revmrf
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Posts posted by revmrf
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Not only is Jesus the exact representation of God, but He is God Himself -- the very God who spoke in Old testament times He is eternal; He worked with the Father in creating the world ( John 1: 3; Colossians 1 : 16 ) He is the full revelation of God . You can have no clearer view of God than by looking at Christ. Jesus Christ is the complete expression of God in a Human Body
The Son is the radiance of God's Glory, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in Heaven. ( 1: 3 ) ( The key verse )
( Col0ssians 1: 15) This is one of the strongest statements about the devine nature of Christ found anywhere in the bible. Jesus is not only equal to God ( Philippians 2:6 ) He is God ( John 10:30, 38;12:45 14:1-11 ) ; as the image of the invisible God, He is the exact representation of God. He not only reflects God, but He reveals God to us ( John 1: 18; 14:9 ); as the firstborn prince in a King's household. He came from , not from the dust of the earth ( 1 Corinthians 15:47 ) and He is Lord of all ,He is completely Holy And He has authority to judge the world. Therefore, Christ is supreme over all creation, including the spirit world. We, the believers, must believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, That Jesus is God. We must oppose those who say that Jesus was merely a prophet or a good teacher
Tabatha,
The Collossions verse above is a very important one to hang onto when addressed by those who question Jesus, the Christ's, divinity... along with what we're discovering in the Hebrews study.
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Q2. (Hebrews 1:2-3) What about the author's description of the Son makes you think that the Son described is himself divine? What role does the Son have in doing the Father's will according to these verses?
Hebrews 1:2-3, indicates divinity by using the descriptives: God's heir, co-creator, reflector of divinity, exact representation of God's being, sustainer of all things (holds all together), sits at the right hand (privileged position) of Majesty. Seems to me that the Son is the implementor of God, the Father's, will.
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Q1. (Hebrews 1:2) In what way do you think the author of Hebrews is using the word "Son"? As a metaphor? As a biological relationship? How would a Son's words have more weight than a prophet's?
'Son': Much more than metaphorical in usage or, in my opinion, even than a biological relationship. I believe that this is 'mystery.' By that I mean it's inexplicable ... cannot be fully explained. I say this because they [Father and Son (and Holy Spirit)] 'were.' They already 'were'... there before the beginning of creation [foundation of the world.] The Son's words carry more weight because of this co-existant/co-equal characteristic [see vv.2b - 3.]
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Dear Friend,
Welcome to the online Bible study forum for Resurrection and Easter Faith.
It's exciting to meet other people who are involved in this Bible study. Why don't you check in and share a bit about yourself, and what state and country you are from. Please do NOT include your e-mail address. Be discrete about sharing private things about yourself.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Ralph
Hi,
I forgot to intoduce myself. Like some of you who are 'down east' I, too, live in New England except I live in Lyndon, Vermont... where it is still snowing on April 13! I've been married for 49 years, have three children and three grandchildren. I am retired clergy, but for a great portion of my life, I was a software engineer [computer work, that is.]
Good study. Now I'm looking forward to the Hebrews study,
Blessings, revmrf
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Q5. Why should Christians look forward to the events surrounding our resurrection? Why do you think Christians have largely lost this as their active expectation and hope? What should be done to reclaim these truths?
I look forward to being with my loved ones once again, with my ancestors who have gone before me, and primarily to be in the presence of Jesus Christ praising the glorious Triune God. I think that we, in the U.S. are a death denying culture and tend not to think/consider much about death and the hereafter. We tend to focus on the here and now, with all its trappings. That was not always the case, for in years past we, personally, took care of the dying and prepared the loved one who had died for the grave. We were well acquainted with death and thought about it, relating it to our knowledge of the scriptures and its promises [that we've been discussing here.] Now we leave that for the funeral parlor and, often, are only confronted at the memorial service with the gospel and its promises of eternal life by the clergy. We grieve and then... go on our way until faced with death again.
