Last weekend a blog post by Justin Taylor, and tweet by John Piper, began a long discussion about Rob Bell’s upcoming book “Love Wins” (scheduled for release on March 15). Below is a compilation of the various threads of the discussion that have occurred over the last week.

The original article by Justin Taylor

CNN’s coverage of Justin Taylor’s article

An overview and initial thoughts by Jason Boyett

Initial thoughts by Rachel Held Evans

Kevin DeYoung’s reasoning as to why Matthew 18 does not apply to Rob Bell

Matthew Paul Turner – “How to survive Rob Bell’s new book release?”

An argument that love does indeed win

Al Mohler on Rob Bell and the assumed content of his book

Jim Hamilton asserts hell glorifies God and Bell is trying to rob God of glory

Scot McKnight writes that the book should actually be read before it is reviewed

Ben Witherington promotes waiting for Bell’s book, and condemns Piper’s condemnation

Mark Galli (Christianity Today) reviews Christian views on heaven and hell

Orthodoxy vs. Heresy: a power game

Stephen Lamb writes about what Rob Bell has said and written in the past

The New York Times sums it all up

O Me of Little Faith: True Confessions of a Spiritual Weakling
By Jason Boyett

“I am a Christian. I have been a Christian for most of my life. But there are times – a growing number of times, to be honest – when I’m not entirely sure I believe in God.” So begins Jason Boyett’s poignant spiritual memoir in which he honestly confronts the challenges to his faith; the things the raise doubt within his soul.

Ultimately, a Christian faith is grounded on one assertion: there is a God. Throughout history different theologians have postulated theories in an effort to prove God. Boyett briefly acknowledges these theories, but also acknowledges that each theory has its own flaws. The conclusion Boyett reaches is that the existence or non-existence of God is improvable.

There are many Christians for whom the provability of God is not a stumbling block for their faith; they simply believe God exists. Boyett does not claim to be in this group. Boyett wrestles with the concern that his faith may ultimately be grounded in nothing. How does one remain a Christian with such doubt? Is it worthwhile to remain a Christian with such doubt? Boyett addresses these questions.

O Me of Little Faith never promises to give answers on how to resolve the doubts a Christian may face. What this memoir does is speak a word of hope into the hearts of those living a life of doubting faith.

The ultimate conclusion of boyett’s book is that doubt does not necessarily conflict with faith. In fact, doubt is often used by God to build up the faith of a doubter. Boyett believes that it can be a healthy thing to cling with one hand to your doubt, and with one hand to your faith; and so be led into God’s presence. There may not be an ultimate resolution (to this book, to our lives, to our faith, or to our doubts); but, it also may be okay to live a life that is never fully resolved.

If you struggle with doubt, read this book. If you do not understand why a Christian would doubt, then there are probably better uses of your time.

Book Description from Zondervan

O Me of Little Faith is a brutally honest, frequently hilarious look at the struggles of a self-confessed spiritual weakling. Jason Boyett invites you to ask the hard questions and remain hopeful as he examines how you doubt, why you doubt, and what (if anything) should be done about it.

In O Me of Little Faith, author Jason Boyett brings you a transparent and personal account of his own of struggles with doubts and unbelief in living out his faith. With humor and frankness, Boyett uses personal anecdotes and a fresh look at Scripture to explore the realities of pursuing Christ through a field of doubt.

After three decades of knowing God, understanding Christianity, and living a Christian life, Boyett has come to the place where he can voice the tough questions and travel the road of uncertainty with blinders off, candor on.

The message along the way is one of encouragement: Relax. Rely on the grace of a merciful God, a kind father who realizes that his finite creatures must have doubts, should have questions, and will have trouble making sense of an infinite Creator. Ultimately, Boyett concludes that doubt and faith are not polar opposites, but actually work together, existing side-by-side.

Uplifting, entertaining, hopeful, O Me of Little Faith will strike a chord with you and any Christian who’s dealing with the uncertainties of living life in pursuit of a God who occasionally seems to disappear.

Evolving in Monkey Town
By Rachel Held Evans
This book was provided for review by the publisher

Rachel Held Evans grew up as a conservative Christian in the heart of the Bible Belt. Throughout school she took pride in winning the Best Christian Attitude award, and she spent considerable time learning apologetics. “I was a fundamentalist,” she writes, “in the sense that I thought salvation means having the right opinions about God and that fighting the good fight of faith requires defending those opinions at all costs.” Then she began to question her faith. It began by considering the specific case an Afghan Muslim woman, Zarmina, executed for alleged adultery after a sham trial. This woman had never had the opportunity to now Jesus, was she condemned to hell?

Evans has written an excellent memoir focusing on her journey from certainty to doubt. It is not evil, or un-Christian to ask good questions and express doubt about what our religion professes. Rather than doubt being a destructive force, Evan’s doubt allowed her to move to a fuller faith in Jesus.

I highly recommend this book. Anyone who grew up in the church and then experienced or is experiencing a time of doubt will relate to Evan’s book. Anyone who is part of the church but has never gone through an intense time of doubt would do well to read this memoir as a tool to connect with the disaffected and disinterested younger generation they are trying to reach. This generation does not care if you know the answers, rather, it cares that you know how to ask the right questions.

Book Description from Zondervan

Eighty years after the Scopes Monkey Trial made a spectacle of Christian fundamentalism and brought national attention to her hometown, Rachel Held Evans faced a trial of her own when she began to have doubts about her faith. Growing up in a culture obsessed with apologetics, Evans asks questions she never thought she would ask. She learns that in order for her faith to survive in a postmodern context, it must adapt to change and evolve.

In Evolving in Monkey Town, Rachel Held Evans recounts her experiences growing up in Dayton, Tennessee, a town that epitomized Christian fundamentalism during the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. With fearless honesty, Evans describes how her faith survived her doubts and challenges readers to re-imagine Christianity in a postmodern context, where knowing all the answers isn’t as important as asking the questions.

Using as an illustration her own spiritual journey from certainty, through doubt, to faith, Evans adds a unique perspective to the ongoing dialogue about postmodernism and the church that has so captivated the Christian community in recent years.

