John 5:19, The Nature of God
Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
//Do you ever wonder if it’s possible to discern the nature of God? Might some theological stumpers—such as whether or not a God of love could condemn someone to eternal conscious torment—be easier to answer, if only we could get a handle on what God is really like?
I have yet to hear of anyone who experiences God as a god of vengeance, but for some reason, personal experience does not seem convincing enough for those who still picture God as a stern judge. For such people, I point out the following: Jesus, multiple times in the Gospel of John, insisted that he could be recognized as the Son of God because of his nature. Today’s verse is an example. If Jesus is compassionate and forgiving, then so must be God. If Jesus is vengeful and unforgiving, then so must be God.
So what is Jesus’ nature? Perhaps this verse will help you decide:
And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. –Luke 23:33-34
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Fantasy Football, Anyone?
Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
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| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
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Lee Harmon interviewed on The God Show about the History Channel's miniseries The Bible and Lee's latest book, John's Gospel: The Way It Happened.
About Lee
Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
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Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
I do not thin that Heavenly father’s nature is vengeful. That ideal of G-d started in the Middle ages and has been perpetuated throughout the ages until the modern times. It’s tragic that it has been taught in Churches and religions today. It frightens people and causes many people to reject His gospel. In many revealed scriptures we are taught that G-d weeps for the sins of people. In His capacity to weep we find compassion. The nature of Jesus is indeed the nature of G-d who is the Father of all mankind. Just the very mission of Jesus shows us the importance of G-ds love for us. Maybe theology is not so important as just the idea of pondering the scriptures and allowing ourselves to listen to the voice of the spirit and learning of the Atonement where we can feel the love, which is the very nature of G-d, in our lives would be the best answer to your question.
very nice answer, Roger!