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Q4. What will our resurrection bodies be like? Why do you think we will be given resurrection bodies? What is the point?
I believe that our resurrection bodies will be virtually the same in attributes as Jesus' was, with the same non-limitational qualities that he had. The good question is: Because Jesus' body had scars and wounds, will ours have similar recognizable attributes? Ralph answers that Jesus' body was a special case for recognition purposes, implying that it won't be for us. Of that, I'm not so sure.... The point? Maybe living in this new dimension requires a 'new dimension body.'
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Q3. What does the phrase "redemption of our bodies"(Romans 8:23-24) tell us about our resurrection? What words in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 describe our resurrection bodies?
Redemption of our bodies means that we [those who have put their faith in Christ] will be resurrected in bodily form, yet redeemed with attributes far superior than what we possess while here on earth: a body that is imperishable [non-deteriorating,] glorified [splendiforous!], with power [disease free, etc], and having a spiritual dimension such as what Jesus had after his resurrection.
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Q2. (Philippians 1:23-24; 2 Corinthians 5:8) According to these verses, where will Christians be immediately after death? Where do we await the resurrection?
After death, the Christian will be in the presence of God with Christ, awaiting the faithful that remain to come after their death, the completion of all of this will be in accordance with God's time/timing and purpose.
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Q1. What is the word used in the Bible instead of "rapture"? When will the resurrection take place in relation to Christ's return? In relation to judgment? In relation to glory? (This is NOT the place to debate various theories of the rapture and the millennium.)
The Bible uses the word "resurrection" for "rapture" is not found anywhere in any biblical text. The Christ will appear; the angelic trumpet will call/announce; God's people will be gathered [the dead and then those still alive;] all will appear before the judgement seat; then those chosen shall enter into glory.
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Q5. (1 Corinthians 15:58) What does being steadfast and immovable have to do with the hope of the resurrection? Why is our labor not in vain in the Lord?
The 'hope' is a secure one - a promise - secured by Jesus' own resurrection from the dead. So our time/work for the Lord has the surety of completion because it is, after all, the Lord's work and he is in charge, in control, taking the responsibility for completion from our own hands, and, no matter how things may seem at present, the ultimate harvest and assurance of well being is by his own methods at his own timing. "So let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me. In my father's house there are many rooms... Let not your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." Jn 14.1-2; 14.27
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Q4. What assurance do you have that you will be physically resurrected rather than experience disembodied immortality? What does it mean that Jesus is the "firstfruits" (1 Corinthians 15:20) and "firstborn" (Revelation 1:5) from the dead?
The scripture promises a physical resurrection for the believer who will be in the presence of Jesus, the Christ. Jesus, as fully human as well as fully divine, is the 1st one to be alive for ever and ever. Lazurus and Jairus' daughter were brought back to life from death, but they did not have the glorified body as Christ did upon his resurrection. Also, they both died, finally. However the promise of everlasting life is for them as with all believers in Christ. The promis that Jesus is the 'firstfruits' and the 'firstborn' indicates that more are to follow... that's us folks!
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The baptism of water was alway a sign of entering into a new covenant. both jew,s and gentiles were convinced of John,s baptism for repentance a sign of death to the old life and the emerging into a new life. Jesus was without sin so when he was baptised it signified a deeper meaning behind the baptism.being an image of the past (the red sea) and a picture of things to come. John stating that he was ineed of Jesus baptism was significant in the picture of things to come.
Sanctification by baptism is the setting apart for a life that was worldly and carnal for one that is eternal and spiritual.
The new birth at the coming out from the water is symbolic of a ressurection to come , it is also a reality in the now as we continue into the abundant life as promised by Christ.
But Christ had another baptism that of the spirit.
flesh and spirit war against each other so it is essential that we as believers must be baptised into the death of the carnal and born again into the life of the spirit.
God is a spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.
in Acts 1 Jesus proclaimed the baptism of the spirirt as he told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem the promise of God after which you shall recieve power.
