Words of Christ

  The Cosmic and Personal New Creation: Unraveling the Connection in Paul’s Use of Κτίσις The Apostle Paul’s writings are a treasure trove of theological depth, weaving together the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan for both humanity and the cosmos. One striking yet often overlooked connection lies in his use of the Greek word κτίσις (ktisis) in two distinct but profoundly related contexts: the cosmic creation groaning for redemption in Romans 8:19–21 and the individual believer as a “new creation” in 2 Corinthians 5:17. This shared term is no coincidence—it points to a deep theological link between the Fall, where human sin impacted all creation, and the redemption in Christ, where personal renewal foreshadows cosmic restoration. Let’s explore this connection and why it matters for understanding God’s redemptive story. The Fall: Humanity and Creation Bound in Ruin The story begins in Genesis 3, where Eve and Adam’s disobedience unleashed sin into the world. Their choice to...

  Finding True Rest: The Biblical Meaning of Anapausis and the Problem of Restlessness In the Bible, rest is more than just a break from activity—it’s the resolution of a deep problem, a state of peace where burdens are lifted, and purpose is fulfilled. The Greek word anapausis (Strong’s G372), meaning “rest” or “refreshment,” captures this idea vividly in the New Testament. From Jesus’ promise of soul-soothing rest to the unsettling wanderings of an unclean spirit, anapausis reveals a profound contrast between divine rest and its counterfeit. This article explores anapausis in Matthew 11:29 and 12:43, its connection to the Sabbath (Shabbat), and the insight that rest comes when a problem is solved, drawing on biblical texts and Jewish thought. The Rest of Jesus: Solving the Burden of Works In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus invites the weary: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me… and you will find rest (anapausi...

  The Spiritual Unity of Gathering: Salvation as Restoring the Scattered In the Gospels, Jesus’ words carry layers of meaning, often weaving together the physical and the spiritual to reveal profound truths about God’s redemptive plan. One such connection lies in the Greek word ἀπόλλυμι—meaning “to be lost,” “to perish,” or “to be wasted”—which appears in two seemingly distinct contexts: the feeding of the five thousand and the parable of the Prodigal Son. By examining these passages, we uncover a beautiful picture of salvation as the act of gathering what is scattered, ensuring that nothing is lost to God’s kingdom. The Fragments That Must Not Be Lost In John 6:12, after miraculously feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fish, Jesus instructs His disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost” (Greek: συναγάγετε τὰ περισσεύσαντα κλάσματα, ἵνα μή τι ἀπόληται). The verb ἀπόληται, a form of ἀπόλλυμι, implies more than mere waste. It suggests a...

The Resurrection Tapestry in the Parable of the Prodigal Son The Parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32, is one of the most beloved stories in the New Testament, celebrated for its themes of repentance, forgiveness, and unconditional love. While many focus on the father’s grace or the son’s waywardness, a subtler yet profound thread runs through the narrative: a tapestry of resurrection. Woven into the son’s journey—his moment of self-realization, his decision to rise, and the father’s declaration of restoration—are vivid metaphors of death and resurrection that mirror the transformative power of repentance. This article explores how these resurrection motifs, often overlooked, enrich the parable’s message and reflect God’s redemptive heart. The Descent: A State of Spiritual Death The story begins with the younger son demanding his inheritance, a bold and culturally shocking act that essentially tells his father, “You’re as good as dead to me.” Taking his share, he journey...

The True Meaning of Hebrews 11:3: Time, Not Planets, Framed by God’s Word Hebrews 11:3, a well-known verse from the New Testament, is often cited to affirm the power of faith in understanding creation: “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (NKJV). At first glance, this verse seems to describe the creation of the physical universe—planets, stars, and galaxies. However, a closer look at the original Greek text reveals a deeper, less tangible focus: the ordering of time and existence itself, not just solid, material structures. This insight, often overlooked, highlights a profound theological truth about the dynamic nature of life and history, rooted in God’s invisible command. The Problem with Translation The English translation of Hebrews 11:3, particularly in versions like the New King James Version (NKJV) or King James Version (KJV), can mislead modern readers. The word “worl...