In a changing cultural environment where new ideas threaten the safety and security of the faith, Evolving in Monkey Town is a fearlessly honest story of survival.

Here Burns My Candle
By Liz Curtis Higgs
This book was provided for review from the publisher

Here Burns My Candle is the story of one wealthy family’s struggle as live in Scotland during the Jacobite rebellion. A widow is living with her two sons and their wives. Against their mother’s wishes the sons join the rebellion. The entire family is forced to live with the consequences.

I am most definitely the wrong demographic for this historical romance. ***SPOILERS MAY FOLLOW*** The only reason I requested a copy of this book was because it was marketed as a Scottish retelling of the book of Ruth; that is an interesting idea. Unfortunately, this 454 page tome is a retelling of only the first chapter of Ruth. My understanding is that the story is continued in additional books.

I am not a fan of the historical romance genre because, typically, nothing happens. That is also my complaint with this book; there is a lot of pretty scenery, but nothing happens. It was with great difficulty that I pushed my way through the last half of the story.

If the entire series were condensed down to one book the size of Here Burns My Candle, then I could probably get on board. That would be a great story. As for this book, there is just too little story spread over too many pages for me to recommend this book. That being said, this book was not written for me. Those who enjoy historical romance will probably enjoy this book.

Book Description from Random House

Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.

A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home.

Transforming Church in Rural America
By Shannon O’Dell
This books was provided for review from the publisher through BookSneeze.com

In 2003, Shannon O’Dell felt that he was called to leave his youth pastor position at a large church in a large city and pastor a small rural church. Once in leadership O’Dell met opposition to change and so undertook an effort to recreate the church to his vision. After many of the original church members left, the church grew and joined together with another church down the road. The church now has a focus on reaching people through satellite locations.

The more irritated I become with a book the more I tend to write in its margins; my copy of this book is littered with margin notes. O’Dell paints himself as savior of the rural church. He repeatedly speaks of what the rural church needs to learn (pp 38, 47, 63, 85), while failing to describe what the rural church has taught him. O’Dell repeatedly stereotypes and condescends to the rural church making presumptuous statements such as:

• Too many rural pastors I know have little vision, if any. (p 54)
• I’m also not talking about the milquetoast prayers of most local churches that are little more than cop-outs (p 64)
• There are very few churches that are preaching the pure gospel of life transformation. (p 82)
• Most rural churches are controlled by a handful of families. They don’t represent God’s family…Persistent tradition and generational claims on the church building are what drive them. (p 83)
• We cannot let our vision become enslaved by the fear of someone who probably hasn’t led anyone to Christ in decades, anyway. (p 84)

Ultimately, O’Dell is creating a church that is only able to function under his direct leadership. There is little or no concern for building up the leadership qualities of the individuals in the church, or planning for a future in which he is not a part. Throughout the book, O’Dell seems to substitute his leadership skills for the role of the Holy Spirit.

O’Dell consistently twists scripture to conform to his opinions. The most blatant example is on page 114. While arguing against the value of seminary education for pastors, O’Dell writes: “No one in the New Testament Church was educated.” He uses Acts 4:13 as validation of this statement. Unfortunately Acts 4:13 is speaking only of Peter and John, it reads: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus.” O’Dell further contends that the word translated ordinary, idiwtai, means “idiot” because the Greek word shares the root from which we get our English word “idiot”. Nowhere in Greek literature does idiwtai mean idiot. It means unskilled or untrained; someone who has not yet obtained knowledge. This is just one example of O’Dell’s misuse of scripture (cf 93, 97, 132).

I wanted this book to be good. I wanted a strong tool with which to build up the rural churches in our country in order that they might reach the world for Christ. There were portions of this book which I found useful; however, these passages were so small and scattered that they do not compensate for the book’s failures. I cannot recommend this book to anyone in any circumstance. In a few years, when O’Dell is more able to express what he has learned along with what he has to teach, I hope he will be able to write a more useful book

Book Description from New Leaf

Without meaningful change, thousands of rural churches won’t survive the next decade. *A vital guide for every deacon, elder, and pastor wanting to bring their rural church back to the business of changing lives *No-cost solutions for staffing challenges, upgrading the worship, and generating teams of volunteers *Innovative strategies for growth through transformed lives, relevance in meeting needs, and creating active evangelism in your community

If you aren’t transforming lives, then the church has no impact. Pastor Shannon O’Dell reveals the need for relevancy and shares a powerful mission for rural churches in reaching the unchurched and lost in their communities. Now, learn the strategies and biblical guidance that turned a church of 30 into a multi-campus church of several thousand with a national and global outreach. Experience the blueprint for transforming into effective, dynamic, and thriving churches which give God the very best!

Learn to add VALUE to your ministry goals: Vision, Attitude, Leadership, Understanding, and Excellence. Discover how your marriage reflects the state of your faith and your relationship with God.

As a United States citizen, I am a strong believer in the first amendment. I believe it is the primary reason our various cultures have been able to bind themselves together into one nation. I have supported the Park51 Community Center and would support the right of any religious organization to be present in their community. For this reason I believe that Fred Phelps and Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas should be allowed to express their beliefs within the public square. Speech and beliefs I hate are just as protected as the speech and beliefs I cling to with love.

As a citizen of the United States, I believe individuals have the right to burn books, including religious texts. No part of our government can prevent individuals from burning the Qur’an. Individuals have the right to burn the Qur’an; but, I do not support them, and I have been proud that our country has engaged in an open dialogue of repudiation.

As a Christian I condemn the burning of the Qur’an. It is an act of hate and cowardice. It drives people away from God and does not express the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we, as Christians, were called to burn the books of other religions, Jesus would have instructed us to do so. Instead, in Matthew 28, Jesus tells his followers:

I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.

Christians are called to go out into the world and not stand behind their walls hurling insults and burning books. Christians are called to make disciples, that is, tell people about Jesus. I believe Jesus is attractive, and it is usually the Christians that drive people away from Jesus. Christians are called to baptize; fire and water do not mix well. Christians are called to teach everything Jesus taught. Jesus taught patience, peace, love, kindness, selflessness, forgiveness, and grace. Jesus taught that he was the ultimate authority, who had all power, and he would be with us until the end of the world.

