The reality of who Christ said he is, is also tied up in the reality of who he said we are, and his expectations for us:
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
As you have sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
(Joh 17:16-19)
He then continues to elaborate on our specific calling, today:
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one;
and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Thoughtful and informative article! I’m currently reading “More than just a Carpenter” by Josh McDowell and he also explores the question of who Jesus says he was. Have you read it before??
Good question. It’s a different type of forgiveness. Jesus also teaches that if we want Him to forgive us we must also forgive others. We forgive other humans for their transgressions against us, not their sinful nature. Only God forgives sin inside of our soul.
I try to put as little of my own bias as possible, but at some level being a human it’ll still show. I need to constantly humble myself and remember that I must serve. Thanks a lot for reading and taking interest!
Remember Christ said : Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Mat 5:16)
This is YOUR light, he did not say "the light of God", which if we are yielded to God it well may be. But if he had wanted to say that he would have.
The point is we have a role to play in our own salvation, and God wants us to do so.
Pride in our light is obviously not the point, but realizing that we are expected to instigate and initiate and do good works is what God wants.
David surprised God by suggesting to build a temple.
We too can please God and surprise him in doing things beyond his expectations of us, by letting our light shine so that others may glorify God because of our good works.
Thank you for posting. I'm expecting to a ton of pushback on this. Let me preface this by saying that I am a Christian, Catholic, specifically. My belief/faith has always been a struggle. I'm deeply skeptical to my core and yet I find myself inexplicably drawn to Christianity. So, here goes: I don't think we really know what Christ actually said. Given that most of what he "said" was written down 30-to-40 years after his life. I think what we have, as far as what I understand about the creation of the Bible, is that they interpreted sayings attributed to him, the validity of which was determined by the "spirit" of the saying. That is, that sounds like something Christ would have said.
Great discussion, I do have to point out that 3 of the 4 Gospels were most surely written prior 60 AD. In fact Peter’s (Mark’s), and Matthew’s were probably finished very soon after Christ’s Resurrection. Many scholars now believe that in fact one of the parts, the sermon on the mount, was written down AS HE SPOKE, because of the way the language of Matthew changes in that part, written in style of dictating.
We know that 3 of the gospels were written early because of various factors. One huge one is the fact that Luke and Paul were recording historical events of the church, but there was no mention of James’s death, or sacking of Jerusalem, both happened in 60s AD. Another huge indicator is the fact that Gospels were WIDE spread by years 80-90 AD, and at that time to write copies and to spread it around the known world took many decades.
This is fascinating to me. Can you please recommend any books, websites, etc., where I can learn more? Thank you. And, thank you for your positive spirit of communication. People can get a but prickly when it comes to religion.
I’m never offended over this, I think it’s great that we all search and seek and question. I really like William Lane Craig websites, podcast and discussions and writing as far as dates of Gospels. I learned a lot of this during my ministry diploma, I’d have to look up some historical books that were part of it.
Absolutely, honestly, also deeply praying and immersing myself in chants, candles, etc, has been huge for me as far as spiritual feeling of what’s true and what is not. History is good, but nothing beats that feeling for me personally.
I totally agree. I lived in Rome for a bit and, as you know, the history of the Church and the basilicas were so moving. There was this tiny one near the coliseum that I swear I felt the presence of something. It was uncanny. I go to Mass weekly and I need to up my prayer game. I listen to choral music and things like that. My beliefs may not always align with others, but, alas, this is such a personal thing and that's the beauty.
”For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.“
Matthew 6:14-15
This bit following the Lord’s Prayer reminded me of the Examen by St. Ignatius. That we are to pray for reconciliation. We are to be concerned with forgiveness in both our generosity and reception.
Great Post! I'll argue one point. God does not forgive. Because he knows only truth, and so knows that the Son is perfect as He created them, and there is nothing to forgive. The Son of God forgives himself. WE forgive ourselves and each other. That is the path to salvation.
Jesus said he was our teacher and master, but also our servant and also our example for how we should act:
So after He had washed their feet and had taken His garments and had reclined again, He said to them, Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me the Teacher, and Lord, and you say well, for I AM. If then I, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, A servant is not greater than his master, neither is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
After your last post I went back and read these as well!! John 17: 1-5 really jumped out at me.
Amazing
The reality of who Christ said he is, is also tied up in the reality of who he said we are, and his expectations for us:
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
As you have sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
(Joh 17:16-19)
He then continues to elaborate on our specific calling, today:
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gave me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one;
and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
(Joh 17:20-23)
Wonderful comment, great share, very important part.
Thoughtful and informative article! I’m currently reading “More than just a Carpenter” by Josh McDowell and he also explores the question of who Jesus says he was. Have you read it before??
No, that sounds wonderful, I’ll look it up! Thank you
On forgiveness of sins...if Jesus (God) is the only one who can forgive sins, what does that mean for human to human forgiveness?
