Jesus Christ the “Ransom for All”

[Berean]

We find in 1 Timothy 2:5, 6: “The man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” What does ransom mean? The Greek term for ransom is antilutron, which Dr. Young defines as “a corresponding price.” One perfect man served as a substitute for Adam, the perfect man, who lost his life and the lives of humanity with him. However, early Church leaders misunderstood the true meaning of ransom. This misunderstanding led to exaggerated claims about Christ. Anything less than declaring Jesus as God was seen as disrespectful.

For the sake of discussion, let’s accept the idea that Christ is God, a claim he and the Scriptures do not support. If we agree that he was God and that God died for us, we must ask: How can an immortal God die?

Did the Absolute God die? The creeds states that Christ was “very man.” So, calling God “Christ” gives them a name, but not a true Christ. It was the “very man” Christ who died. Regardless of how they explain it, they only have a “very man” who died. So, how could “very God” die? God is eternal and cannot die; only a physical body can die. In the end, they are left with just a perfect “human sacrifice.” That is precisely what we believe and assert.

Dr. Adam Clark, a Trinitarian, explains a Trinitarian, says, “Two natures must ever be dis tinguished in Christ: the human nature, in reference to which he is the Son of God and inferior to him, and the Divine nature which was from eternity, and equal to God.” He argues “To say that he [Christ] was begotten from all eternity, is, in my opinion, absurd; and the phrase eternal Son is a positive self-contradiction. ETERNITY is that which has had no beginning, nor stands in any reference to TIME. SON supposes time, generation, and father.” This means there is no infinite sacrifice, as it was the lesser Son who died. So, where is the infinite sacrifice of God?

Trinitarians face a challenge in their belief that the entire Trinity died on the cross. They claim that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, but they need to prove that both aspects died on the cross. The Bible does not support this idea. Many theologians have tried to explain what is not clearly mentioned in Scripture. Did Jesus ever say he would sacrifice his body and divinity for humanity? No, he stated, “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). If he gave his flesh, could he take it back? What would happen to the ransom if it was reclaimed after being given?

Dr. Adam Clark interprets Psalm 8:5 as saying, “You have made him a little lower than God.” He connects this to Hebrews 2:7, applying it to Jesus, stating, “For a little while, he was made lower than the angels so that he could experience death.” If Dr. Clark is correct, then Jesus is seen as less than God or lower than the angels. This raises a logical issue: how can he be “less than God” and still be the Absolute God?

 

[Hey You!]

We find in 1 Timothy 2:5, 6: “The man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” What does ransom mean? The Greek term for ransom is antilutron, which Dr. Young defines as “a corresponding price.” One perfect man served as a substitute for Adam, the perfect man, who lost his life and the lives of humanity with him. However, early Church leaders misunderstood the true meaning of ransom. This misunderstanding led to exaggerated claims about Christ. Anything less than declaring Jesus as God was seen as disrespectful.

For the sake of discussion, let’s accept the idea that Christ is God, a claim he and the Scriptures do not support. If we agree that he was God and that God died for us, we must ask: How can an immortal God die?

Did the Absolute God die? The creeds states that Christ was “very man.” So, calling God “Christ” gives them a name, but not a true Christ. It was the “very man” Christ who died. Regardless of how they explain it, they only have a “very man” who died. So, how could “very God” die? God is eternal and cannot die; only a physical body can die. In the end, they are left with just a perfect “human sacrifice.” That is precisely what we believe and assert.

Dr. Adam Clark, a Trinitarian, explains a Trinitarian, says, “Two natures must ever be dis tinguished in Christ: the human nature, in reference to which he is the Son of God and inferior to him, and the Divine nature which was from eternity, and equal to God.” He argues “To say that he [Christ] was begotten from all eternity, is, in my opinion, absurd; and the phrase eternal Son is a positive self-contradiction. ETERNITY is that which has had no beginning, nor stands in any reference to TIME. SON supposes time, generation, and father.” This means there is no infinite sacrifice, as it was the lesser Son who died. So, where is the infinite sacrifice of God?

Trinitarians face a challenge in their belief that the entire Trinity died on the cross. They claim that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, but they need to prove that both aspects died on the cross. The Bible does not support this idea. Many theologians have tried to explain what is not clearly mentioned in Scripture. Did Jesus ever say he would sacrifice his body and divinity for humanity? No, he stated, “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). If he gave his flesh, could he take it back? What would happen to the ransom if it was reclaimed after being given?

