1.) What was John trying to get readers to know about “son of man”, Jesus, instead of “man of God”, Jesus?
John’s purpose in using the “Son of Man” was intended to shed light on Christ’s heavenly origin and God’s saving work, both in His being lifted up to die and in glorification.
2.) What was Jonh’s purpose in using the word “sign” according to Scott and what does it reveal about the character of Jesus?
The word “sign” is intended to point people to Jesus. In particular the sign’s help validate Christ as Messiah and also His being the Son of God. In general the “signs” show us that Christ’s power is legitimate and real and is an avenue to further His kingdom in truth.
3.) John 6:44-45 significance in Greek word ‘Helkuo’. How does understanding this word’s meaning change your understanding of the verse and/or of God?
The Greek word helkuo literally means to drag, haul, pull, and attract. In addition, it always implies resistance. In relation to this passage of scripture and as Scott speaks of, it leads us to the security of who God as well as His power in this world. Yes, you might question the freedom in the choice of the person placing his/her faith in the Lord but in v.45 it speaks of those who have been taught of God, which all people were taught and have a choice in hearing and learning from the Father which allows the action of being raised on the last day. The choice lies in the hearing and learning for the person, this may or may not be one of resistance but the majority of times resistance occurs as anyone attempts to hear and learn something new. In other words my understanding of this verse and of God affirms His power in this world and in my salvation. For as long as I commit to hearing and learning who God is and who he has created us to be I will be raised on the last day. (This is my own interpretation, I have not consulted any other source or insight other than what is presented by Scott. In saying this I admit that I could be way off base.)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am reading that you say that salvation is a lifelong process (Sanctification). Do you think it is possible to lose salvation?
ReplyDeleteIt really seems like Timothy is saying that salvation is a process but I learned that we don’t lose our salvation. When we are saved we have the assurance of “eternal” life and ‘eternal’ in itself means forever, it should be a contradiction to say you will lose your eternal life, or like if you were drowning and someone rescue you they cannot unrescue (for say it like that) once they had save your life. Once we are seal with the Spirit, like the word says ‘nothing can separate us from the love of God’.
ReplyDeleteYou are right Ana. Nothing can separate us from God once we have received the Holy Spirit. That being said Paul tells us to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." There is an active element to the doctrine of salvation which brings credence to the teaching of "the perseverance of the saints." Those who are God's elect will persevere to the end. If someone has fallen away perhaps that person was not a genuine believer from the beginning.
ReplyDelete