Too often the Church has tried to be the ultimate authority and power on this earth. The Church has been responsible for persecution, murder, genocide, rape, and a host of other injustices. These have been caused by the Church forgetting that it is under the authority of Christ and not an authority in and of itself. The Church is responsible for building up the Kingdom of God, but this can only be done through the power of Jesus working in this world.

Burning a Qur’an accomplishes nothing for the Kingdom of God. It is an evil act, perpetrated by weak people, who seek out power, and long for the authority properly given to Jesus. It is an act committed by people who would rather be a god than worship God.

But, beyond speaking words of condemnation, what can I do? I have thought and prayed about that question most of this last week. What are the implications of Jesus having all authority; even authority over the Qur’an? What are the implications of needing to be ready to go to the people of all nations; to meet them in their cultural and religious context? How do you protest a book burning?

Over the next month I am going to read the Qur’an. I can’t read Arabic or I would read a copy of the original text. I do have an English translation on my bookshelf that I picked up back in school. I have read portions, but never the whole thing.

If you would like to join me then you can get a copy of the Qur’an from your local library, order one, or read it online.

I’m going to make September 2010 “Read a Qur’an Month”. Then I can interact with 1.8 billion people on this planet from a position of knowledge and not one of ignorance.

CHAP. V. (cont.)

Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlightned every Man: The Universality and Sufficiency of God’s Grace to all the world made manifest therein.

Q. How can it be proved, that there is a day wherein People may know things concerning their Peace, which afterwards may be hid from them?

A. And when he was come near, he beheld the City, and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known even thou, at least in this thy day the things which belong unto thy Peace; but now they are hid from thine Eyes [Luke 19:41-42].

Q. Is there any further Scripture Proof of the Lord’s willingness to gather a People, who would not, and therefore were condemned?

A. Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem! thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, How oft would I have gathered thy Children together, even as a Hen gathereth her Chickens under her Wings, and ye would not? [Matt. 23:37; Luke 13:34]

Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou Wicked Servant! I forgave thee all the Debt, because thou desiredst me; shouldst not thou also have had Compassion on thy Fellow-Servant, even as I had Pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to the Tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him [Matt. 18:32-34].

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you; but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of Everlasting Life, lo we turn to the Gentiles [Acts 13:46].

Because I have called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my Hand, and no man regarded: But ye have set at nought all my Counsel, and would none of my Reproof; I also will laugh at your Calamity, I will mock when your Fear cometh [Prov. 1:24-26].

And at what Instant I shall speak concerning a Nation, and concerning a Kingdom to build and to plant it; If it do Evil in my Sight that it obey not my Voice, then I will Repent of the Good wherewith I said I would benefit them [Jer. 18:9-10].

Q. Doth God’s Spirit strive then for a season, and afterwards forbear?

A. And the Lord said, my Spirit shall not always strive with man [Gen. 6:3].

Q. May it then be resisted?

A. Ye Stiff-necked and Uncircumcised in Heart and Ears, ye do always Resist the holy Ghost, as your Fathers did, so do ye [Acts 7:51].

For the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of man, who hold the Truth in Unrighteousness [Rom. 1:18].

***

Barclay points out that there are scriptures which show a people given the opportunity to know God, but who instead refuse God. Barclay, it would seem, believes that salvation is universally available but is not universally received.  Further, Barclay seems to suggest that there may be a point when God will cease in his pursuit of a person.

I would take issue with the idea that God ceases in his pursuit of anyone, but I would concur that it is possible for people to resist the God who pursues them.

CHAP. V. (cont.)

Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlightned every Man: The Universality and Sufficiency of God’s Grace to all the world made manifest therein.

Q. What is the Gospel?

A. I am not ashamed of the Gospel; for it is the Power of God unto Salvation, unto every one that believeth [Rom. 1:16].

Q. Is this Gospel hid?

A. If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are Lost, in whom the God of this World hath blinded the Minds of them which believe not, lest the Light of the Glorious Gospel of Christ should shine unto them [2 Cor. 4:3-4].

Q. Is this Light then come into the World? And are not Men condemned because they love it not, and not because it is hid from them?

A. And this is the Condemnation, that Light is come into the World, and Men love Darkness rather than Light [John 3:19].

Q. Why do they so?

A. Because their Deeds are Evil [John 3:19].

Q. Is every Man enlightened by this Light.

A. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light, that was the True Light, which enlighteneth every Man that cometh into the World [John 1:8-9].

Q. Doth this Light discover all things?

A. All things that are reproved are made manifest by the Light; for whatsoever doth make manifest is Light [Eph. 5:13].

Q. Do Evil Men preach up this Light, or mind it?

A. Every one that doth Evil hateth the Light, neither cometh to the Light, lest his Deeds should be reproved [John 3:20].

They are of those that Rebel against the Light [Job 24:13].

Q. Do good Men love it, and follow it?

A. He that doth Truth comes to the Light, that his Deeds might be made manifest, that they are wrought in God [John 3:21].

Q. What Benefits doth redound to such as love the Light, and walk in it?

A. If we walk in the Light, as he is in the Light, we have Fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all Sin [1 John 1:7].

Q. Doth Christ command to take heed to the Light?

A. While ye have the Light, believe in the Light, that ye may be the Children of the Light [John 12:36].

Q. Were the Apostles commanded to turn People to the Light?

A. Delivering thee from the People, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their Eyes, and to turn them from Darkness unto Light, and from the Power of Satan unto God, that they may receive Forgiveness of Sins, and Inheritance among them which are sanctified, through Faith that is in me [Acts 26:17-18].

Q. Doth this Light abide with every man all his Life time, in order to save, or only during the Day of his Visitation?

A. Yet a little while is the Light with you; walk while ye have the Light, lest Darkness come upon you [John 12:35].

Again, He limiteth a certain Day, saying in David, to day, after so long time, as it is said, To day if ye will hear his Voice, harden not your Hearts [Heb. 4:7].