Dr. Adam Clark interprets Psalm 8:5 as saying, “You have made him a little lower than God.” He connects this to Hebrews 2:7, applying it to Jesus, stating, “For a little while, he was made lower than the angels so that he could experience death.” If Dr. Clark is correct, then Jesus is seen as less than God or lower than the angels. This raises a logical issue: how can he be “less than God” and still be the Absolute God?

The Christian Doctrine which deals with this is the Communicatio Idiomatum. It means the Attributes of his Divine Nature are Shared with his Human Nature; and visa Versa, his Human Attributes are Shared with his Divinity. Therefore, because his Humanity died, Legally his Divinity died; though his Diety could not be extinguished...

Whether you agree with this or not, it's the belief. Do you think this could help explain how Jesus became Sin on our behalf? Or how we could become the Righteousness of God?

 

[Ronald Nolette]

We find in 1 Timothy 2:5, 6: “The man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” What does ransom mean? The Greek term for ransom is antilutron, which Dr. Young defines as “a corresponding price.” One perfect man served as a substitute for Adam, the perfect man, who lost his life and the lives of humanity with him. However, early Church leaders misunderstood the true meaning of ransom. This misunderstanding led to exaggerated claims about Christ. Anything less than declaring Jesus as God was seen as disrespectful.

For the sake of discussion, let’s accept the idea that Christ is God, a claim he and the Scriptures do not support. If we agree that he was God and that God died for us, we must ask: How can an immortal God die?

Did the Absolute God die? The creeds states that Christ was “very man.” So, calling God “Christ” gives them a name, but not a true Christ. It was the “very man” Christ who died. Regardless of how they explain it, they only have a “very man” who died. So, how could “very God” die? God is eternal and cannot die; only a physical body can die. In the end, they are left with just a perfect “human sacrifice.” That is precisely what we believe and assert.

Dr. Adam Clark, a Trinitarian, explains a Trinitarian, says, “Two natures must ever be dis tinguished in Christ: the human nature, in reference to which he is the Son of God and inferior to him, and the Divine nature which was from eternity, and equal to God.” He argues “To say that he [Christ] was begotten from all eternity, is, in my opinion, absurd; and the phrase eternal Son is a positive self-contradiction. ETERNITY is that which has had no beginning, nor stands in any reference to TIME. SON supposes time, generation, and father.” This means there is no infinite sacrifice, as it was the lesser Son who died. So, where is the infinite sacrifice of God?

Trinitarians face a challenge in their belief that the entire Trinity died on the cross. They claim that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, but they need to prove that both aspects died on the cross. The Bible does not support this idea. Many theologians have tried to explain what is not clearly mentioned in Scripture. Did Jesus ever say he would sacrifice his body and divinity for humanity? No, he stated, “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). If he gave his flesh, could he take it back? What would happen to the ransom if it was reclaimed after being given?

Dr. Adam Clark interprets Psalm 8:5 as saying, “You have made him a little lower than God.” He connects this to Hebrews 2:7, applying it to Jesus, stating, “For a little while, he was made lower than the angels so that he could experience death.” If Dr. Clark is correct, then Jesus is seen as less than God or lower than the angels. This raises a logical issue: how can he be “less than God” and still be the Absolute God?

No we do not face your challenge. It is a false twist of logic.

Jesus existed in eternity past as God. this does not mean He was the Father but equally divine as teh Father.

He became man when God "inseminated" Mary and Jesus was also given a human body.

Jesus body died not His spirit. but He became the first fruits of the resurrection when He rose never to die again!

No we do not need to prove that both aspects of Jesus died on the cross. Only the body was needed to pay for sin as was the determined counsel of the godhead in eternity past.

 

[Berean]

The Christian Doctrine which deals with this is the Communicatio Idiomatum. It means the Attributes of his Divine Nature are Shared with his Human Nature; and visa Versa, his Human Attributes are Shared with his Divinity. Therefore, because his Humanity died, Legally his Divinity died; though his Diety could not be extinguished...

Whether you agree with this or not, it's the belief. Do you think this could help explain how Jesus became Sin on our behalf? Or how we could become the Righteousness of God?

and where is that in scripture?

