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. 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.

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].

***************

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].

***************

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.

I know people who really get excited about these chapters in Exodus where God is instructing Moses. They like to picture what God is instructing Moses to make. They like to build models and contemplate the spiritual significance of the metals used and the different spices which create various fragrances. I am not one of those people. So my commentary on this chapter is a little shorter than normal.

In my quick count there are four times instances in this chapter of something along the lines of “the Lord spoke to Moses, saying…” As I read that phrase over and over I was struck by how dependent the people were on Moses and the priests to live in community with God.

We are not dependent on our pastors to live in community with God. We have been enabled to have a direct relationship with God through Jesus. This passage reminded me of how great a blessing that is.

Exodus chapter 12 is probably one of the most important chapters in the Old Testament for Christians. This chapter teaches us about the Passover lamb which was sacrificed so that the spirit of God would pass over the houses of the Israelites and not take the life of the first born.

In the New Testament Jesus becomes our Passover lamb. We can use his blood so that God will forgive us and Passover our sins on the day of judgment.

In Exodus 12, God says, “[This] is a Passover sacrifice to the Lord who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians, but spare our homes.” God continues, “It is a night to be observed for the Lord for having brought them out from the land of Egypt; this night is for the Lord, to be observed by all the sons of Israel through their generations.”

The Israelites celebrated Passover to remember God delivering them from bondage in Egypt. Christians celebrate Easter to remember Christ delivering us from the bondage of sin. Take time today to remember what Jesus has done for you.

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

We are to share Christ with all the world. That doesn’t mean that I personally must tell every person on the earth about Jesus (although that would be really cool if I could). Rather, it means that I am responsible for sharing Jesus with the world I interact with everyday.

I need to be an example of Jesus to the kids at youth group on Wednesdays. I need to be an example of Jesus to the people I sit around at work. I need to be an example of Jesus to the people in my various fantasy football leagues. I need to be an example of Jesus at the restaurants and coffee shops at which I spend time. I need to be an example of Jesus to the people at church. I need to be an example of Jesus to the people with whom I golf, play softball, or workout. I need to be an example of Jesus to the people I sit next to at the basketball game (and the referees officiating). I need to be an example of Jesus to the people I walk past at the library, or on the street. I need to be an example of Jesus to my kids, and the neighborhood kids. I need to be an example of Jesus to my neighbors.

The first impression of Jesus many people will have is the impression we give them.

“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.”

“When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’”

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

In recent months I have found great comfort in this simple prayer. I have always struggled praying for specific things to happen. I was always troubled when I prayed for healing in someone and would usually instead ask that God wrap his arms around them and carry them through this struggle.

It’s not that I don’t believe God can heal; he can and he does. My struggle is if I pray for healing and it doesn’t happen what example does that give to the people who have witnessed this prayer. It seems that God is not very powerful. I can spend all the time in the world explaining that God is not a vending machine to whom we pray and get our desired result, but that doesn’t heal their wounds. I have been much more comfortable following Jesus example and praying “not as I will, but as you will.”

It seems pretty clear that Jesus did not want to experience crucifixion. He would have rather brought about the means to salvation in some less painful way. But he was willing to put everything on the line and release control over his life for me. I need to be able to release control over my life for Jesus.

There is a tiny detail between Jesus feeding the five thousand and walking on water that is incredibly important, but often overlooked.  Immediately after the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus made his disciples get in a boat and sail across the lake, while he went up onto a mountainside to pray.  Jesus took time to be alone with God.

As a guy who straddles the line between introvert and extrovert I appreciate that Jesus spent time teaching and healing and being with the people, but then spent time alone with God.  When I was pastoring the hardest part of the week for me was shaking people hands after the service.