***

Barclay affirms the importance of the Gospel as the the Power of God to bring salvation to all people who believe.

The light of the Gospel (Jesus) is revealed to all people but those who remain in darkness do not receive the light; they are in rebellion against the light. It is those who walk in the light (and not those who walk in the darkness) who are cleansed of their sin by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Those who harden their hearts against the light are in danger of being lost to the darkness.

CHAP. V. (cont.)

Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlightned every Man: The Universality and Sufficiency of God’s Grace to all the world made manifest therein.

Q. Seeing then by these Scriptures it appears that the Love of God is held out to all, that all might have been or may be saved by Christ: What is to be judged of those who assert, that God nor Christ never purposed Love nor Salvation to a great part of Mankind, and that the Coming and Sufferings of Christ never was intended, nor could be useful to their Justification; but will and must be effectual for their Condemnation, even according to God’s Purpose, who from their very Infancy to their Grave with-held from them all Means of Salvation? What saith the Scripture to such?

A. For God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World, but that the World through him might be saved [John 3:17].

I am come a Light into the World, that whosoever believeth in me, should not abide in Darkness. And if any Man hear my Words and believe not, I judge him not; for I came not to judge the World, but to save the World [John 12:46-47].

Q. From what Scripture then came these Men to wrest an Opinion so contrary to Truth?

A. For the Children being not yet born, neither having done any Good or Evil, that the Purpose of God according to Election might stand, it was said unto her, The Elder shall serve the Younger, as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated [Rom. 9:11-13].

Q. I perceive in that Scripture it was only said before the Children were born, The Elder shall serve the Younger; These other Words (Jacob have I loved, Esau have I hated) are mention’d out of the prophet Malachie, who wrote them many hundred Years after both were Dead: Doth not the Scripture mention any other Cause of God’s hating Esau, than meerly his Decree? What saith the same Apostle elsewhere?

A. Lest there by any Fornication or Profane Person, as Esau, who for one Morsel of Meat sold his Birth-right; for ye know, how that afterward when he would have inherited the Blessing, he was rejected [Heb. 12:16-17].

Q. But seeing that such allege, that it is because of Adam’s Sin that many, even Children are Damned: Doth not the Scripture aver, that the Death of Christ was as large to Heal, as Adam’s Sin could Condemn?

A. For if through the Offence of one many be Dead, much more the Grace of God, and the Gift by Grace, which is by one Man, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the Offence of one, Judgment came upon all Men to Condemnation, even so by the Righteousness of one, the free Gift came upon all Men unto Justification of Life [Rom. 5:15,18].

Q. That proves abundantly that Christ’s Death is of sufficient Extent to make up any Hurt Adam’s Sin brought upon Mankind: What is then the cause of Condemnation?

A. He that believeth on him is not Condemned, but he that believeth not is Condemned already, because he hath not believed in the Name of the Only Begotten Son of God [John 3:18].

And with all Deceivableness of Unrighteousness in them that Perish, because they received not the Love of the Truth that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong Delusions, that they should believe a Lye, that they all might be damned who believe not the Truth, but had Pleasure in Unrighteousness [2 Thess. 2:10-12].

Q. Seeing it is so of a Truth according to the Scripture’s Testimony, that God has purposed Love and Mercy to all, in the Appearance of his Son Jesus Christ; Is the Gospel or Glad Tidings of this Salvation brought nigh unto all, by which they are put into a Capacity of receiving the Grace, and being saved by it?

A. If ye continue in the Faith grounded and setled, and be not moved away from the Hope of the Gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every Creature which is under Heaven, whereof I Paul am made a Minister [Col. 1:23].

***

Barclay seems to make the argument that all those who do not have knowledge of Christ are still able to receive salvation through the atoning act of Christ. This would speak to the situation of those, like Abraham, who lived before Christ, and those who lived in a place where knowledge of Christ had not come.

For Barclay, Christ’s atonement can not serve as condemnation for anyone. On the contrary Christ’s act of healing was larger than Adam’s sin and is sufficient to heal all the world of sin.

Barclay does not, in my opinion, argue that all are saved; rather, he certainly argues that salvation is available to all, and he may be arguing that all of creation is moving toward salvation.

CHAP. V.

Concerning the Light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlightned every Man: The Universality and Sufficiency of God’s Grace to all the world made manifest therein.

Q. Wherein consists the Love of God towards Fallen and Lost Man?

A. For God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not Perish, but have Everlasting Life [John 3:16].

In this was manifested the Love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World, that we might live through him [1 John 4:9].

Q. What is intended here by the World? all and every Man, or only a few?

A. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the Angels, for the suffering of Death crowned with Glory and Honour, that he by the Grace of God should taste Death for every Man [Heb. 2:9].

And if any Man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous; and he is the Propitiation for our Sins, and not for ours only, but also for the Sins of the whole World [1 John 2:1-2].

Q. Methinks the Apostle John is very plain there, in mentioning the whole World, which must be not only the Saints, but all others; seeing he distinguisheth the World from himself and all the Saints to whom he then wrote: What saith Paul else-where in this matter?

A. Christ in you the Hope of Glory, whom we Preach, warning every Man, and teaching every Man in all Wisdom, that we may present every Man perfect in Christ Jesus [Col. 1:27-28].

I exhort therefore, that first of all Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions and Giving of Thanks be made for all Men; For this is good and acceptable in the Sight of God our Saviour, who will have all Men to be saved, and to come to the Knowledge of the Truth; who gave himself a Ransom for all, to be testified in due time [1 Tim. 2:3-4,6].

Q. What is the apostle Peter’s Testimony in this?

A. The Lord is not slack concerning his Promise (as some Men count slackness) but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should Perish, but that all should come to Repentance [2 Pet. 3:9].

Q. Are there any more Scripture Passages that prove this thing?

A. Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no Pleasure in the Death of the Wicked, but that the Wicked turn from his Way and live [Ezek. 33:11].

