The study of the nature of God
The study of the nature of God:
My Reflection
Anonymous
Theology 104
Professor
October 01, 2009The study of the nature of God:
My Reflection
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 4:21 TDB:NIV) One of the many unique qualities of Christianity is that the Bible talks about testing everything and holding on to the good. God knows what was, what is, and what is to come. He wants us to test all things in order for us to have a better understanding and to be aware of false prophecies. Throughout Theology 104, I have been indulged by a wealth of biblical knowledge. Through the text Core Christianity, Dr. Elmer Towns has opened my eyes to a better understanding of what being a Christian is really about. We are called to be fishers of men, to help others I must have a better understanding of the Bible. Questioning and getting answers is one of the best ways to acquire knowledge. As such in an array of topics to cover, I have chosen three questioning areas to base a better understanding:
1. Did Jesus claim to be God?
2. Did Jesus need to be born of a virgin?
3. If a person is a Christian, does it matter how they live their life?
This reflection on the study of the nature of God covers these three questions.
Did Jesus claim to be God?
In one of the most famous Old Testament stories of Moses, God appears before him and tells him to talk to His people. ‘God said to Moses, “I AM who I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites “I AM has sent me to you.” ’ (Exodus 3:14 TDB:NIV) Throughout His talks Jesus referred to himself as the “I AM” just like God referred to himself when speaking to Moses. When the Jews asked Jesus if he had seen Abraham, Jesus replied “Most assuredly, I say to you before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58 NKJV) Who else would say that he was before Abraham was? God himself would state the claim. Jesus assuredly claimed his divinity as God. When Jesus was betrayed he repeatedly said “I am
My Reflection
Anonymous
Theology 104
Professor
October 01, 2009The study of the nature of God:
My Reflection
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 4:21 TDB:NIV) One of the many unique qualities of Christianity is that the Bible talks about testing everything and holding on to the good. God knows what was, what is, and what is to come. He wants us to test all things in order for us to have a better understanding and to be aware of false prophecies. Throughout Theology 104, I have been indulged by a wealth of biblical knowledge. Through the text Core Christianity, Dr. Elmer Towns has opened my eyes to a better understanding of what being a Christian is really about. We are called to be fishers of men, to help others I must have a better understanding of the Bible. Questioning and getting answers is one of the best ways to acquire knowledge. As such in an array of topics to cover, I have chosen three questioning areas to base a better understanding:
1. Did Jesus claim to be God?
2. Did Jesus need to be born of a virgin?
3. If a person is a Christian, does it matter how they live their life?
This reflection on the study of the nature of God covers these three questions.
Did Jesus claim to be God?
In one of the most famous Old Testament stories of Moses, God appears before him and tells him to talk to His people. ‘God said to Moses, “I AM who I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites “I AM has sent me to you.” ’ (Exodus 3:14 TDB:NIV) Throughout His talks Jesus referred to himself as the “I AM” just like God referred to himself when speaking to Moses. When the Jews asked Jesus if he had seen Abraham, Jesus replied “Most assuredly, I say to you before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58 NKJV) Who else would say that he was before Abraham was? God himself would state the claim. Jesus assuredly claimed his divinity as God. When Jesus was betrayed he repeatedly said “I am
References: Definition of blasphemy. Retrieved October 08, 2011, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/blasphemy God’s divine nature. Retrieved October 08, 2011, from http://www.access-jesus.com/gods-divine-nature.html Gordon, C. H., Almah in Isaiah 7:14, The Journal of Bible & Religion, Vol. 21 (April 1953), p Hell’s best kept secret (August 1982). Retrieved October 08, 2011, from http://www.livingwaters.com/helps/HellsBestKeptSecret.pdf Holy bible: New King James Version. (1982). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Teen Devotional Bible: New International Version. (1999). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Corporation. The definition of human nature. Retrieved October 08, 2011, from http://www.access-jesus.com/definition-of-human-nature.html Towns, E. (2007). Core Christianity: What Christianity is all about. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.