Interesting phrase, isn’t it? Jesus without the Christ. Jesus, the first, that which is written; the Word without Understanding; Adam being alone, is not good, is not God.
So Jesus is the Word of God, if alone, is not understood; and if the written scriptures are not understood, then how can Jesus (the Word), thoughts and intent be quickened (or revealed)?
I recall going through a bible study series with a local mega church group, which was simply titled, “Jesus Only is Enough”. The whole series was based on the premise that “Jesus only”, is all we need).
However, isn’t this belief and teaching only part true? Yes, and it’s incomplete. Here is why:
We do need the written scriptures to learn about Truth of God and how it comes in a parable and in allegories, but we also need the understanding, the interpretation, as well.
Interpretation (Understanding) belongs to God (Spirit). It is the spirit that quickens (brings understanding).
And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream (we’re seeing thoughts), and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
~Genesis 40:8~
It is the spirit (God understanding) that quickeneth; the flesh (man’s understanding of God) profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
~John 6:63~
Three scripture references the importance of the First (Jesus)…and the Last (Christ=God Understanding).
Three scriptural references:
#1. Verily (truly), verily (truly), I say unto you, “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it (corn of wheat) die, it bringeth forth much fruit”.
~John 12:24~
#2. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
~I Corinthians 15:45~
#3. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
~Hebrews 4:8~
If Jesus had given rest……then would not the prophet had spoken of another day?
Hebrews chapter 4:
- Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
- For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard.
- For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
- For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
- And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
- Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
- Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
- For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
- There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
- For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
- Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
God will open his mouth and speak in a parable!
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old…
~Psalms 78:2~That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things (thoughts and intent of the heart) which have been kept secret (hidden) from the foundation of the world.
~Matthew 13:35~
Say,
son of man,
I am your sign