The Lord is Gracious, and full of Compassion; slow to Anger, and of great Mercy. The Lord is good to all, and his tender Mercies are over all his Works. [Psal. 145:8-9]

To wit, That God was in Christ reconciling the World unto himself [2 Cor. 5:19].

***

The next topic Barclay covers is how the Light of Christ affects all people. Barclay contends that the light of Christ speaks to, and the Grace of God is sufficient for, all persons.

The very love of God is made known by the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son. Christ is thus able to serve as Advocate for not just a few elect, but for all people in the whole world.

The major question we have for Barclay in this section is whether or not he has crossed into universalism. He strenuously asserts that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked and is good to all. Does this mean that Barclay is saying that all must be reconciled to God and inherit eternal life? Barclay speaks directly to this issue later in the Catechism. My reading of Barclay is that the sacrifice of Christ is able to heal all sin, but it does not heal the sin of those who refuse to be healed.

CHAP. IV. (cont.)

Of the New Birth, the Inward Appearance of Christ in Spirit, and the Unity of the Saints with him.

Q. What is the Preaching of the Cross of Christ?

A. For the Preaching of the Cross is to them that perish, Foolishness; but unto us that are saved, it is the Power of God [1 Cor. 1:18].

Q. What Effect had this Cross in the Apostle? and how much preferreth he the New Creature to all outward and visible Ordinances and Observances?

A. But God forbid that I should Glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the World is Crucified unto me, and I unto the World: For in Jesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing, nor Uncircumcision, but a New Creature [Gal. 6:14-15].

Q. What speaketh Christ of the Unity of the Saints with him?

A. At that Day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you [John 14:20].

Abide in me, and I in you: As the Branch cannot bear Fruit of it self, except it abide in the Vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the Vine, ye are the Branches; He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much Fruit; for without me ye can do nothing [John 15:4-5].

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe in me through their Word: That they all may be One; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be One in us, that the World may believe it, that thou hast sent me. And the Glory which thou gavest me I have given them, that they may be One, even as we are One; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in One, and that the World may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me [John 17:20-23].

Q. What saith the Apostle Paul to this Purpose?

A. For both he that Sanctifies, and they that are Sanctified are all of One, for which Cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren [Heb. 2:11].

Q. What saith the Apostle Peter?

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The Cross of Christ is the power of God. Never was there a more important statement. Crucifixion was the ultimate act of humiliation. You were powerless, completely at the mercy of the state, hung naked, bleeding, in pain, knowing you were going to die; but that death was slow in coming. God took this humiliating experience upon himself and made it the power of God.

It is by being united with the power of God that we are able to do any good work in the world. Without the power of God we are powerless.

We are partakers of the divine nature of God, through Jesus Christ. We are led away from corruption and toward God’s sanctification and perfection.

CHAP. IV. (cont.)

Of the New Birth, the Inward Appearance of Christ in Spirit, and the Unity of the Saints with him.

Q. Is this Christ within, the Mistery of God and Hope of Glory, which the Apostle Preached?

A. To whom God would make known what is the Riches of the Glory of this Mystery, among the Gentiles, which is, Christ in you the Hope of Glory, whom we preach [Col. 1:27-28].

Q. Doth the Apostle any where else press the putting on of this New Birth?

A. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not Provision for the Flesh to fulfil the Lusts thereof. [Rom. 13:14]

Q. Doth he write to any of the Saints, as having put off the Old, and on the New Man?

A. For as many of you, as have been Baptized into Christ, have put on Christ [Gal. 3:27].

Seeing that ye have put off the Old Man with his Deeds, and have put on the New Man, which is renew’d in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him [Col. 3:9-10].

Q. What speaketh Christ himself of the Necessity of this New Birth?

A. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God [John 3:3].

Q. Of what Seed cometh this Birth?

A. Being born again, not of Corruptible Seed, but of Incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever [1 Pet. 1:23].

Q. What doth the Apostle Paul witness of himself concerning this New Life?

Barclay makes clear that the Hope of Glory, which is Christ, is something which each person must take onto themselves. The salvation offered by Jesus Christ is universally available, but must be individually taken. Without taking on this new birth which is birth in Christ no one can see the Kingdom of God. We must crucify our selfishness, our ego, our narcissism, our pride, our vanity with Christ; in this way Christ may fully come alive in us.

I was reading this post at Jesus Creed and needed to respond with the following:

Fantasy Football enables you to truly understand the story of football. Many people, instead of taking the longer more rewarding path of watching football as epic story want a shortcut. They want to get the benefit of the story of football without putting in the hard work of watching 4-8 games per weekend (depending on the number of TVs available). Just as shortcuts in reading the Bible affect our spiritual health, shortcuts in watching football affect our football health.

Shortcut 1: Officials to be argued with

Some people see football as a series of controversial decisions which must be contested from their living room couch. This person thinks they know the rules of football better than the officials and they need everyone to know it. This person can become pompous, self-righteous, and accusatory. Sometimes they become resentful that others haven’t caught up to their level of football knowledge.

Shortcut 2: Morsels of Blessing and Promise

Some people ignore football altogether until a local team starts succeeding and then they jump on the bandwagon. They pick and choose when they are a fan; they may even jump from team to team riding the wave of whoever is successful and disregarding the rivalries intrinsic to the game. Because these people are looking for morsels of success, and avoid the ups and downs, the pains and sorrows, they miss out on the blessing that is football. The blessings and promises of football emerge from living out the overall story of football.

Shortcut 3: Mirrors and Inkblots

Some people project onto football what they want to see. In the pre-season everyone thinks they’re a Super Bowl contender. We project onto our favorite team what we want to see; when it does not work out we blame it on the refs, the injuries, and that one unlucky bounce of the ball. Instead of being swept up into the story of football these fans sweep football up into their own story; football becomes an opportunity for narcissism.

Shortcut 4: Puzzling Together the Pieces

For some football is like a big puzzle. Once you’ve got the puzzle solved you go to Vegas and stake your fortune. For these people I would just like to say that the Gambler’s Anonymous national help-line is 888-424-3577. Call it.