Good question. It’s a different type of forgiveness. Jesus also teaches that if we want Him to forgive us we must also forgive others. We forgive other humans for their transgressions against us, not their sinful nature. Only God forgives sin inside of our soul.
I believe Jesus is the great I Am! Love your way of discussing these proofs, looking at who Jesus said he was, instead of what we say. :)
I try to put as little of my own bias as possible, but at some level being a human it’ll still show. I need to constantly humble myself and remember that I must serve. Thanks a lot for reading and taking interest!
Remember Christ said : Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Mat 5:16)
This is YOUR light, he did not say "the light of God", which if we are yielded to God it well may be. But if he had wanted to say that he would have.
The point is we have a role to play in our own salvation, and God wants us to do so.
Pride in our light is obviously not the point, but realizing that we are expected to instigate and initiate and do good works is what God wants.
David surprised God by suggesting to build a temple.
We too can please God and surprise him in doing things beyond his expectations of us, by letting our light shine so that others may glorify God because of our good works.
So true, I agree with this!
Thank you for posting. I'm expecting to a ton of pushback on this. Let me preface this by saying that I am a Christian, Catholic, specifically. My belief/faith has always been a struggle. I'm deeply skeptical to my core and yet I find myself inexplicably drawn to Christianity. So, here goes: I don't think we really know what Christ actually said. Given that most of what he "said" was written down 30-to-40 years after his life. I think what we have, as far as what I understand about the creation of the Bible, is that they interpreted sayings attributed to him, the validity of which was determined by the "spirit" of the saying. That is, that sounds like something Christ would have said.
Great discussion, I do have to point out that 3 of the 4 Gospels were most surely written prior 60 AD. In fact Peter’s (Mark’s), and Matthew’s were probably finished very soon after Christ’s Resurrection. Many scholars now believe that in fact one of the parts, the sermon on the mount, was written down AS HE SPOKE, because of the way the language of Matthew changes in that part, written in style of dictating.
We know that 3 of the gospels were written early because of various factors. One huge one is the fact that Luke and Paul were recording historical events of the church, but there was no mention of James’s death, or sacking of Jerusalem, both happened in 60s AD. Another huge indicator is the fact that Gospels were WIDE spread by years 80-90 AD, and at that time to write copies and to spread it around the known world took many decades.
This is fascinating to me. Can you please recommend any books, websites, etc., where I can learn more? Thank you. And, thank you for your positive spirit of communication. People can get a but prickly when it comes to religion.
I’m never offended over this, I think it’s great that we all search and seek and question. I really like William Lane Craig websites, podcast and discussions and writing as far as dates of Gospels. I learned a lot of this during my ministry diploma, I’d have to look up some historical books that were part of it.
Thanks. I am familiar with Craig's work. I will investigate further. I think the seeking and mystery is what is so alluring to me.
Absolutely, honestly, also deeply praying and immersing myself in chants, candles, etc, has been huge for me as far as spiritual feeling of what’s true and what is not. History is good, but nothing beats that feeling for me personally.
I totally agree. I lived in Rome for a bit and, as you know, the history of the Church and the basilicas were so moving. There was this tiny one near the coliseum that I swear I felt the presence of something. It was uncanny. I go to Mass weekly and I need to up my prayer game. I listen to choral music and things like that. My beliefs may not always align with others, but, alas, this is such a personal thing and that's the beauty.
Well written Alex!
I think you are spot on. Everything you said here was scripture. Thank you for posting.
I am simply thankful for the opportunity to do so. Life isn't owed, promised, nor forever. What a blessing we've all been granted to simply exist.
Praise Jesus Christ! Praise God almighty!!
Amen!
”For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.“
Matthew 6:14-15
This bit following the Lord’s Prayer reminded me of the Examen by St. Ignatius. That we are to pray for reconciliation. We are to be concerned with forgiveness in both our generosity and reception.
Beautiful
Great Post! I'll argue one point. God does not forgive. Because he knows only truth, and so knows that the Son is perfect as He created them, and there is nothing to forgive. The Son of God forgives himself. WE forgive ourselves and each other. That is the path to salvation.
It’s interesting to think about, important observations on metaphysical level
Well done!!!!!!! (Matt 25:23 ESV).
"Before Abraham was...I AM!" That's the opening line to my song about the Divinity of Christ; it's called "Do You Understand". https://www.reverbnation.com/livingwaters/song/34425818-do-you-understand
Love it
He is Who He SAYS He is!!!!
Jesus said he was our teacher and master, but also our servant and also our example for how we should act:
So after He had washed their feet and had taken His garments and had reclined again, He said to them, Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me the Teacher, and Lord, and you say well, for I AM. If then I, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, A servant is not greater than his master, neither is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
(John 13:12-17)
We are blessed if we follow his example.
Starting my day with something for me to think about. I believe when he got older, he realized that he was the Son of God.