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.
I hope this doesn't sound naive, but this is my understanding of this deep theological question; my understanding (limited as it is) is that Jesus is the body in a way. That God the Father incarnated himself on earth into the shape of a human being that the 'shape' or 'body' is Jesus. Thus, Jesus is the Son but actually the Avatar of sorts of God the Father. That they are the same being and that Jesus appears in the Bible before Abraham (and in front of him), to Jacob, and many others in the Old Testament, long before he was 'born'. How he does this? Not sure, I just assume he's beyond my limited human understanding.
It seems that the Birth was him entering not simply for a few hours or days, but rather in a more permanent fixture that he may sacrifice himself for the sins of mankind, and that there was a choice of either sacrificing mankind, or Jesus. So God chose to sacrifice himself for mankind.
As said, my understanding of such theological matters is very limited I think, but I try to look at it from a metaphysical pov like in Tolkien's Legendarium; you have Olorin (the spiritual being), and Gandalf (the body), and the Music of the Ainur (the Holy Spirit). So that here you have the music of being so to speak (the Holy Spirit), then Dieu the Father (the spiritual being) and Jesus (the body sorta've).
Am I off the mark here? I'm fairly open to correction as my understanding here is based off some reading of metaphysic books (mostly Tolkien's research notes on such topics for Middle-Earth, and off reading the Bible itself).
Buddha left his wife and child, today what would people call someone who does that? It’s also interesting to see how you’d like to reconcile terrible beliefs about women and girls such as “Its better to be bitten by a snake than to have a relationship with a woman.”
lol ironic comment, considering you’re in MY page, attacking others. Such childish behavior is sooo “deep”. Now please address the terrible anti women beliefs in historical buddhism AND current as well. I posted quotes, but there are dozens to go around. And of course you avoided to explain Universe on a “deep” level. Why not explain to me who universe works and why women are so inferior in your view if you’re so enlightened, instead of petty attacks.
You are the first one that called Christianity “shallow”, sir. I am not saying that you don’t have a right to practice your religion but you should not slander the religion that others have chosen to worship for their entire lives... but again you are a scholar of religion so you have no reason to believe in miracles or faith-based religions. I’m sure that you are completely comforted by Buddha as well in your times of suffering and joy. Because you are a very logical person it sounds like and I wish you all the best and a very logical life ahead
You say you are a Buddhist, yet in this comment, you are showing attachment to your beliefs! God is just a label. Whether we call it Consciousness, The universe, Christ, The higher self - it's all the same thing. Let go and discover the truth.
Also, not sure if you realize this, but Buddhists, including current Dalai Lama have always believed that universe is in a cycle and never had a beginning or end, that literally same as belief about God having no start and no end, except even harder concept to explain. How does universe have no start and no end? Would love to hear a deep explanation.
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
Ooftah that AI image is not a winner. 🤦♀️
I hope this doesn't sound naive, but this is my understanding of this deep theological question; my understanding (limited as it is) is that Jesus is the body in a way. That God the Father incarnated himself on earth into the shape of a human being that the 'shape' or 'body' is Jesus. Thus, Jesus is the Son but actually the Avatar of sorts of God the Father. That they are the same being and that Jesus appears in the Bible before Abraham (and in front of him), to Jacob, and many others in the Old Testament, long before he was 'born'. How he does this? Not sure, I just assume he's beyond my limited human understanding.
It seems that the Birth was him entering not simply for a few hours or days, but rather in a more permanent fixture that he may sacrifice himself for the sins of mankind, and that there was a choice of either sacrificing mankind, or Jesus. So God chose to sacrifice himself for mankind.
As said, my understanding of such theological matters is very limited I think, but I try to look at it from a metaphysical pov like in Tolkien's Legendarium; you have Olorin (the spiritual being), and Gandalf (the body), and the Music of the Ainur (the Holy Spirit). So that here you have the music of being so to speak (the Holy Spirit), then Dieu the Father (the spiritual being) and Jesus (the body sorta've).
Am I off the mark here? I'm fairly open to correction as my understanding here is based off some reading of metaphysic books (mostly Tolkien's research notes on such topics for Middle-Earth, and off reading the Bible itself).
100%, love your response! Thank you!
Buddha left his wife and child, today what would people call someone who does that? It’s also interesting to see how you’d like to reconcile terrible beliefs about women and girls such as “Its better to be bitten by a snake than to have a relationship with a woman.”
lol ironic comment, considering you’re in MY page, attacking others. Such childish behavior is sooo “deep”. Now please address the terrible anti women beliefs in historical buddhism AND current as well. I posted quotes, but there are dozens to go around. And of course you avoided to explain Universe on a “deep” level. Why not explain to me who universe works and why women are so inferior in your view if you’re so enlightened, instead of petty attacks.
You provoke a comment then come back with slander about those responding to you being stupid.
You obviously only want to argue and not to discuss truth.
Your religion is about you and your opinion being correct
Congratulations. Well done. Now stop bothering people who don't bother you.
yup, got two of these on two Jesus posts, they really hate Him.
Budda
Need a fooda
Aint noab
Gooda
You are the first one that called Christianity “shallow”, sir. I am not saying that you don’t have a right to practice your religion but you should not slander the religion that others have chosen to worship for their entire lives... but again you are a scholar of religion so you have no reason to believe in miracles or faith-based religions. I’m sure that you are completely comforted by Buddha as well in your times of suffering and joy. Because you are a very logical person it sounds like and I wish you all the best and a very logical life ahead
I think it’s a common thing to attack a Christian and then if we speak back we are the “attackers” somehow.
You say you are a Buddhist, yet in this comment, you are showing attachment to your beliefs! God is just a label. Whether we call it Consciousness, The universe, Christ, The higher self - it's all the same thing. Let go and discover the truth.
Wishing you love and peace!
Also, not sure if you realize this, but Buddhists, including current Dalai Lama have always believed that universe is in a cycle and never had a beginning or end, that literally same as belief about God having no start and no end, except even harder concept to explain. How does universe have no start and no end? Would love to hear a deep explanation.
Here are few other descriptions I found of Buddhist views on women.
“ secular, profane, powerless, and imperfect.”
“a woman could not reach the status of Buddha regardless of her level of enlightenment.”
What do you say to this?