Shortcut 5: Maestros

Some people go to football to watch the story of THEIR team. Depending on the time or place we are born into we select one team over another and assert that this is THE true, right, and good team. All other teams are weak, misguided, potentially evil, and destined for failure. Unfortunately, seeing football through only one team’s eyes gives us only one chapter in the story of football.

Fantasy football allows us to develop “Magic Eyes” and be drawn into the full, multi-chaptered story of football. Watching the story of football through fantasy football gives us a context within which to enjoy the artistry of players regardless of team. It allows us to appreciate the part of the story made up by each individual team, and each individual player. These are in fact wiki-stories. On any given Sunday, football stars will be brought low and unknown players will achieve amazing acts. None of these individual wiki-stories is final; none of them is comprehensive; none of them is absolute; none of them is exhaustive. Each of them tells A story of football; but it takes all these stories put together to see THE story of football. This is what fantasy football does; it enables us to see the overarching story of football.

*This is an attempt of a parody of “The Blue Parakeet” by Scot McKnight, no offense or copyright infringement intended to anyone.

CHAP. IV.

Of the New Birth, the Inward Appearance of Christ in Spirit, and the Unity of the Saints with him.

Q. Doth Christ promise then to come again to his Disciples?

A. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come unto you [John 14:18].

Q. Was this only a special Promise to these Disciples? or is it not the common Priviledge of the Saints?

A. For thus saith the High and Lofty one that inhabiteth Eternity, whose Name is Holy, I dwell in the High and Holy Place, with him also that is of a Contrite and Humble Spirit, &c. [Isa. 57:15].

For ye are the Temple of the Living God, as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them [2 Cor. 6:16].

Behold I stand at the Door and knock, if any man hear my voice, and open the Door, I will come in to him, and sup with him and he with me [Rev. 3:20].

Q. Doth the apostle Paul speak of the Son of God’s being revealed in him?

A. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my Mothers Womb, and called me by his Grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Heathen [Gal. 1:15-16].

Q. Is it needful then to know Christ within?

A. Examine your selves, whether ye be in the Faith, prove your own selves; Know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be Reprobates [2 Cor. 13:5].

Q. Was the Apostle earnest that this Inward Birth of Christ should be brought forth in any?

A. My little Children, of whom I travel in Birth again, until Christ be formed in you [Gal. 4:19].

Q. What saith the same Apostle of the Necessity of this inward Knowledge of Christ, and of the New Creature beyond the Outward?

A. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the Flesh; yea, though we have known Christ after the Flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any Man be in Christ, he is a New Creature; Old things are passed away, behold all things are become New [2 Cor. 5:16-17].

But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the Truth is in Jesus, That ye put off concerning the former Conversation the Old Man, which is corrupt, according to the deceitful Lusts; and to be renewed in the Spirit of your Mind; and that ye put on the New Man, which after God is Created in Righteousness and true Holiness [Eph. 4:21-24].

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After asserting the dual humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ, Robert Barclay now asserts that Jesus Christ is revealed to all people at all times.

Barclay makes the assertion that Christ was not only revealed to the few disciples who traveled with Christ during his life, but to all people who would come after Christ. Barclay quotes Paul’s personal testimony of Christ being revealed to him on the road to Damascus; Barclay also quotes Paul in 2 Corinthians instructing the Christians in Corinth to look for that of Christ that is living within each of them.

For a person to be a Christian, a Quaker, a Friend, they must experience the formation of Christ within. There must be a rebirth of the Spirit into a life with Christ.

It is through the recreation of our hearts and souls that Christ becomes the Lord of our life and we become children of God.

CHAP. III. (cont.)

Of Jesus Christ being manifest in the Flesh, the Use and End of it.

Q. Is it needful then to believe that the Saints of old did partake of Christ, as then present with, and nourishing them?

A. Moreover, Brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our Fathers were under the Cloud, and all passed through the Sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the Cloud and in the Sea; and did all eat the same spiritual Meat, and did all drink the same spiritual Drink, (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ) [1 Cor. 10:1-4].

Q. But whereas most of these Scriptures before mentioned do hold forth, that the Death and Sufferings of Christ were appointed for the destroying, removing and remitting of Sin? Did he so do it while he was outwardly upon Earth, as not to leave any thing for himself to do in us, nor for us to do in and by his Strength?

A. For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an Example, that ye should follow his Steps [1 Pet. 2:21].

Whereof I Paul am made a Minister, who now rejoice in my Sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of Christ in my Flesh for his Body’s sake, which is the Church [Col. 1:23-24].

Always bearing about in the Body the Dying of the Lord Jesus, that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our Body. For we which live, are alway delivered unto Death for Jesus’s sake, that the Life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal Flesh [2 Cor. 4:10-11].

And that he dyed for all, that they which live should not hence-forth live unto themselves, but unto him that dyed for them, and also rose again [2 Cor. 5:15].

That I may know him, and the Power of his Resurrection, and the Fellowship of his Sufferings, being made conformable to his Death [Phil. 3:10].

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Barclay reemphasizes that Christ was the agent of salvation for even those who lived and died before Christ’s death. The central point in all of history has been the life of Christ. Everything that happened before and everything that has happened since was changed by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

However, Christ’s conquering of sin did not remove sin from the world; rather, it gave us opportunity to remove ourselves from sin. We are to follow the sinless example of Jesus Christ in all we do on this earth. When we live our lives for Christ we are living in a place beyond the world of sin, when we live our lives for ourselves we are wallowing in the depths of sin.

The life of Christ was both the means of our salvation and the example which we are called to live out.

At church today I was struck by an idea in 1 Peter 1:17-19:

If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

The author of 1 Peter refers to silver and gold as perishable and blood as imperishable. The irony of that concept distracted me for several minutes. If I had a table and on the table was a tuna sandwich, a gallon of milk, a glass of blood, and a gold coin; which of those things would you identify as perishable? The first three. The sandwich, the milk, and the blood will all become increasingly unpleasant as they sit on the table day after day decomposing. The gold will remain almost completely unchanged.

