used with singular verbs and adjectives, and thus perceived as the "pluralis majesticus" or majestic plural.
However, in verse 26, the Elohim concur in "Let us." The question arises - How do you obtain a singular force from a plural word?
Here is where the Shema of Israel enters the picture.
It reads - "Hear, O Israel: The Lord God our God is one Lord." (Deut 6:4)
The key word is the compound word (two words), Elohenu - "Gods" and the suffix, a plural pronoun, "our."
"The masculine plural [In this case Elohim] has before all suffixes the ending ay. ...
But certain modifications in the form of this ending take place, due to the character of the following consonants: ...
b. The original form ay is contracted to e before all plural Have no hebrew alphabet suffixes." (Elements of Hebrew, Wm. R. Harper, p.144)
This is the case in the Shema of Israel. Thus it reads literally, "Jehovah, our Gods is one Jehovah."
The word for "one" (Echad) expresses oneness in duality.
The word appears in Genesis 1:5 - "There was evening; there was morning, day one (echad)"
It is also used in Genesis 2:24 - "They [two] shall be one (echad) flesh."
This simply implies that both the Logos and God of John 1:1-3 are one Jehovah.
Let us return now to the text in Genesis 1:2 - "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."
The Hebrew word translated, "moved" is merahepheth - brooded. Gesenius in his lexicon, observes that this word in the Piel Hebrew form (as used here) implies "to cherish one's young, to brood over, as the eagle its young (Deut 32:11) ... of the Spirit of God as thus brooding over and vivifying the chaotic mass of earth. Gen. 1:2" (p.976)
Does this suggest the conclusion that the Spirit of God which "vivified" the mass at creation is the Logos of John 1:1-3, by which nothing was created except by Him?
***
My thoughts--
The preceding calls for reading and re-reading until understanding comes- at least for me. I'm no scholar of Hebrew, I'm not even very adept at English grammar. I'm not always the brightest bulb in the bunch especially when it comes to these types of studies however I know that God would have us at least try and comprehend what is being said because knowledge of truth comes in many ways and we shouldn't believe that we can pick and choose what we learn, but learn all we can. Do I fully understand it all, no, but I'm trying, I'm praying for understanding and trusting in the Lord that I will be able to understand all that is necessary for me to understand.
It's hard for us to imagine Jesus as just Spirit. Even after He rose from the dead it was in the flesh- Thomas doubted and he was told to touch Jesus and see for himself the reality of Jesus' form.
Joh 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Joh 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
Joh 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Joh 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
And Mary who saw him--
Joh 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Joh 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Jesus as simply an ethereal being isn't something we easily believe, or rather comprehend. Jesus as spirit form before He became flesh isn't something we dwell on as a rule. Yet to be with God in the beginning, to create all things He had to be Spirit form. It's not a long stretch at all to be curious as to whether or not the Spirit that moved over the deep was in fact Jesus in Spirit form, is it? Or do we simple need to believe that it was the Holy Spirit, this Spirit, 'The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee'
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Yes, this is a complex and very thought provoking study and that's just what is intended. We need to think, to study hard, to delve deep into the Bible.
I won't pretend to understand it all, or ask you to comprehend it all but if you do that is wonderful. I will continue this study until the article is completed and hope that full understand comes to me, to all of us. If not we just have to keep studying and of course leave to God the things that we don't fully know.
May God bless us and keep us in Him Always.
By the grace and the mercy of our Lord and our Savior, now and forever.
In His love.
Amen.
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper and we're going to delve into more about what I was talking about yesterday, the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
*******
John 1:1-3 In beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with the God, and God was the Logos. The same was in beginning with the God. All things through Him came into being, and without Him came into being not even one [thing] which has come into being. (Greek, literal translation)
(((Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.
Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Standard translation.))))
The Gospel of John was among the last books of the New Testament to be written, if not the last one. In the first eighteen verses of his Gospel, John gives a prologue, setting forth data of what was prior to the Incarnation, as well as what happened at the Incarnation.
From these verses, we can observe the following data:
1) There were Two Beings - the Logos (the Word) and God.
2) The Logos was of the same essence as God. He was as much God as God Himself. "God was the Logos."
((IMPORTANT)) --> The article is used to denote separate Beings; and omitted when defining the nature of the Logos.
((NOTE- Article definition-
4. Grammar. Any of a class of words used to signal nouns and to specify their application. In English, the indefinite articles are a and an and the definite article is the.