Hi Sandy,
Would you consider rephrasing "God is a spirit" in the above to read "God is Spirit"? I believe you might acknowledge that there is a difference.
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Q3. How does Christ's death and resurrection provide an analogy for baptism according to Romans 6:3-5 and Colossians 2:12? According to Ephesians 2:4-6, while being "raised with Christ" is still spiritual, not physical, in what way does this union impart real spiritual power?
The picture of being immersed in the baptismal water juxtaposed with being immersed in the grave moves to being raised up out of the water and raised [resurrected] from the grave. From life, to death, to new life in Christ. The old has become new. Christ in us gives us the new dimension of his spiritual power.
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Q2. In what way does Christ's resurrection somehow validate that we are saved and forgiven by God? If we didn't believe Christ had been actually raised from the dead, how might we have doubts about our salvation?
It is by his death that he took our place on the cross and became sin that we might become righteous or right with God. His resurrection and his place at the right hand of God interceding for us assures us of our salvation.. for who could better be our ultimate intercessor other than Jesus. Otherwise, we would have to rely on our good works vs our bad works [sin] on the balance scale. Speaking for myself, I know which way the scale would tip...
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Q1. What kind of credibility would Jesus' ministry have had if he were not raised from the dead, especially when he predicted it ahead of time? In what way is the resurrection God's seal of approval on him?
The credibility would be that here was another nice man who cared for others, like so many other nice men. But in this case, Jesus was more as he was exalted to his heavenly Father's right hand - a place of highest honor - to be both savior and judge of all humanity. We, in the U.S., do not fully comprehend what 'Lord' & 'Kingship' mean as we have not been under this type of ruling system since before the Revolution. But we might begin to comprehend its meaning if we thought in terms of 'Command' and 'Commander', however, even that implication is insufficient because 'Lord' implies authority over another ones life and/or death.
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Q4. Which of the various proofs for the resurrection seems the most compelling to you? Why? If you had a friend who wasn't sure about the resurrection, could you explain why you're sure that Jesus was raised from the dead?
I find this a bit difficult to answer because I like to consider that the total collection of the data as described in the bible is the most compelling. Jesus' sudden appearance in the room where the disciples were hiding has always struck me to be very compelling, also his appearance and gentle request for Thomas to examine Jesus' wounds by touch. Furthermore, would the disciples have risked their lives and be put to death for a myth?
Is perhaps one of the failures of the present church the lack of focus on the central truth of Jesus' resurrection? What think you of Christ?
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Q3. How does the disciples' psychological state after the crucifixion provide excellent support for belief in the resurrection?
The disciples hid themselves away, perhaps fearful that they'd be the next to be put to death. They were in grief as the one that they loved, listened to and followed was dead. Likely they were depressed and confused as to what next to do... leave town?
But Jesus had a surprise for them all...
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Q2. On the theft theory, what motive might the disciples have to take Jesus' body? What motive might the Romans have? The Jews? Joseph of Arimathea?
MOTIVES [all of these are a stretch...
Disciples: to produce a falsehood that he had risen they bribed the guards with a lot of money, stole his body away, buried him elsewhere, replaced burial clothes with new folded ones, guards then were caught and put to death,...
Romans: to implicate & have Jesus' followers imprisoned by producing his body.
Jews: same as Romans to get rid of the Jesus' trouble makers.
Joseph of Arimathea: only to bury Jesus in his 'proper' place.
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I love that Jesus is raised from the dead, the first fruits of all creation. I am having a bit of trouble being distracted by the language in this lesson, though. I sense that I am supposed to be angry at liberal Christian scholars as I read this rhetoric. The liberal Christian is not my enemy. The scholar is not my enemy. No matter how conservative my viewpoint, nor how liberal theirs, our common enemy is God's adversary (also known as beelzebub, the devil, satan, etc). I would like to see language that addresses resurrection without vilifying people.