The passage in 1 Peter is describing a new world with a new way of thinking. Blood, which was once perishable, is now more imperishable than precious metals. Going even further (and possibly leaving the text in question), the spilling of blood which once marked death now marks new life. The author is telling the reader that the world has been turned upside down because of Jesus.

This is nothing new or earth shattering I’ve just been a Christian too long to have noticed it before. The idea of Christ’s blood being non-perishable has been a given for me for so long that I failed to appreciate its significance. For a moment this morning it was a new and exciting idea.

CHAP. III. (cont.)

Of Jesus Christ being manifest in the Flesh, the Use and End of it.

Q. For what End did Christ appear in the World?

A. For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the Flesh, God sending his Son in the likeness of sinful Flesh, and for Sin condemned Sin in the Flesh [Rom. 8:3].

For this Purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the Works of the Devil. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our Sins [1 John 3:8,5].

Q. Was Jesus Christ really Crucified and Raised again?

A. For I delivered unto you first of all, that which I also received, how that Christ died for our Sins, according to the Scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he arose again the third day, according to the Scriptures [1 Cor. 15:3-4].

Q. What End do the Scriptures ascribe unto the Coming, Death and Sufferings of Christ?

A. For mine Eyes have seen thy Salvation, which thou hast prepared before the Face of all People, A Light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel [Luke 2:30-32].

Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood, to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of Sins that are past, through the forbearance of God [Rom. 3:25].

And walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling Savour [Eph. 5:2].

And having made Peace through the Blood of this Cross by him, to reconcile all things unto himself by him, I say, whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven. And you that were sometimes alienated, and Enemies in your minds by Wicked Works; yet now hath he reconciled in the Body of his Flesh through Death, to present you Holy, Unblamable, and Unreprovable in his Sight [Col. 1:20-22].

Neither by the Blood of Goats and Calves, but by his own Blood he entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained Eternal redemption for us. How much more shall the Blood of Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offer’d himself without Spot to God, purge your Consciences from dead Works, to serve the Living God [Heb. 9:12,14].

For Christ also hath once suffered for Sins, the Just for the Unjust (that he might bring us to God) being put to Death in the Flesh, but quickened by the Spirit [1 Pet. 3:18].

Hereby perceive we the Love of God, because he laid down his Life for us [1 John 3:16].

And for this Cause he is the Mediator of the new Testament, that by means of Death for the Redemption of Transgressions that were under the first Testament, they which are called might receive the Promise of the Eternal Inheritance [Heb. 9:15].

Q. Is Christ then the Mediator?

A. For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a Ransom for all, to be testified in due time [1 Tim. 2:5].

Q. Was not Christ the Mediator until he appeared, and was Crucified in the Flesh?

A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World [Rev. 5:12; 13:8].

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Robert Barclay plainly asserts that Jesus Christ came to take away our sins. The law was unable to remove sin from humankind and so Jesus became human to condemn sin. Jesus condemned sin through his life, burial and resurrection which Barclay asserts to be real and physical.

Barclay quotes Ephesians 5:2, “walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling Savour.” The idea of a “sweet smelling Savour” goes back to the Old Testament sacrifices which were a pleasing aroma to God. Jesus is the culminating sacrifice which would end all future sacrifices and be a lasting aroma pleasing to God forever. Jesus is thus the Mediator of the New Testament enabling an eternal inheritance to those who are called.

Jesus is the only Mediator between God and humans. We have no need for earthly priests to enable us to commune with God; we have a direct relationship with Jesus Christ who mediates our communion with God. Further, it is through no other spiritual source that our relationship with God is mediated. We need no guru, no prophet, no teacher, no guide; Christ alone is able to be our Mediator.

It is through Christ’s mediation that all persons from all times (both past and present) are permitted to commune with God. For Christ is the “Lamb that was slain from the Foundation of the World.” The salvation of Abraham is just as dependent upon Christ as is my salvation.

Note:  Due to the Holiday this post, originally scheduled for Monday, has been moved to Wednesday.

CHAP. III. (cont.)

Of Jesus Christ being manifest in the Flesh, the Use and End of it.

Q. After what manner was the Birth of Christ?

A. Now, the Birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph (before they come together) she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost [Matt. 1:18].

And the Angel said unto her, Fear not Mary, for thou hast found Favour with God: And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy Womb, and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his Name Jesus: He shall be Great, and shall be called The Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David. Then said Mary unto the Angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a Man? And the Angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the Power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that Holy Thing, that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God [Luke 1:30-32,34-35].

Q. Was Jesus Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary, and supposed to be the Son of Joseph, a True and Real Man?

A. Forasmuch as the Children are Partakers of Flesh and Blood, he also himself took part of the same, that through Death he might destroy him that had the Power of Death, that is, the Devil [Heb. 2:14].

For verily, he took not on him the Nature of Angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham; wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his Brethren, that he might be a Merciful and Faithful High Priest, &c. [Heb. 2:16-17].

For we have not an High Priest, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our Infirmities; but was in all Points tempted as we are, yet without Sin [Heb. 4:15].

And the Gift by Grace, which is by one Man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. [Rom. 5:15]

But now is Christ risen from the Dead, and become the First Fruits of them that slept; for since by Man came Death, by Man came also the Resurrection of the Dead [1 Cor. 15:20-21].

Q. After what manner doth the Scripture assert the Conjunction and Unity of the Eternal Son of God in and with the Man Christ Jesus?

A. And the Word was made Flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his Glory, the Glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father) full of Grace and Truth [John 1:14].

For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the Words of God; for God given not the Spirit by Measure unto him [John 3:34].

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil; for God was with him [Acts 10:38].

For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell [Col. 1:19].

For in him dwelleth all the Fulness of the Godhead bodily [Col. 2:9].

In him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge [Col. 2:3].

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One of the most profound and difficult mysteries of Christianity is the nature of Jesus. In the second part of Barclay’s chapter on the manifestation of Jesus Christ Barclay clearly affirms the divinity and the humanity of Jesus Christ. Jesus was simultaneously man and God.