Excerpted from The American Heritage Dictionary))
Conclusions which can be drawn:
1) Since "God" is defined as "Spirit" (John 4:24 - no article, literally, "God is Spirit"), then the Logos was as God, also "Spirit."
We are "flesh" in our reality; God is "spirit" in His reality.
Paul could use the word, "form" to designate both the reality of God, and the reality of man. (Phil. 2:6,7)
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Php 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men
2) The Logos created all things in conjunction "with the God." Paul states that "God ... created all things by Jesus Christ." (Eph. 3:9)
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ
3) In John 1:1-2, the word "was" (hn ) is used 4x. This is in the Greek imperfect tense and denotes continuous action in past time. John is simply saying that there never was a time when the Logos was not.
p 4 -- Genesis 1:1-2, 26 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. ... And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. ... And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.
The Hebrew for "God" in these verses is Elohim, plural in form.
It is used with singular verbs and adjectives, and thus perceived as the "pluralis majesticus" or majestic plural.
However, in verse 26, the Elohim concur in "Let us." The question arises - How do you obtain a singular force from a plural word?
Here is where the Shema of Israel enters the picture.
It reads - "Hear, O Israel: The Lord God our God is one Lord." (Deut 6:4)
The key word is the compound word (two words), Elohenu - "Gods" and the suffix, a plural pronoun, "our."
"The masculine plural [In this case Elohim] has before all suffixes the ending ay. ...
But certain modifications in the form of this ending take place, due to the character of the following consonants: ...
b. The original form ay is contracted to e before all plural Have no hebrew alphabet suffixes." (Elements of Hebrew, Wm. R. Harper, p.144)
This is the case in the Shema of Israel. Thus it reads literally, "Jehovah, our Gods is one Jehovah."
The word for "one" (Echad) expresses oneness in duality.
The word appears in Genesis 1:5 - "There was evening; there was morning, day one (echad)"
It is also used in Genesis 2:24 - "They [two] shall be one (echad) flesh."
This simply implies that both the Logos and God of John 1:1-3 are one Jehovah.
Let us return now to the text in Genesis 1:2 - "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."
The Hebrew word translated, "moved" is merahepheth - brooded. Gesenius in his lexicon, observes that this word in the Piel Hebrew form (as used here) implies "to cherish one's young, to brood over, as the eagle its young (Deut 32:11) ... of the Spirit of God as thus brooding over and vivifying the chaotic mass of earth. Gen. 1:2" (p.976)
Does this suggest the conclusion that the Spirit of God which "vivified" the mass at creation is the Logos of John 1:1-3, by which nothing was created except by Him?
***
My thoughts--
The preceding calls for reading and re-reading until understanding comes- at least for me. I'm no scholar of Hebrew, I'm not even very adept at English grammar. I'm not always the brightest bulb in the bunch especially when it comes to these types of studies however I know that God would have us at least try and comprehend what is being said because knowledge of truth comes in many ways and we shouldn't believe that we can pick and choose what we learn, but learn all we can. Do I fully understand it all, no, but I'm trying, I'm praying for understanding and trusting in the Lord that I will be able to understand all that is necessary for me to understand.
It's hard for us to imagine Jesus as just Spirit. Even after He rose from the dead it was in the flesh- Thomas doubted and he was told to touch Jesus and see for himself the reality of Jesus' form.
Joh 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Joh 20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
Joh 20:26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Joh 20:27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Joh 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Joh 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
And Mary who saw him--
Joh 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Joh 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Jesus as simply an ethereal being isn't something we easily believe, or rather comprehend. Jesus as spirit form before He became flesh isn't something we dwell on as a rule. Yet to be with God in the beginning, to create all things He had to be Spirit form. It's not a long stretch at all to be curious as to whether or not the Spirit that moved over the deep was in fact Jesus in Spirit form, is it? Or do we simple need to believe that it was the Holy Spirit, this Spirit, 'The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee'
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Yes, this is a complex and very thought provoking study and that's just what is intended. We need to think, to study hard, to delve deep into the Bible.
I won't pretend to understand it all, or ask you to comprehend it all but if you do that is wonderful. I will continue this study until the article is completed and hope that full understand comes to me, to all of us. If not we just have to keep studying and of course leave to God the things that we don't fully know.
May God bless us and keep us in Him Always.
By the grace and the mercy of our Lord and our Savior, now and forever.
In His love.
