All Things Seen & Unseen

It may be thought that debates about what constitutes 'salvation' are just arguments for theologians in academia. However, as someone has rightly said, 'ideas have legs'. That is, ideas don't just swan around in some academic ether but become embodied in preachers' hearts and minds, and in words and actions. Hence, members of congregations become affected. Dispensationalism And Salvation Dispensation alism has been defined in p osts on my One People Of God blog 1 as a view taken of many Bible issues on a radical theological distinction between Israel and the Church. In short, two people of God exist: one earthly, Israel; and one heavenly, the Church.

It is generally agreed by commentators that believing in Jesus as the Son of God plays a large role in the message of the gospel according to St John (Jn 1.12; 1.50; etc; Jn 20.31). Interestingly however, on at least three occasions, believing in Jesus is held up to question in the gospel account. The first one I'd wager is not often preached on although its jarring note is consonant with some of what has already happened. It's the passage found in Jn 2.23-25 : a number believed 'in His name' when they saw the signs that Jesus did. Nothing wrong with that; after all, the whole point of the gospel account is said to be a record of the signs, 'that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God' (Jn 20.31). And yet, Jesus does not commit himself to these disciples in John 2 'because he knew all men and had no need that anyone testify of man, for he knew what was in man' (Jn 2.24f). What is going on here? Other observers also have found th...

In the gospel of John in particular we meet that phrase often: believe in Jesus (e.g., Jn 3.16) However, the problem with the translation 'in' is that it can so easily be misunderstood to mean believing certain things about Jesus and that's all.  Of course, it is critical that we do believe things about Jesus Christ because they are foundational to believing in Him. If we don't believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Jn 20.31) then our belief in Him will be defective. If we don't believe that He has settled the unrighteousness of world's sin (Jn 1.29) by bearing it away from us then we will scarcely know why Jesus' coming as the Man is even important for our lives. Nevertheless, on knowing these things, it is still possible to remain outside God's salvation. To believe in Jesus = to believe into Him implying commitment, trust in Him; just as I am trusting the chair I am sitting on will hold me up. Hence, believing in Jesus means to rely on him ...