NOTE: This is not an extensively detailed rebuttal of limited atonement, but it should give the reader some things to consider.

One of the 5 points of Calvinism is limited atonement. In a nutshell limited atonement is the belief that Jesus died for some people but not for all. Allow me to share with you three comments I recently received in an exchange on Twitter from those defending this view.

Right, and that excludes another group—namely, those for whom Christ did not die, who will never have his atoning blood applied to them.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”—John 10:11 “You do not believe because you are not among my sheep.”—John 10:26 Jesus clearly did not lay down his life for all.

Do all go to heaven? Are all saved? If not, then you’re implying God has failed to save all He wants to save.

The first two comments were made by the same person. Notice that he claims that some people are excluded from the atoning sacrifice of Jesus because he claims that Christ did not die for them. He then follows up his argument by citing from John 10 where Jesus says he lays down his life for the sheep. 

I want to address these first two comments, then address the third one. 

Did God exclude any group of people from the atoning sacrifice of Jesus? According to the New Testament, God is not a respecter of persons. If any group of people were excluded from the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, God would be a respecter of persons.

Now, consider with me the words of Peter when God sent him to preach the gospel to Cornelius and his house.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. ~ Acts 10:34-35

Peter’s statement leaves no room for the notion that God excludes anyone for his grace and mercy. Peter says in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Peter says this in response to the manner of man Cornelius was, for Cornelius had just rehearsed to Peter why he had sent his servants to find Peter. Cornelius was a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. ~ Acts 10:1-2

Contrary to the Calvinist doctrine of total depravity which claims that even the good things we do are tainted by sin, Cornelius’s alms giving to the poor had come up as a memorial before God. God did not view Cornelius’s giving to the poor as selfish and tainted by sin, but as righteous works instead, which is why Peter says, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Yet Cornelius still needed Salvation, and because his heart was towards God, God sent Peter to him with the words of Salvation.

In Romans 2 Paul declares that there would be glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile. This is exactly what happened to Cornelius. Because of his prayers, alms, and fear of the Lord, God sent Peter to tell him and his house the words of salvation. Paul then follows his statement saying, For there is no respect for persons with God. ~ Romans 2:10-11

Notice that Paul says, every man, within the Jew and Gentile context. The Jews were the people of God (his elect, his covenant people) but through the atonement of Jesus, God made grace available to all people, removing the distinction between the two and uniting Jews and Gentiles into one family in Christ.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells the Gentiles that before God’s mercy and grace saved them, they had been the children of disobedience and children of God’s wrath. Paul also tells them that at that time they were without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope & without God in the world, but in Christ Jesus they had been made night by the blood of Christ.

The Bible clearly establishes the fact that the New Covenant was given to the house of Israel and the house of Judah (the descendants of Abraham) and that no Israelite is excluded from the call to salvation, though some rejected it. It is within this context that the same salvation offered to the Jews is now available to the Gentiles that believe. Any Calvinist who would claim that salvation was not intended to save all within Israel who believe, are just deceiving themselves.

Now, keep this in mind when reading that the same mercy that came to the Jews through Jesus was now offered to the Gentiles. If no one in Israel is excluded, it would be foolish of us to think that anyone among the Gentiles would be excluded.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ~ Romans 10:11-13

Notice Paul says there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (the Gentile). These are all inclusive statements. Paul never claims that God’s grace is only for some Jews, or some Gentiles. Paul never claims that God only wanted to save some Gentiles to whom he was sent. The Jew/Gentile texts which speak of God’s salvation include all people and not some.

Now, why did Jesus say that he lays down his life for the sheep? Jesus did not say I lay down my life for my sheep only. When he says he lays down his life for the sheep it is in contrast to the hirling who doesn’t care for the sheep. 

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. ~ John 10:11-15 

Jesus is not giving a detailed theological statement about his atoning work. He is contrasting his character and motives to those who were acting as shepherds over the people, who did not care for the people. It is a reprimand to the religious Jewish leaders who were not his sheep but were serving their father, the devil. It was a rebuke to the thieves (the unjust leaders) who only came to still, kill, and destroy.

