Reading the opening verses of John's gospel, I am reminded how incredible the incarnation is. That is just how amazing it is that in Jesus is what a life full of God looks like - Jesus is God incarnate.
As great as the Bible is, let us be very clear, the Bible is not the greatest revelation of God. John is very clear that the greatest way we know God is not through scriptures but through the Word made flesh (aka - Jesus).
The UMC has a tradition of holding the scriptures as one of the four corners of the quadrilateral. You may have heard it before that the UMC "does" theology using scripture, tradition, experience and reason. But again, for clarity sake, these four sources, even if they are combined, are not even close to being on par with the Word made flesh.
So while we read the Word, let us not be confused. John is not talking about the written words on a page. John is not talking about the Bible. John in not talking about any scripture at all. John is talking about Jesus Christ.
We do not worship the Bible. We worship Christ, whom we understand to be the Word made flesh.
In our efforts to better understand Jesus, let us not forget that the Bible is but a finger pointing to the moon that is Christ. Do not confuse the finger with the beauty and complexity of the moon.
As great as the Bible is, let us be very clear, the Bible is not the greatest revelation of God. John is very clear that the greatest way we know God is not through scriptures but through the Word made flesh (aka - Jesus).
The UMC has a tradition of holding the scriptures as one of the four corners of the quadrilateral. You may have heard it before that the UMC "does" theology using scripture, tradition, experience and reason. But again, for clarity sake, these four sources, even if they are combined, are not even close to being on par with the Word made flesh.
So while we read the Word, let us not be confused. John is not talking about the written words on a page. John is not talking about the Bible. John in not talking about any scripture at all. John is talking about Jesus Christ.
We do not worship the Bible. We worship Christ, whom we understand to be the Word made flesh.In our efforts to better understand Jesus, let us not forget that the Bible is but a finger pointing to the moon that is Christ. Do not confuse the finger with the beauty and complexity of the moon.
3 comments:
That is a truth for me as well. Roxana
I have been pondering this blog post for a few days now. I think that it indeed a sign of a great blog post. The purpose is to get people thinking, which is great.
I keep coming back to the historical fact that the Bible, Scripture, is referred to as the Word of God. While I concur whole heartedly about Jesus being the most full revelation of God the Father. I think Hebrews 1.1-3 bears testimony to this fact, "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times, and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the exact radiance of God's glory, and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."
I still can't get over the fact, that the Church has referred to the Bible as the Word of God. I am not saying this to equate the Bible, or it's words to be equal to Jesus. Jesus is fully God, and the Bible is not that. Surely, we should be able to say we revere the Bible, because it is a special revelation of God to us. We don't worship the Bible, but we worship God through the Bible.
I believe we can elevate Scripture to a high standing, without diminishing Jesus and who He is. I guess that is main point of what I am attempting to feebly say.
Again, thanks for making me think!
Ryan, agreed. Thanks for reading and thanks for posting.
Post a Comment