Anastasis
Since this is my first blog I should explain why I chose to name my site "Resurrection Dogmatics." The simple reason is that all things "resurrection" is one of my chief interests and passions, both Jesus' own resurrection and that of believers at the eschaton. But there is a more complex reason. In my observations modern Christianity has tended to remove the resurrection of Jesus from its rightful center in the Christian kerygma to its peripheral. The death, more specifically the cross has replaced the resurrection as the principal theological fulcrum of Christian dogmatics.
This is exhibited in evangelical preaching. Unbelievers are told that the way to become a part of the believing community is to accept Jesus as their personal savior and to believe he died for their sins. Rarely today is the resurrection mentioned in connection with the salvation message. This is in striking contrast to the way the kerygma was proclaimed in early Christianity. The Resurrection was central and foundational to the message proclaimed by the Apostles and primitive believers. Indeed one cannot traverse through the book of Acts (the narration of the early church's beginnings) without observing that for every message preached the resurrection is almost always mentioned in connection with that message, even to the extent that in Acts 17:v18ff, Paul's emphasis on Jesus and the Resurrection causes some of the Athenians to understand this message as concerning two deities, Jesus and his female counterpart ( the word for Resurrection being feminine in Greek; Iesous kai Anastasis)!
Not only has the resurrection been deemphasized but its significance and theological implications have often been misunderstood or not treated accordingly. For instance, when theologians treat the topic of the resurrection of Jesus it's often with the sole purpose to demonstrate that Jesus' being raised from the dead signifies his divinity. Furthermore, when not being used as a divinity proof, the resurrection is utilized (primarily by Christian philosophers) as a valuable apologetic tool in which to validate Christain truth claims. Now, I am not suggesting that there is not a need to ground the historicity of Jesus' resurrection. I for one feel that there is. My problem is rather that when this has been done, rarely do these people take the step forward to understand and explicate the signficance (not just its apologetic significance) and implications of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. It is not enough to say that it happened and then not ask: ok, what does this mean?
Thus part of the task of this blog site will be to, over the course of time, explore, among otheer things: 1) the significance of resurrection for the primitive believers, 2) the resurrection as a proper theological and soteriological concept, 3) resurrection in connection with eschatology, and 4) the implications of the resurrection for modern Christians. Hopefully, this will foster productive discussion in the hopes of aiding me in my future reasearch and studies.
This is exhibited in evangelical preaching. Unbelievers are told that the way to become a part of the believing community is to accept Jesus as their personal savior and to believe he died for their sins. Rarely today is the resurrection mentioned in connection with the salvation message. This is in striking contrast to the way the kerygma was proclaimed in early Christianity. The Resurrection was central and foundational to the message proclaimed by the Apostles and primitive believers. Indeed one cannot traverse through the book of Acts (the narration of the early church's beginnings) without observing that for every message preached the resurrection is almost always mentioned in connection with that message, even to the extent that in Acts 17:v18ff, Paul's emphasis on Jesus and the Resurrection causes some of the Athenians to understand this message as concerning two deities, Jesus and his female counterpart ( the word for Resurrection being feminine in Greek; Iesous kai Anastasis)!
Not only has the resurrection been deemphasized but its significance and theological implications have often been misunderstood or not treated accordingly. For instance, when theologians treat the topic of the resurrection of Jesus it's often with the sole purpose to demonstrate that Jesus' being raised from the dead signifies his divinity. Furthermore, when not being used as a divinity proof, the resurrection is utilized (primarily by Christian philosophers) as a valuable apologetic tool in which to validate Christain truth claims. Now, I am not suggesting that there is not a need to ground the historicity of Jesus' resurrection. I for one feel that there is. My problem is rather that when this has been done, rarely do these people take the step forward to understand and explicate the signficance (not just its apologetic significance) and implications of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. It is not enough to say that it happened and then not ask: ok, what does this mean?
Thus part of the task of this blog site will be to, over the course of time, explore, among otheer things: 1) the significance of resurrection for the primitive believers, 2) the resurrection as a proper theological and soteriological concept, 3) resurrection in connection with eschatology, and 4) the implications of the resurrection for modern Christians. Hopefully, this will foster productive discussion in the hopes of aiding me in my future reasearch and studies.
Chris,
Best wishes with the new blog. I look forward to reading your posts. Anything about the resurrection is always worth thinking about. I wrote an article on justification and resurrection sometime ago so I share your concern in showing that resurrection far more central to the early Christian belief mosaic than many realize.
Posted by
Michael F. Bird |
4:43 AM
Thanks Chris. Welcome to the blogosphere.
I hope to hear plenty of interaction with NTW, Resurrection and the Son of God, and on the Jewish background to Resurrection theology in the NT, which might fall into categories one and three in your "things to explore list."
You might also consider discussing book by book the significance of Rez and Eschat.
I hear you guys recently lost Gushee at Union--sorry for your loss--I've learned a lot from him.
