Welcome to OO: NT Theology » Gleanings from the "Gospels"

Re: Gleanings from the "Gospels" [message #11673 is a reply to message #11672]

Fri, 17 July 2015 14:10

james
Messages: 2137
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL

Senior Member

Marilyn Crow wrote on Fri, 17 July 2015 02:17

Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus did not know about being born of the Spirit as it is in what God has told them in the Old Testament. (Ez. 36: 26 & 27, Ps. 51: 10 – 13 & others)

So, although Jesus was talking specifically to Nicodemus, Jesus was referring to teaching by God, of being born of the Spirit of God. The people of Israel & especially its teachers should have known this.

Because Jesus is talking about a doctrine, a teaching of being a born of the Spirit, then we learn from that teaching also. Then we have the greater revelation by the Spirit through the Apostle Paul as to how the Spirit of God is building & maturing us into Christ`s Body & not into the nation of Israel.
God .

OK, good, I was concerned that 'maybe' what you were saying was that it was only to the Jewish people Jesus was making this promise to..."...that whosoever believeth on Him..." I know of people who teach two Gospels and they disregard what Jesus said because they consider that it only applied to Israel. They center their teaching almost totally on Paul and his Epistles. There is bits and pieces of truth in their teachings but they've distorted the truth and are taking away from the four Gospels and what Jesus said.

Also concerning the Sermon on the Mount, I agree with you and Trevor as to Jesus explaining that it is by The Spirit we are to live and we can't keep the Law in our flesh and own strength. I do believe Jesus expects us to strive to live a holy and set apart life unto Him, but He knows that it's only by His Spirit working within us(sanctification) that this is remotely possible.(as do we if we are honest with ourselves) While we're 'justified'(made right with God) when we are saved (believed unto salvation through Christ Jesus our Lord), sanctification takes time.

But so many people today who profess Christ as Lord and Saviour don't believe Christians are called to literally turn the other cheek; or, rather than kill enemies, actually love them and pray for them; to forgive others their trespasses; to not swear; to give and expect nothing in return; ect. I think He is showing that it is possible to be 'pure in heart', 'meek', 'a peacemaker', ect. and that God expects us to come to that place in our spiritual walk...but he plainly teaches throughout that it's only by walking in the Spirit that it's possible. That's one reason the message of The Cross is unpopular, no one want to "...take up their cross daily and follow Jesus..."...putting to death the deeds of the flesh...ect.

So thanks for explaining...

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”

Report message to a moderator