The God of John's gospel, the God of the Old Testament

a reply to: Akragon
The New Testament is focussed on the death and resurrection of Jesus.
In his teaching, and in the acts of power which accompanied his teaching, he was showing us God's will.
In his death and resurrection, he was accomplishing God's will. So that is the central point.

a reply to: DISRAELI

Him being the "sacrificial lamb"

Holding to the OT idea, a life for a life...

except Jesus didn't teach that

a reply to: Akragon
That is the kind of large topic I prefer to discuss in prepared threads.
As a taster, I will just leave you with "The son of man came... to give his life". Mark ch10 v45

a reply to: DISRAELI

Just means he knew he was going to die...

Im sure the Father told him what was to happen before he came...

a reply to: Akragon
It is about the purpose of his coming, as the words I omitted ("not to be served, but to serve") make more clear.

originally posted by: Akragon
a reply to: DISRAELI

alright...

so what was more important to you in your belief set?

His death, or what he taught?

I vote both.

a reply to: Akragon

Oh, I have done some reading on the Gnostics, as far as that's concerned. Actually had some pastors talk about them as well, so there's that. You might be surprised what is taught in a solid church.

As for books of that nature, I know about them, and have skimmed some of the stuff, but it's not Scriptural. Such books don't even read like truth. You can call that subjective, if you like, but I call it knowing. The Gnostics might have been around before Jesus' days, but they don't pre-date Him. Not possible to pre-date one's Creator, after all!

I have read about those writings, and, while they are interesting from a historical point of view, that doesn't make them Scripture. Yes, a matter of personal belief there, and I know a lot of people believe differently.

a reply to: LadyGreenEyes

I have read about those writings, and, while they are interesting from a historical point of view, that doesn't make them Scripture.

It would be scripture to a Gnostic Christian...

The Quran isn't scripture to Christians either... but im sure it is for a Muslim

originally posted by: Akragon
a reply to: LadyGreenEyes

I have read about those writings, and, while they are interesting from a historical point of view, that doesn't make them Scripture.

It would be scripture to a Gnostic Christian...

The Quran isn't scripture to Christians either... but im sure it is for a Muslim

This is true. For me, it's just distortion. It can be interesting reading, though.