Posted by
J. B. Hood |
8:06 PM
Hi Chris.
Welcome to the blogosphere! Considering the main topic of your blog, I would be interested in a post about the meaning and implications for modern (and all, really) Christians of Matthew 22:23-33, specifically verse 30.
You said that theologians sometimes treat the resurrection almost exclusively as a means to an end (Jesus is divine, the Christian faith is based on an historic truth claim). I agree. Also, I think that theologians mostly talk about the above passage in the same manner. They use it to simply show that the institution of marriage ends and then (quickly) move on to other things.
But what are the ramifications of this passage? I imagine that, since marriage is the divinely established outlet for sexual intimacy (and the deep emotional intimacy this creates) and the building of the family, many people have been discouraged or angered by this passage. What of babies who have died or those who were eunuchs from their mother's womb (19:12), or those who're too hideously disfigured? Also, What of a millenial view of Isaiah 65:23? Yet, this passage usually receives nothing more than a parenthetical mention in articles and discussions.
I look forward to your thoughts on this topic and others. God bless.
Posted by
Anonymous |
2:52 AM
The resurrection of the Messiah Jesus/Yeshua to the jews....
The resurrection speaks of the power of God to bring Jesus from beyond death. God still saves. And Jesus reflected the face/character and heart of Father God in Heaven. For 3 days Jesus was preaching to the captives in sheol the gospel of good news. When Jesus resurrected, by the power of God, many other first fruit/wave offerings of the first fruits, think leviticus 23 were also resurrected. Lazarus was foreshadow and type before the death of the Messiah Jesus, to the power of God.
Now in Isaiah 52 it speaks of the suffering servant.( my fav passage of scripture btw) Israel was looking for a King to conquer the roman empire and it's slavery/bondage. They did not percieve that the Messiah first had to come as a suffering servant to free people of bondage of sin of the whole world. Remember the jews were made blind till the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Romans 11 here. Also Ezek 37-39.This includes a timeline and corresponds with revelations 19.
Then the whole house of Israel will be restored. (but only a remnant,but thru the human timeline, all in and thru Jesus the Messiah, either natural or wild olive branch) This happened on Pesach/Passover when the angel of death flew over, and only those with the blood on the doorposts were spared the death of their first born. So the death and resurrection signify both. Paul spoke the mystery of this very thing. Of Christ's death and the power of His resurrection. They are happily married and work as one. I call it the love of God in action! Who would die for a righteous man? How much more for those who don't deserve it! Jesus died so that the whole world could now come to God,if they so choose to,they now can seek God 's face and presence. Most will tho, still not, and forsake such a precious gift.
And Jesus came as also the Example aka 'The Way' in which how to live. His resurrection and resurrected body gave hints to what those, in Him, may someday become, so in that likeness,on the day of resurrection, speaking here of heavenly tents. We will also be like the angels. Messiah Jesus is the Tree of Life after all. Lucifer is symbolic of the forbidden fruit/dark
wisdom and known as the withered tree in the Garden. Ok, it's the other tree, I call it the withered tree! LOL! It's the tree God told Adam and Eve not to touch. It was beautiful,appealing, and it looked good to eat, but it pure poison, it's wormwood ok!
Acts 17:v18ff, Paul's emphasis on Jesus and the Resurrection causes some of the Athenians to understand this message as concerning two deities, Jesus and his female counterpart ( the word for Resurrection being feminine in Greek; Iesous kai Anastasis)!
Wisdom, the Spirit of God is known as female in the OT. Proverbs 3 it speaks of her. The Spirit of God is gentle, it whispers, it's called the wind. Is submission to the will of Father God in Heaven. God to read proverbs 4 too tho.
Proverbs 3
Guidance for the Young
1 My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
***13Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.***
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“ Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools. (selah!)
.....
Mind you diety is important here. This Son of Man claimed before Abraham I AM! Um... that's God's Almighty's title and name. That's the shema! God is one. Also love God with all your heart, soul, mind and body. That too is the shema.
So Jesus was in the flesh and is the reflection of the face of God. Now if Jesus were just a man, then God don't save! God saves...He saves mankind, but He did this very thing thru His own begotten Son ( OT here-today I have beggotten you!)
So Jesus had to be more that just a man! Can people save themselves? No way! only God saves!
To jews, names are very important ok, they reveal one's essence and destiny.Example my name means perfect battlemaiden. Don't laugh that's what it means. Now check out Jesus's names and titles ok. Messiah means annointed of God. Jesus means God saves. Yeshua means Joshua. Immanuel means God is with us! Get a strong's concordence,it has greek and hebrew wod meanings. Never hurts to know hebrew wither.LOL. Jesus was jewish,Joseph came from Bethelem in Judah, Mary came from Nazereth in northern Israel, so the northern kingdom of Israel,in Ephraim. Even these cities have meanings.Remember 'every jot and tittle' here. Everything has meaning and purpose.