According to the scriptures Jesus died for sinners: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. ~ 1 Timothy 1:15

According to the scriptures Jesus died for the ungodly: For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ~ Romans 5:6

According to the scriptures Jesus died for his enemies: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ~ Romans 5:10

According to the scriptures, Jesus died for the whole world: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. ~ 1 John 2:1-2 

Jesus died for sinners, the ungodly, his enemies, and the whole world. This includes all who were dead in Adam.

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. ~ Galatians 3:22

For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. ~ Romans 5:17-19 

Notice that this text is all inclusive. The ones to whom the abundance of grace and the gift of righteous is freely given is the all who were under the reign of death because of Adam’s transgression. Notice that Paul says they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness. The salvation that is in Christ must be received.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name… ~ John 1:11:12

Those who are called his own in the text above refers to the people of Israel, for Jesus was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, yet not all received him, but those who did were given the power to become the sons of God. Again, God wanted to save all his people, but he forces salvation on no one. Jesus must be received. In other words whosoever believes in him has eternal life.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:14-16

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. ~ John 4:13-14

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. ~ John 12:46

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. ~ Acts 2:4

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. ~ Acts 10:43

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ~ Romans 9:33

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.~ Romans 10:11

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ~ Romans 10:13

Does the fact that many people reject the gospel and die in their sins, mean that God has failed? Consider the third comment mentioned at the beginning. The commenter said, Do all go to heaven? Are all saved? If not, then you’re implying God has failed to save all He wants to save.

No God did not fail, just as he did not fail when many within Israel disobeyed, rebelled against him, and served false Gods. Yet they were God’s covenant people to whom God sent the prophets to rebuke for their sins. In John’s gospel Jesus said to some of the Jews who opposed him,  if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

Limited atonement, as well as the 4 other points of Calvinism fails the test when considered in view of God’s history and covenant with Israel. God’s desire was to save every member of the house Israel. When God said, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee ~ Jeremiah 31:1-3, he was talking to Israel  Yet Jesus says to them, if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

God’s everlasting love for Israel was expressed by Jesus when he said,

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! ~ Matthew 23:37

Notice that Jesus expresses God’s desire to draw the people to himself like a mother hen gathers her chicks, but they would not. They resisted the grace of God, which according to Calvinism is not possible.

God’s love for all of Israel is why he sent Jesus the Messiah. God entered into Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and raised up a covenant nation (Israel) from Jacob’s descendants. Through this nation God raised up the Messiah to save all who would believe (receive) him.

Calvinism does not work with the story of Israel. Israel’s history gives us sound Biblical theology about God’s character, goodness and love for humanity. It give us understanding of how to understand God’s election, and choosing. God chooses for no one to die in their sins, but give then the freedom to choose as we repeatedly see throughout Israel’s history.

I am reworking my study/teaching on the cross. It is unfinished, but I hope that it blesses those who take the time to read any portion of it.

THE CROSS

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. ~ John 14:1-2 

The ESV says rooms rather than mansions. The Greek word is moné (μονή, ῆς, ἡ), and means an abiding, an abode. lodging, dwelling-place, room, abode, mansion. This Greek word is only used twice in the New Testament. It is used here in John 14:2, and later in verse 23, where it is translated abode.

Consider its use in verse 23 in the wider context.

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and WE (the Father and the Son) will come unto him, and make our ABODE with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ~ John 14:21-26 

In chapters 14, 15, and 16 of St. John, Jesus speaks of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Here the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the context of the Father and Jesus making their abode with his people.

In John 7, while at the feast of tabernacles, Jesus had said the following:

In the last day, that great day of the feast (this is the feast of tabernacles mentioned in verse 2), Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) ~ John 7:37-39

Notice the text above says, the Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified. This is what Jesus is talking about when he says, I go to prepare a place for you, in John 14:2

The place Jesus went to prepare for us is not some elaborate mansion in the sky reserved for when we get to Heaven. It was the abode of the Father and the Son in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’s message to all at the feast of tabernacles was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The feast of tabernacles was a celebration of the Jews (one of their annual feasts), in which God’s people set up tents and rejoiced in the Lord their God together. This foreshadowed the many abodes in the house of the Father in which the Father and the Son would have their dwelling by the Holy Spirit.