 

[Berean]

No we do not face your challenge. It is a false twist of logic.

Jesus existed in eternity past as God. this does not mean He was the Father but equally divine as teh Father.

He became man when God "inseminated" Mary and Jesus was also given a human body.

Jesus body died not His spirit. but He became the first fruits of the resurrection when He rose never to die again!

No we do not need to prove that both aspects of Jesus died on the cross. Only the body was needed to pay for sin as was the determined counsel of the godhead in eternity past.

and where is that in scripture?

 

[Hey You!]

and where is that in scripture?

It's not a Verse in Scripture, but it is a Doctrine of Theology...

I was just thinking about starting a Thread about the Sound Doctrine of Theology, Compared to the Authority of Scripture. I often find that the first thing people who don't like Theology do, is to ask for a verbatim Verse which contains the Doctrine. People often use this 'asking for a Verse', to dodge the truth of Theology. The Theology of Eschatology often doesn't have Verses which explain 'Gap Theories' in their Doctrine of Eschatology; but the Doctrine is believed in anyway...

The Bible says All Scripture is Good for Doctrine, so we should expect the Church to give Doctrines names not found in the Bible; such as The Doctrine of Monotheism, etc. If you ever hold to a Church Doctrine that is not named in the Bible, it would be a Case of Special Pleading for you to have Doctrine which is not named in the Bible; but not allow me my Doctrine based on Systematic Theology....

Good Doctrine is as Good as Scripture is. Do you hold to the Doctrine of Imminency? We all believe Christ's return is imminent. Do you want to talk about Theology? People not wanting to talk about Theology on the Theology Board, is my Pet Peeve...

 

[Ronald Nolette]

and where is that in scripture?

Genesis 1:1, John 1 et. al.

 

[Berean]

Okay, let's consider the idea that Christ's sacrifice was infinite, as some people say. We're thinking about this without any support from the Bible because it doesn't actually say that Jesus' sacrifice was infinite. The Bible doesn't claim that he suffered more than everyone else or even more than any single person. Even in Isaiah 52:14, where it talks about his appearance being damaged "more than any man," it doesn't prove that he suffered infinitely. It's not smart to make claims that go beyond what the Scriptures say. We're just exploring this idea to see what conclusions we can draw.

It's really surprising to think about how many people aren't saved, especially when such a huge sacrifice was made for our sins. Why is it that so many people don't accept Christ, even though all it takes is a simple confession? For over 1500 years, churches have tried to reach out to everyone. They've fought wars, enforced the Inquisition, and even used government power to scare people into believing, threatening them with hellfire if they didn't respond. Sadly, all of that seems to have been for nothing. Most people in the world don't identify as Christians, and even those who do might not truly believe. It makes you wonder, if God offers such an amazing salvation that only needs a little acceptance, why does it seem like so many people are still left out?

Even when we share the message that Jesus has already paid for everyone's ticket to heaven and all they need to do is accept it, many people in the world still don't believe. Why does this amazing salvation not reach everyone? Over two-thirds of the world's population doesn't know Christ. Even among those who do accept Him, there might be a lot of people who aren't truly following Him, like weeds among the good plants. How can something so powerful seem to have so little effect? With such a great offer of salvation, why are so many people still lost?

The idea that Jesus needed to be God in order to pay for everyone's sins is based on the belief that if people don't get saved, they will be tortured forever. This suggests that Jesus would have to suffer the same eternal punishment that could befall every person, which seems really harsh. They argue that only God could handle this. However, this belief doesn't match what the Bible teaches. The Bible states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul" (Lev. 17:11). It also says, "Without shedding of blood is no remission" (Heb. 9:22).

The act of shedding blood means that the victim must die, not just experience pain. If people could make up for their wrongdoings just by suffering, then religions like Hinduism and other Eastern beliefs, where followers hurt themselves by lying on spikes or using hooks on their skin, would surely be able to earn God's forgiveness. Even the old Christian practices of self-punishment wouldn’t have been abandoned. The world already faces so much pain because of sin. When we look around, it’s hard not to feel sad for people. They really need the hope that comes from Christ’s amazing Kingdom on earth, where everyone will be uplifted and blessed as God shares His spirit with everyone (Joel 2:28). All of this is made possible through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

It's really surprising to think about how many people aren't saved, especially when such a huge sacrifice was made for our sins. Why is it that so many people don't accept Christ, even though all it takes is a simple confession?