Mindy,
I sense the same, although I think it may be unintentional. Soewhere doesn't it say "Work out our faih in fear and trembling."
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Q1. What do you think motivates liberal Christian scholars to explain away the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ? Why would they claim that it is unhistorical more than some other event in the first century?
What I think motivates the liberal scholar on this issue:
1. What was taught to them in seminary by their trusted liberal seminary professors
2. Peer pressure
3. Not really being willing to reconsider their point of view i.e. not really being very liberal
4. Like everyone else, there's job security linvolved even though one is tenured
Unhistorical claim: To me it's inexplicable other than basic stubborness [the unwillingness to admit a mistake or error, which is a continuing problem in the academy.] I guess, bottom line, is that it's a faith issue and, what one wants to believe.
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Q5. What is the difference between Jesus' resurrection and his ascension? How do the two fit together? In what sense is the ascension the completion of the resurrection?
The difference is about 40 days. Jesus' resurrection took place in Jerusalem, while his ascension took place outside of Jerusalem in the vicinity of Bethany [Mt. of Olives?] 40 days later. They fit, in that after his resurrection during those 40 days, Jesus is with his disciples and followers [amongst men and women] in his resurrection body. In his ascension, he will have ascended to his rightful place [from the humiliating death on the cross] to be with his Heavenly Father at the throne of heaven. Even so, the promise is: "Lo, I will be with you always, even to the end of the age." Indeed, he is God with us.
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Q4. What do we know from the Gospels about the properties of Jesus' resurrection body? What was he capable of in this new body?
What we know from the scriptures is that Jesus' resurrection body was fully human..., yet more. For, he no longer was restricted to space/time. It seems that he had/has a new dimension in that he could pass through physical objects [his graveclothes, closed doors,] and suddenly appear as he did on the Emmaus Road. Even so, he ate and talked, was recognizable in his resurrection form ['Rabonni' she said,] and could be felt [his crucifixion wounds] [Mary hung on to him.]
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Q3. (Luke 24:12; John 20:6-8) What about the grave clothes brought Peter and John to faith? What was so peculiar about them?
It was evident that something supernatural had happened! In order for Jesus' body to have been stolen away from the tomb, the stealers would have had to overcome the guards in some fashion [drugged their water, bribed them...?], have them help roll the tomb stone aside, unwrap Jesus' burial clothes and carefully tidy them up, carry Jesus away to someplace, and have the guards pretend that they knew nothing about what had happened [and under what penalty by Pontius Pilate?]
It seems that Peter & John came to the tomb not believing what they had been told by the women [the 1st Evangelists?] but when they checked the tomb out and saw everything neatly folded - even Jesus' head cloth - that was enough for them to believe.
But what did they believe, I wonder? Do the verses - John 20:9-10 - in their textual location indicate that they believed that he had risen from the dead, or was it that they believed the concern of Mary Magdalene: "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"? [Jn 20:2]
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Q2. What similarities do you find in the resurrection accounts? Based on the agreements between the accounts, what seems to have happened?
It was on the 1st day of the week, women and men came to his tomb for various purposes & found it empty of his body. At the tomb, they met an angelic being. Later, some were met by Jesus at various places and actually spoke with and touched or even hugged him [Jn 20:17.] Jesus was physically alive - risen from the dead - and appeared amongst his disciples and they, also, spoke with and touched him!
Q2. In Heaven before the Resurrection
in 5. The Christian Hope of Resurrection at the Last Day
Posted
Aha! Some have uncovered another mystery of our faith! The problem that we have is to try to understand the full meaning of resurrection. Clear arguments can be given on both sides of this conversation. Much has been written on this subject: soul sleep, etc. by/from many Christian church traditions. Is it possible that both are correct? The sad part is that the Church has divided itself [i.e. separated from fellowship with each other] because of differing interpretations of this subject. We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, I think we understand that we are to live out our faith in the calling that we have received. Of course, this is my opinion....