Jesus- 2424-Iesous ee-ay-sooce' of Hebrew origin (3091); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus
(ok, jews do not use 'J's here, 'Y's yes! so Yehoshua)
hebrew 3091-Yhowshuwa` yeh-ho-shoo'-ah or Yhowshua {yeh-ho-shoo'-ah}; from 3068 and 3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader:--Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare 1954, 3442.
3068-Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw' from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
3467 yasha` yaw-shah' a primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor:--X at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory.
3050 Yahh yaw contraction for 3068, and meaning the same; Jah, the sacred name:--Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in "-iah," "- jah."
3169 Ychizqiyah yekh-iz-kee-yaw' or Ychizqiyahuw {yekh-iz-kee-yaw'- hoo}; from 3388 and 3050; strengthened of Jah; Jechizkijah, the name of five Israelites:--Hezekiah, Jehizkiah. Compare 2396.
..........
Now if Jesus were a mere man, why did the Pharisees and Sadducees get their tzit tzits in an uproar? They claimed Jesus spoke blasphemy! They said he claimed to be God. Also if Jesus were a mere man then even Krishna, buddha and anyone else can save mankind. Sorry not possible, only one key,one door folks! God came in the flesh, died and resurrected. I do not know of any other avatars that did that one. The ancient myths I have heard them all, I say...where's the proof? Jesus is the only one I know, and is recorded in proven documents,archeology and history as dying and resurrection for mankind. So
diety is important here!
'But now we only see in the mirror darkly, then we will be face to face. I will know them, as I myself will be made finally
known.' D owe truly know what we will become? We do get a glimpse, we will be in Jesus's likeness and image. Just look at
what things Jesus did after his resurrection among the 12. He walled thru walls, he ate with them etc. Before the girls, He was not even done ascending to His Father yet,for he told one girl 'touch me not for I have yet to ascend to My Father in Heaven' so didn't inherited the Kingdom yet. Not so till He met up with the 12 afterwards.
So something to think about and ponder.
shalom
crimsonwarrior
Posted by
Anonymous |
6:08 PM
Sorry typos here, bad for that...
Wisdom, the Spirit of God is known as female in the OT. Proverbs 3 it speaks of her. The Spirit of God is gentle, it whispers, it's called the wind. Is submission to the will of Father God in Heaven. God to read proverbs 4 too tho.
snip...
This should read, The Spirit of God/as a she, submits to the will of God in Heaven. The Holy Spriti is male. Yet Gdo in the beginning asa gentle aka feminine side. Genisus again... Let US God,Jesus and the Spirit of God in OUR image. And in the IMAGE of God he created THEM. aka male and female. Patterned after the plants and animal kingdoms. Think Noah's ark ok!
Now when God made Adam...the man, Adam had God's whole nature. The ying and the yang is the best to describe it. Only when God took the rib from Adam did Adam split in soul composition. Eve is Adam's other half of Self/Soul. God who's male carries both natures. He's whole!
When God breathed into Adam, breath is Spirit and Spirit is Life. Adam became a living soul. Jesus became 'the life giving Spirit'. To be born from above is to be God breathed. Babes when born, they get a slap on the butt,they take their first breath and cry out real loud. No wonder look at this world *rolling eyeballs now*, but anyways....
Btw, your soul is your personality/character. Mind, emotions and will. Spirit is the breath of God. Body, that just a shell to get from point A to point B.
Hm.... I bet there is a guy out there who is missing a rib that I have!LOL. Ok, I'm done bugging now.
shalom
crimsonwarrior
Posted by
Anonymous |
6:25 PM
Now when God made Adam...the man, Adam had God's whole nature. The ying and the yang is the best to describe it. Only when God took the rib from Adam did Adam split in soul composition. Eve is Adam's other half of Self/Soul. God who's male carries both natures. He's whole!
snip...
Sheesh , I am having problems with expressing thoughts today. Natures could also means aspects as in males/female aspect, tho God is still distinctly male in essence. So all of God, in His 3 manifestations are strictly male in composition. But having both male/female aspects to their male essence. Kinda like having a gentle side..that idea of aspects. I think that would be the better term to use here! God is definitely all Male here! Jesus tho very male in composition, also has that gentle side to himself- the female aspect as it were. I do not advocate in anyway that God is in anyway is female. Female/feminine just to mean His gentle side, so 'aspect' is more the word I was thinking for.
Example, I'm a female, but I can come off acting very masculine-like. Don't make me male in any real sense, just agressive like a male can be.It's that 'leadership and protect' male thing. It's like a girl who enjoys tinkering with cars, it fun to get one's hands dirty.... not like doing boring housework. Cars are a fun challenge. Get the idea?
Sorry about that... and the many typos, typing on the fly here.
crimsonwarrior
Posted by
Anonymous |
6:44 PM