This is wrong thinkinng.

IUt is not a simple confession, but a surrendering of ones life and belief thatonly Jesus death and resurrection can save us. It is a life altering experience.

Confession in the biblical sense requires a trusting in what we confess.

 

[Berean]

It is not a simple confession, but a surrendering of ones life and belief thatonly Jesus death and resurrection can save us. It is a life altering experience.

Confession in the biblical sense requires a trusting in what we confess.

So you don't believe in deathbed conversions?

 

[Ronald Nolette]

So you don't believe in deathbed conversions?

No I do. That is a different category of people converting. I was merely thinking of people who will live for awhile. I am against what some call "easy-believism" where one says a prayer and then go off there merry way thinking they now have a fire insurance policy because they said a prayer.

 

[Berean]

No I do. That is a different category of people converting. I was merely thinking of people who will live for awhile. I am against what some call "easy-believism" where one says a prayer and then go off there merry way thinking they now have a fire insurance policy because they said a prayer.

Wouldn't someone who decides to accept Jesus at his deathbed be a convenient "easy-believism"?

 

[Ronald Nolette]

Wouldn't someone who decides to accept Jesus at his deathbed be a convenient "easy-believism"?

They may be. that is the Lord for decide. We do know that the Lord desires all to be saved. We know the penitent thief had a deathbed conversion and Jesus said it was for real. We know easy believism exists, but other than if one renounces teh faith, it is the Lord who decides.

 

[One 2 question]

They may be. that is the Lord for decide. We do know that the Lord desires all to be saved. We know the penitent thief had a deathbed conversion and Jesus said it was for real. We know easy believism exists, but other than if one renounces teh faith, it is the Lord who decides.

The loss to this person is that they don't get opportunities to build up treasure in heaven.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

The loss to this person is that they don't get opportunities to build up treasure in heaven.

The loss to this person is that they don't get opportunities to build up treasure in heaven.

But they get heaven and to be with Jesus. I don't believe that people are going to envy another's treasure when the greatest treasure- Jesus, is at all our disposal.

 

[One 2 question]

But they get heaven and to be with Jesus. I don't believe that people are going to envy another's treasure when the greatest treasure- Jesus, is at all our disposal.

People might be more upset when the wages are handed out according to Jesus. As in one of His parables of the laborers for example.

Yes to be together in person with Jesus and Father will be the greatest treasure.

Yet Jesus commanded,
Mat 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

 

[Hey You!]

Here is an example of Christ's Ransom for All...

Peace Child ~ by ReverendRV * August 7

Ephesians 2:14 BSB; For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility

I love to read about powerful Missionary endeavors; one of my favorites involve a Canadian Missionary named Don Richardson. His family went to the Dutch New Guinea tribe, the Sawi people; Cannibalistic Headhunters. You can imagine how different the natives were and that they risked their lives on a daily basis there. The Gospel was foolishness to the Sawi and they looked at Judas as the hero and Jesus as the dupe. For the life of him, Don couldn’t figure out how to get them to understand; until one fateful night he experienced two warring tribes make Peace with a good Redemptive analogy. The two tribes exchanged some of their children with one another, and as long as the children were alive; Peace would exist. The Missionary finally had what he needed to preach to them; for God made Peace with his child…

To the Sawi this was a lightbulb moment, we’ve all had those before; are you ready for one? ~ Have you ever told a Lie? You snicker, “Yes; but that’s not much of a lightbulb moment”. What do you call people who tell Lies? “Telling Lies doesn’t make me a Liar!” Ah, you knew where I was going with this; but why are you the exception instead of the Rule? Have you ever stolen anything? What do you call people who steal? Does the cat have your tongue, or are you trying not to Lie about it? Do you believe in God? Since we can’t Omnisciently know that God doesn’t exist, you should. Atheism violates the first and second Commandments. “You shall have no other gods ‘before’ me” means that you ‘shall’ have the God of the Bible; and having no God at all means you have a false perspective of the Most High God; right? These were only four of the Ten Commandments, if God judged you by these, would you be innocent or guilty? Would you go to Heaven or Hell? Does this bother you? ~ You need a way to be at peace with God…