Amen.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Eternal Verities 3A
Continuing the study on Eternal Verities (Eternal Truths) -
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper and we're going to delve into more about what I was talking about yesterday, the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
******* RECAP -
1998 Jan -- XXXI -- 1(98) WWN
The Eternal Verities - Part 1 -- THE GODHEAD -- The great divide between two eternities; the great divide in time, and in the chronological reckoning of time, was the Incarnation.
However, had there been no God, there would have been no Incarnation; and if no Incarnation, there would have been no atonement; and if no atonement, no Intercessor. Thus the "eternal verities" - the Godhead, the Incarnation, and the Atonement - are inseparably linked as a chain connecting and reconnecting earth with Heaven, and Heaven with earth.
As we study the Godhead, we shall note various verses of Scripture and seek to exegetically analyze them. Having done so, we shall draw certain conclusions, and where there is apparent mystery in reconciling the revelation, we shall leave it as a mystery until other texts which we will consider illuminates that mystery. It will be a progressive study with the sole objective to comprehend truth as far as a mortal can.
Luke 1:35 The angel [Gabriel] answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy [One] which shall be borne of thee shall be called the Son of God.
{The word, "thing" is not in the Greek text, and we have substituted the word, "One" inasmuch as the word, "holy" is an adjective, and requires an object to modify. The word, "Spirit" could just as well be substituted. Such usage is found in the Writings. See 4BC:1147}
This text reveals the following data: 1) To speak "after the manner of men," the Holy Spirit was
paternally related to Jesus Christ; thus the Holy Spirit pre-existed Bethlehem.
2) The "Holy One" born of Mary "shall be called the Son of God." Twice Gabriel reiterated this fact. In Luke 1:32, he declared that this Holy One "shall be called the Son of the Highest." Gabriel, who had "firsthand" information of relationships involving God, did not say, "was" or "is" the Son of God, but "shall be" called the Son of God.
3) There was to be conceived in the womb of Mary a unique Being, never before known in the Universe from all eternity - a God-man. Yet this unique Being inherits eternity through the Eternal Spirit. He had a pre-existence in Spirit, and now would become "flesh."
*******
Now follow closely the conclusions which this data permits one to draw:
1) The Holy Spirit existed prior to Bethlehem as the "Eternal Spirit." (See also Heb.9:14)
2) Jesus "had a beginning at Bethlehem." (Note the name designation of "Jesus," the God-man, begins at Bethlehem)
3) With God as a "given" factor, you have Two Beings - God and the Eternal Spirit - before Bethlehem, and Three Beings - God, the Eternal Spirit, and Jesus - after.
One further factor to the "mystery" - He who had a beginning at Bethlehem as a unique Being, Jesus, of Him it could be prophesied that His "goings forth [were] from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2).
My thoughts--
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Can there be any doubt whatsoever about the eternal Spirit - the Holy Spirit existing prior to Bethlehem? There was a Spirit that moved over the face of the waters --Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. The Holy Spirit and God the Father existed and we know Jesus was there at the beginning and by Him were all things made. Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Yet it was decided that God would take on flesh and when that happened the result was the birth of Jesus- Emmanuel Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Jesus wasn't born before Bethlehem. The God in the flesh was not born until that baby came forth and then Jesus- God lived with us. He truly was a new creation - created by God.
Truly the mystery that we are delving into something that has to leave us in complete awe. We can't relate things the same way we do to ourselves if we do we are trying to bring God down to our level. God the Father, God the Spirit, God the Son - to say they are just one Being would be wrong when it is so obvious they are not. They are one in their beliefs. And the mystery of their all knowing, all being, is bound up in the wondrous fact that they are Gods. Their ways are not our ways.
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
May God continue to bless us and keep us as we study as we are able and find the understanding He would have us understand. Yes, His ways are past our finding out, but He will teach us all we need to know. Comprehending the majesty of our amazing God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, and God the Son is something we need to do so we are not deceived because Satan would deceive us all in any way that He can, mixing truth with just enough error to lead people to Him and away from God, away from Salvation.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by His righteousness, by His love, His forgiveness now and forever in Him.
Amen.
I'm going to copy parts of a thought paper and we're going to delve into more about what I was talking about yesterday, the Godhead and eternal truths. I'll interject it with my own thoughts and probably end up breaking it up into digestable pieces, meaning give it bit by bit so it's not overwhelming and gives us time to think about what's being presented. If you're reading this you'll have access to the internet and as such it's easy to check various facts such as the meaning of Greek and Hebrew words. Don't hesitate to take time to check things for yourself. We are accountable for what we can do and that means seeking the knowledge where we can. In our time we live in something called the 'Information Age' and it is. Information is right at our fingertips and we have to avail ourselves of it.
