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Saturday, January 26, 2013

Compass points in John's Record

        We have noticed previously the underlying themes of John's writings. I leave you to read and research the remaining ones. Today I would like to highlight the repeated blessing in the crescendo of revelation.
        Each time the Lord Jesus is presented in His varied glory, we ought to worship!  But in the midst of this, we are given great and precious promises.  These are not promises that are limited by a culture or context, but promises for all time. Some promises in the Old Testament  and also the New , are limited to a time or particular people e.g. Deuteronomy 18.1'If you faithfully obey the Lord God......  God will set you above the nations of the earth'  ( today faithfulness brings suffering and persecution ).
           John's writings are not focused on a people or a time, but on God in His Son, revealed for the world.

In chapter 1, the Word, the Son revealed brings with it the great promise of verse 12 ' to receive Him, is to become children of God' !

Chapter 3.14-16 This man to be uplifted (crucifixion), God's Son given for the world -has the promise of eternal life for all who will believe!

Chapter 5.24   This promise is couched in some of the most sublime teaching of  the Bible. i.e. perfect harmony between the Father and the Son, commitment of final judgement to the Son, the prospect of ultimate resurrection for all according  to the command of the Son. How fitting then to give the promise "  Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life."

Chapter 6.47 After demonstrating that He was greater than Moses, the promise is again put forward - "whoever believes in Me has eternal life"

Chapter 10.9  This classic discourse of the Good Shepherd is full of promises eg "if anyone enters in, they will be saved" Jesus goes on to outline the motive for His impending death and the fact that He will gather other sheep beyond the fold if Israel and finalizes His words  with this promise - "they will never perish"

               There are many more promises for you to discover. See them in the context of His greatness and glory. The promises are within reach of sincere faith and lead to the ultimate fulfilment of knowing HIM. (17.3)

J. McKee

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