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Bible Questions and Spiritual Discussion
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Jesus Christ...... Example or Sacrifice?
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In his book “The Imitation of Christ” Thomas À Kempis a Medieval Catholic Monk expounded on the idea that Christianity is the imitation of the life of Jesus Christ.
He began by saying:
“ ‘He that followeth Me, walketh not in darkness,’ saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are taught to imitate His life and manners, if we would be truly enlightened, and be delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chief endeavor be to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.”
Contemporary wisdom however is that Jesus Christ was a sacrifice for sin and not the example that we should imitate. This is a continuation of the old Hebrew beliefs that predate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus came teaching a message that went totally against everything that the Hebrews believed, so much so that they challenged His teaching and eventually sought His death.
But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. (Matthew 12:2KJV)
And Jesus replied:
But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. (Matthew 12:6-8KJV)
(If you knew what this meant, I will have mercy and not sacrifice;) Is a comment that Jesus made to the Hebrews more than once because they believed in the sacrifice.
Jesus Christ went to the cross to reveal “THE TRUTH” (the law of the supremacy of Spirit over matter) and not as payment to a God of vengeance for human wrong doings.
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. (John 10:17-18KJV)
What we believe is crucial. Incorrect beliefs are as ineffectual as no beliefs at all. As Jesus said you can worship Him in vain if you exchange His teaching for doctrine.
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:8-9KJV)
There are some very, very difficult times up ahead during which we are all going to need faith in “THE TRUTH” and not the credulous belief in doctrine.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ also known as the “Apocalypse” is the book of the consummation of the divine plan.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. (Revelation 1:1-2KJV)
The word apocalypse means “unveiling,” and for those who have received the message, there is no fear of doomsday, the end of the world nor the wrath of a vengeful God.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:17-18KJV)
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TRWord 10/17/2011 04:07 |
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Bibleman
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10/17/2011 08:28 |
Good stuff, but I think you have made a western mistake of saying that Jesus is not both a sacrifice and an example on how to live. Contemporary wisdom suggests Jesus is both.
further, I fail to see how believing Jesus was sacrificed as atonement for our sins is an ineffectual belief. I simply believe it is not necessary to believe because it is simply doctrine. The real question isn't what doctrine we believe, but do we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior. as you say, TRUTH.
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Ray
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10/17/2011 11:35 |
and as always, remember it's not what goes in, but what comes out. Matthew 15:11 - James 2:20-24 - John 15:14
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