May God bless us as we seek to understand more fully His will, His way, the truths that we need to know and believe as this world becomes more and more deceptive.
******* RECAP -
1998 Jan -- XXXI -- 1(98) WWN
The Eternal Verities - Part 1 -- THE GODHEAD -- The great divide between two eternities; the great divide in time, and in the chronological reckoning of time, was the Incarnation.
However, had there been no God, there would have been no Incarnation; and if no Incarnation, there would have been no atonement; and if no atonement, no Intercessor. Thus the "eternal verities" - the Godhead, the Incarnation, and the Atonement - are inseparably linked as a chain connecting and reconnecting earth with Heaven, and Heaven with earth.
As we study the Godhead, we shall note various verses of Scripture and seek to exegetically analyze them. Having done so, we shall draw certain conclusions, and where there is apparent mystery in reconciling the revelation, we shall leave it as a mystery until other texts which we will consider illuminates that mystery. It will be a progressive study with the sole objective to comprehend truth as far as a mortal can.
Luke 1:35 The angel [Gabriel] answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that Holy [One] which shall be borne of thee shall be called the Son of God.
{The word, "thing" is not in the Greek text, and we have substituted the word, "One" inasmuch as the word, "holy" is an adjective, and requires an object to modify. The word, "Spirit" could just as well be substituted. Such usage is found in the Writings. See 4BC:1147}
This text reveals the following data: 1) To speak "after the manner of men," the Holy Spirit was
paternally related to Jesus Christ; thus the Holy Spirit pre-existed Bethlehem.
2) The "Holy One" born of Mary "shall be called the Son of God." Twice Gabriel reiterated this fact. In Luke 1:32, he declared that this Holy One "shall be called the Son of the Highest." Gabriel, who had "firsthand" information of relationships involving God, did not say, "was" or "is" the Son of God, but "shall be" called the Son of God.
3) There was to be conceived in the womb of Mary a unique Being, never before known in the Universe from all eternity - a God-man. Yet this unique Being inherits eternity through the Eternal Spirit. He had a pre-existence in Spirit, and now would become "flesh."
*******
Now follow closely the conclusions which this data permits one to draw:
1) The Holy Spirit existed prior to Bethlehem as the "Eternal Spirit." (See also Heb.9:14)
2) Jesus "had a beginning at Bethlehem." (Note the name designation of "Jesus," the God-man, begins at Bethlehem)
3) With God as a "given" factor, you have Two Beings - God and the Eternal Spirit - before Bethlehem, and Three Beings - God, the Eternal Spirit, and Jesus - after.
One further factor to the "mystery" - He who had a beginning at Bethlehem as a unique Being, Jesus, of Him it could be prophesied that His "goings forth [were] from of old, from everlasting" (Micah 5:2).
My thoughts--
Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Can there be any doubt whatsoever about the eternal Spirit - the Holy Spirit existing prior to Bethlehem? There was a Spirit that moved over the face of the waters --Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. The Holy Spirit and God the Father existed and we know Jesus was there at the beginning and by Him were all things made. Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Yet it was decided that God would take on flesh and when that happened the result was the birth of Jesus- Emmanuel Mat 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Jesus wasn't born before Bethlehem. The God in the flesh was not born until that baby came forth and then Jesus- God lived with us. He truly was a new creation - created by God.
Truly the mystery that we are delving into something that has to leave us in complete awe. We can't relate things the same way we do to ourselves if we do we are trying to bring God down to our level. God the Father, God the Spirit, God the Son - to say they are just one Being would be wrong when it is so obvious they are not. They are one in their beliefs. And the mystery of their all knowing, all being, is bound up in the wondrous fact that they are Gods. Their ways are not our ways.
Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
May God continue to bless us and keep us as we study as we are able and find the understanding He would have us understand. Yes, His ways are past our finding out, but He will teach us all we need to know. Comprehending the majesty of our amazing God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, and God the Son is something we need to do so we are not deceived because Satan would deceive us all in any way that He can, mixing truth with just enough error to lead people to Him and away from God, away from Salvation.
By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by His righteousness, by His love, His forgiveness now and forever in Him.
Amen.
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