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life! We can’t fathom a love for Peace with an enemy, which would motivate us to give away our children for it; but the Sawi show us it’s not preposterous. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Son of Man in one person; given by the tribe of God and the tribe of Man to be made one. He alone lived a Sinless life for the purpose of being the Peace Offering we need because of our enmity with God. He shed his blood on the Cross and died; but he arose from the dead and as long as he is alive there will be Peace for those who believe. We’re Saved by the Grace of God through Faith in the risen Savior Jesus Christ, without Working for the gift of Peace. Repent of your Sins, Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord God and join the Mission of Christ; the Church. ~ The dividing wall of hostility between God and Man has been torn down by the GodMan, Jesus Christ. God will never ever be hostile to you again…

Isaiah 9:6 NIV; For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

[marks]

Trinitarians face a challenge in their belief that the entire Trinity died on the cross. They claim that Jesus is both fully God and fully man, but they need to prove that both aspects died on the cross. The Bible does not support this idea. Many theologians have tried to explain what is not clearly mentioned in Scripture. Did Jesus ever say he would sacrifice his body and divinity for humanity? No, he stated, “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). If he gave his flesh, could he take it back? What would happen to the ransom if it was reclaimed after being given?

I suggest learning the teaching of this passage:

Hebrews 10:5-10 KJV
5) Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7) Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8) Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9) Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Much love!

 

[Berean]

I suggest learning the teaching of this passage:

Hebrews 10:5-10 KJV
5) Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

At his baptism in the Jordan, Jesus said, 'You do not desire sacrifices and offerings, but you have prepared a body for me.' It's important to understand this statement. If it ended after 'You do not desire sacrifices and offerings,' it could lead to a misunderstanding. Sacrifices and offerings were indeed required for the Jews at that time. Ignoring them would have been disobedient. For example, every male had to go to Jerusalem each year for three feasts and perform the necessary rituals. Paul explained that these sacrifices were symbolic. They did not truly cleanse from sin but represented a desire to please God. When choosing an animal for sacrifice, it had to be healthy, showing the spirit of obedience. This act indicated goodwill, even if it seemed unusual. God designed the sacrifices to be bloody, as they symbolized Jesus Christ's suffering and the faithful Christians who faced persecution throughout history. Witnessing these sacrifices would have been shocking, reflecting the true cost of faith. The unpleasantness of these sacrifices served as a reminder to those who believed they were true followers, while the false Church has often persecuted the genuine Christian community.

6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

Why did God not take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices? They were not enjoyable events, but God required them because they were crucial in symbolizing what would occur later. If we understood what an animal represented, would we enjoy its death? If we witnessed Jesus Christ being crucified, would we find joy in that moment? Absolutely not! However, Jesus' enemies, who were cruel, took pleasure in his pain and death. Therefore, the animal sacrifices were intended to be unpleasant. In more recent history, the scent of blood in death camps spread for miles. Wouldn't the smell have been similar on the Day of Atonement, when the scent of death filled Jerusalem?

When these feasts are shown in films during the Kingdom Age, everyone will understand the significance of the sacrifices. The many sacrifices suggest they were recorded to highlight their reality. Seeing these events visually will clarify their meaning. People will be shocked to see Jesus depicted as a worm on the Cross. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be so disfigured that it would leave kings speechless, as they would witness things they had never heard of before. This shows that allowing evil was ultimately beneficial, even though it seems contrary to human understanding. God's allowance of evil serves as a powerful lesson, leading humanity to humbly acknowledge the Creator and His Son. We must keep these truths in mind, as we tend to forget easily. However, witnessing the reality will ensure these lessons are never forgotten.

God did not enjoy seeing animals die, but He allowed sacrifices. We should understand that it was for the best. We must trust that God planned this carefully. Thankfully, the existence of evil is only temporary! Compared to eternity, it will feel like a fleeting dream, but the lessons learned will endure forever.

7) Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

In reading these verses, we always have to keep in mind the other side of the coin. Failure to do so causes lack of respect and adoration for things that God has done in the past. For instance, Jesus’ purpose in coming down here at his First Advent was to do God’s will, as was written “in the volume of the book” in Psalm 40:7,8. Thus Jesus knew about the purpose before he came down here, but when he was born as a babe, he had no foreknowledge of his preexistence. Certainly even as an infant and a child, he did not remember his life as the Logos. He grew in wisdom and stature, so it wasn’t until after his immersion in Jordan that the Holy Spirit became a spirit of remembrance to him (Luke 2:52). Written prophetically in David’s day, the words “Lo, I come to do thy will, O God” were Jesus’ prayer, the sentiments of his heart, when he went to John the Baptist. As a perfect man with a perfect mind, he could grasp a lot from Scripture, but it was not until he came up out of the water that the foreknowledge of his preexistence flooded his mind, which is described as “the heavens were opened unto him” (Matt. 3:16). That foreknowledge, that sudden change, was so powerful that his new mind compelled him to go into the wilderness; that is, he had “found [himself] in fashion as a man” (Phil. 2:8). He realized that the Father had prepared a human body for him. After 40 days of prayer and meditation, he could then intelligently, accurately, and fastidiously perform God’s will as required in the Word. When we consecrated, the principle was very much the same. We gave our heart to the Lord, but we did not know all the things He would require. Had we known about all the trials and experiences in advance, the knowledge would have discouraged us. Jesus promised to be with us, and God said we would not be tried above that which we are able (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 10:13). Moreover, there is forgiveness through the blood, and Jesus is our High Priest. Because he overcame the world down here, he can give us advice through experience (John 16:33).

When we dedicated ourselves, the idea was similar. We committed to the Lord without knowing everything He would ask of us. If we had known all the challenges ahead, it might have discouraged us. Jesus assured us of His presence, and God promised not to test us beyond our strength (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 10:13). Additionally, there is forgiveness through His sacrifice, and Jesus serves as our High Priest. Since He triumphed in this world, He can guide us with His experience (John 16:33).

8) Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9) Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Before his baptism, Jesus was a perfect man who had the Holy Spirit like the Ancient Worthies. He had a perfect memory and was well-versed in the Law, understanding the failures of the Israelites. He thought deeply about these issues before his baptism. After being baptized, he gained knowledge of his existence as the Logos and his discussions with God about becoming the Redeemer. It seems likely that God offered him this role because he was sympathetic. The Logos rejoiced at the creation of man and was troubled by humanity's suffering. He was eager to pay the ransom for Adam. God likely shared much information with Jesus before his arrival. Jesus replaced the old Law Covenant with the New Covenant by being the true sacrifice for sins.

10) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

We are made holy by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ's body once for everyone. Jesus paid the price by giving his perfect life for Adam's. Paul mentioned the Church in the Book of Hebrews, showing that the Messiah is not just one person but a group with Jesus as the leader. The sacrifice for sin happened 'once for all' when Jesus, the leader, died at the start of the Gospel Age. The other members of the body will die over time, but their sacrifices will be recognized in the future when the Church is complete.

 

[marks]

At his baptism in the Jordan, Jesus said, 'You do not desire sacrifices and offerings, but you have prepared a body for me.' It's important to understand this statement. If it ended after 'You do not desire sacrifices and offerings,' it could lead to a misunderstanding. Sacrifices and offerings were indeed required for the Jews at that time. Ignoring them would have been disobedient. For example, every male had to go to Jerusalem each year for three feasts and perform the necessary rituals. Paul explained that these sacrifices were symbolic. They did not truly cleanse from sin but represented a desire to please God. When choosing an animal for sacrifice, it had to be healthy, showing the spirit of obedience. This act indicated goodwill, even if it seemed unusual. God designed the sacrifices to be bloody, as they symbolized Jesus Christ's suffering and the faithful Christians who faced persecution throughout history. Witnessing these sacrifices would have been shocking, reflecting the true cost of faith. The unpleasantness of these sacrifices served as a reminder to those who believed they were true followers, while the false Church has often persecuted the genuine Christian community.


Why did God not take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices? They were not enjoyable events, but God required them because they were crucial in symbolizing what would occur later. If we understood what an animal represented, would we enjoy its death? If we witnessed Jesus Christ being crucified, would we find joy in that moment? Absolutely not! However, Jesus' enemies, who were cruel, took pleasure in his pain and death. Therefore, the animal sacrifices were intended to be unpleasant. In more recent history, the scent of blood in death camps spread for miles. Wouldn't the smell have been similar on the Day of Atonement, when the scent of death filled Jerusalem?