Barclay quotes the angel speaking to Mary and saying that her son “shall be Great, and shall be called The Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his Father David.” The Angel also says, “that Holy Thing, that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God.” Jesus is the divine person of God who has come to earth.

Jesus was also a true and real man. The Divine became flesh so that through death he might destroy the power of death and offer the gift of grace. It is through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we have been given the opportunity for salvation. “But now is Christ risen from the Dead, and become the First Fruits of them that slept; for since by Man came Death, by Man came also the Resurrection of the Dead.”

The last question, in my opinion, is the most profound. After what manner is the conjunction and unity of the Eternal Son of God in and with the Man Jesus Christ? This is an important question; but I am not convinced it is answerable. The best answer may by Colossians 1:19: “For it please the Father, that in him should all fullness dwell.” We ask how? God says, “because I said so.”

CHAP. III.

Of Jesus Christ being manifest in the Flesh, the Use and End of it.

Q. What are the Scriptures which do most observably prophesie of Christ’s Appearance?

A. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee of thy Brethren, like unto me, unto him ye shall hearken [Deut. 18:15].

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a Sign: Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call his Name Immanuel [Isa. 7:14].

Q. Was not Jesus Christ in being before he appeared in the Flesh? What clear Scriptures prove this, against such as erroneously assert the contrary?

A. But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the Thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me, that is to be Ruler in Israel, whose Goings forth have been from of Old, from Everlasting [Mic. 5:2].

In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God; The same was in the Beginning with God: All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made that was made [John 1:1-3].

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was I am [John 8:58].

And now, O Father, Glorifie thou me with thine own self, with the Glory which I had with thee before the World was [John 17:5].

And to make all Men see what is the Fellowship of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the World hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ [Eph. 3:9].

For by him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible, whether they be Thrones, or Dominions, or Principalities, or Powers: All things were created by him and for him [Col. 1:16].

God hath in these last Days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also he made the Worlds [Heb. 1:2].

Q. These are very clear, that even the World was created by Christ; But what Scriptures prove the Divinity of Christ against such as falsly deny the same?

A. And the Word was God [John 1:1].

Whose are the Fathers, and of whom as concerning the Flesh Christ came, who is over all God, blessed forever, Amen [Rom. 9:5].

Who being in the Form of God thought it no Robbery to be equal with God [Phil. 2:6].

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an Understanding that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ: This is the true God, and Eternal Life [1 John 5:20].

Q. What are the Glorious Names the Scripture gives unto Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God?

A. And his Name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace [Isa. 9:6].

Who is the Image of the Invisible God, the First born of every Creature [Col. 1:15].

Who being the Brightness of his Glory and the express Image of his Person (or more properly, according to the Greek, of his Substance) [Heb. 1:3].

And he was cloathed with a Vesture dipt in Blood, and his Name is called the Word of God [Rev. 19:13].

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Barclay’s chapter on the human manifestation of Jesus Christ is one of the longest chapters in Barclay’s Catechism. Barclay notes Old Testament prophecy that Jesus would come to be (e.g. Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2), the words of Jesus declaring himself to have existed prior to being human (e.g. John 1:1-3, John 8:58), and the words of Paul (e.g. Ephesians 3:9). Barclay spends a lot of time proving that Jesus was more than merely human; in fact Jesus is divine.

We can learn much from meditating on the names of Jesus: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peach, Image of the Invisible God, First Born of Every Creature, the Brightness of His Glory and the express Image of his Substance, Word of God.

The divinity of Jesus is really important to Robert Barclay. The divinity of Jesus should be important to any Christian. We are not following a wise teacher, a brilliant philosopher, or someone who wrote down the words of an angel. We are following God who came to earth and lived a human life. We are following the divine Word of God who lived amongst us and knows us. We are following the light of the world who shines in the darkness. We are following the one on whose name we can call and be adopted into the family of God. We are disciples, followers, and friends of Jesus Christ.

CHAP. II. (cont.)

Of the Rule and Guide of Christians, and of the Scriptures.

Q. For what End were the Scriptures written?

A. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our Learning, that we through Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures might have Hope [Rom. 15:4].

Q. For what are they profitable?

A. Thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation, through Faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by Inspiration of God, and is profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness, that the Man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all Good Works [2 Tim. 3:15-17].

Q. Wherein consisteth the Excellency of the Scriptures?

A. Knowing this first, that no Prophecy of the Scriptures is of any private Interpretation; For the Prophecy came not in Old Time by the Will of Man, but Holy Men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost [2 Pet. 1:20-21].

Q. The Scriptures are then to be regarded, because they came from the Spirit, and they also testifie, that not they, but the Spirit is to lead into all Truth; In what respect doth Christ command to search them?

A. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life; and they are they which testifie of me. [John 5:39]

Q. I perceive there was a Generation of old that greatly exalted the Scriptures, and yet would not believe, nor come to be guided by that the Scriptures directed to; How doth Christ bespeak such?

A. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father; there is One that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust: For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me: But if ye believe not his Writings, how shall ye believe my Words? [John 5:45-47]

Q. What ought then such to be accounted of, notwithstanding of their Pretences of being ruled by the Scriptures?

A. In which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own Destruction [2 Pet. 3:16].

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Barclay affirms that the scriptures were written specifically for us; the future generations who would seek knowledge of and relationship with God. The scriptures are for our learning. By reading the scriptures we may understand how God has interacted with our predecessors and so have a more complete idea of how God will interact with us. Further, the scriptures, “make [us] wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

Barclay does, however, place a strong emphasis on the authority of the scriptures resting on their origination with the Holy Spirit. It might be said that the scriptures were God speaking to one people at one time as a testimony to all people at all times; however, the Holy Spirit is still alive and active, capable of expressing God’s will to the people of the current age, either directly, through scripture, or by other means.

Jesus condemned the religious leaders of his age for claiming Moses as their spiritual foundation but not following through on living out the law of Moses. Barclay seems to imply that if we claim the Scriptures as our spiritual foundation but do not live up to its tenets then we are just as guilty as the religious leaders of the days of Jesus.