When these feasts are shown in films during the Kingdom Age, everyone will understand the significance of the sacrifices. The many sacrifices suggest they were recorded to highlight their reality. Seeing these events visually will clarify their meaning. People will be shocked to see Jesus depicted as a worm on the Cross. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be so disfigured that it would leave kings speechless, as they would witness things they had never heard of before. This shows that allowing evil was ultimately beneficial, even though it seems contrary to human understanding. God's allowance of evil serves as a powerful lesson, leading humanity to humbly acknowledge the Creator and His Son. We must keep these truths in mind, as we tend to forget easily. However, witnessing the reality will ensure these lessons are never forgotten.

God did not enjoy seeing animals die, but He allowed sacrifices. We should understand that it was for the best. We must trust that God planned this carefully. Thankfully, the existence of evil is only temporary! Compared to eternity, it will feel like a fleeting dream, but the lessons learned will endure forever.

In reading these verses, we always have to keep in mind the other side of the coin. Failure to do so causes lack of respect and adoration for things that God has done in the past. For instance, Jesus’ purpose in coming down here at his First Advent was to do God’s will, as was written “in the volume of the book” in Psalm 40:7,8. Thus Jesus knew about the purpose before he came down here, but when he was born as a babe, he had no foreknowledge of his preexistence. Certainly even as an infant and a child, he did not remember his life as the Logos. He grew in wisdom and stature, so it wasn’t until after his immersion in Jordan that the Holy Spirit became a spirit of remembrance to him (Luke 2:52). Written prophetically in David’s day, the words “Lo, I come to do thy will, O God” were Jesus’ prayer, the sentiments of his heart, when he went to John the Baptist. As a perfect man with a perfect mind, he could grasp a lot from Scripture, but it was not until he came up out of the water that the foreknowledge of his preexistence flooded his mind, which is described as “the heavens were opened unto him” (Matt. 3:16). That foreknowledge, that sudden change, was so powerful that his new mind compelled him to go into the wilderness; that is, he had “found [himself] in fashion as a man” (Phil. 2:8). He realized that the Father had prepared a human body for him. After 40 days of prayer and meditation, he could then intelligently, accurately, and fastidiously perform God’s will as required in the Word. When we consecrated, the principle was very much the same. We gave our heart to the Lord, but we did not know all the things He would require. Had we known about all the trials and experiences in advance, the knowledge would have discouraged us. Jesus promised to be with us, and God said we would not be tried above that which we are able (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 10:13). Moreover, there is forgiveness through the blood, and Jesus is our High Priest. Because he overcame the world down here, he can give us advice through experience (John 16:33).

When we dedicated ourselves, the idea was similar. We committed to the Lord without knowing everything He would ask of us. If we had known all the challenges ahead, it might have discouraged us. Jesus assured us of His presence, and God promised not to test us beyond our strength (Matt. 28:20; 1 Cor. 10:13). Additionally, there is forgiveness through His sacrifice, and Jesus serves as our High Priest. Since He triumphed in this world, He can guide us with His experience (John 16:33).

Before his baptism, Jesus was a perfect man who had the Holy Spirit like the Ancient Worthies. He had a perfect memory and was well-versed in the Law, understanding the failures of the Israelites. He thought deeply about these issues before his baptism. After being baptized, he gained knowledge of his existence as the Logos and his discussions with God about becoming the Redeemer. It seems likely that God offered him this role because he was sympathetic. The Logos rejoiced at the creation of man and was troubled by humanity's suffering. He was eager to pay the ransom for Adam. God likely shared much information with Jesus before his arrival. Jesus replaced the old Law Covenant with the New Covenant by being the true sacrifice for sins.

We are made holy by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ's body once for everyone. Jesus paid the price by giving his perfect life for Adam's. Paul mentioned the Church in the Book of Hebrews, showing that the Messiah is not just one person but a group with Jesus as the leader. The sacrifice for sin happened 'once for all' when Jesus, the leader, died at the start of the Gospel Age. The other members of the body will die over time, but their sacrifices will be recognized in the future when the Church is complete.

I've just come to understand the profound differences in your view of God and Jesus and Christianity and mine.


Much love!