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him… Hebrews 5:8-9

Jesus was perfect and without sin. The apostle Peter tells us that we were redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus as of a lamb without spot or blemish ~  1 Peter 1: 18-19. How then was Jesus made perfect through the things he suffered if he was already perfect as the lamb of God without spot or blemish?

Jesus was made perfect by the things he suffered, not as our sacrifice, but as our High Priest.

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him… ~ Hebrews 5:1-9

Notice that Jesus being made perfect is said within the context of his being called as our High Priest. Again, he was not made perfect as our sacrifice because he was already perfect, holy, and unblemished. He had no sin. He was made perfect as our High Priest, and his perfecting as High Priest came through the things he suffered.

Now, before we move forward it is important to point out that Jesus was fully God, and full man. He is as much God as the Father is God, and as much human as you and I are human. In theological terms this is referred to as the hypostatic union. That Jesus was fully God, and fully man, is one of the most important (if not the most important) tenants of our faith.

The hypostatic union of Jesus Christ as God and man did not end when Jesus died and rose again. He did not cease to be a man after his death on the cross. Since his birth, Jesus will forever be fully God and fully man. He did not cease to be a man when he returned to the Father, just as he never ceased to be God when he came into the world.

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples numerous times showing them that he was alive in his human body. Consider the following from Luke 24.

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. ~ Luke 24:36-43

Jesus told his disciples to handle him, handle his hands, and his feet and he ate in front of them. Jesus wanted them to know that they were not seeing a ghost, but that it was he himself, and he had risen from the dead. The things Jesus had suffered was fresh in their memory and now he was alive and they were beholding him. What a powerful, life changing moment that must have been.

Now, have you ever given thought to the fact that Jesus can remember the pain, the sorrow, and the depths of despair that he experienced at the cross. He also remembers the hate he felt from his enemies, the hurt from being betrayed, and the injustice of being lied about. Yet in all he endured, his prayer was, Father forgive them for they know not what they do ~ Luke 23:34.

Just as Jesus died for our sins, he also endured the things he suffered so that he could be the perfect High Priest we needed. There is absolutely nothing we could experience that is beyond the scope of his understanding , compassion, and mercy. He knows the pain, the grief, and the sorrow we feel at times in this life, and he’s able to keep us and bring us through it all.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:15-16

When we go through suffering, Jesus knows what it feels like, and as our perfected High Priest, he set an example for us to follow:

For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously… ~ 1 Peter 2:19-23

So often, what is thought to be an act of God substitutionally punishing Jesus when he went to the cross was actually God perfecting Jesus to be for us a merciful and faithful High Priest. Jesus drank from the cup of human suffering when he was betrayed, forsaken, unjustly condemned, mocked, beaten, and put to death.

In Philippians 3, Paul speaks of his deep desire to know Jesus and the fellowship of his sufferings. How can any truly enter the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings? It is by knowing that his sufferings was the crucible whereby he was perfected for us. Jesus endured severe testing, and triumphed over it. The writer of Hebrews tells us that we are to run our (spiritual) race, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ~ Hebrews 12:2-3

When we suffer grief and we suffer wrongfully as Peter mentions, we can endure it patiently because we have a High Priest who has been perfected for us. Thus we follow the example that Jesus set for us. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

As our High Priest, Jesus is there to comfort, and minister to us and draw us close to the Father. Jesus is still healing the brokenhearted. He ministers to us by his Holy Spirit, and often it is in those difficult times that we grow much in his grace. Consider Paul’s words from 2 Corinthians.

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Before we move forward, I want to point out a side note. There are some people who claim that God only speaks to us through the Bible, and while it is true that God absolutely does speak to us through the Bible, I want you to notice that Paul says, For this thing I besought the Lord thrice (3 times), that it might depart from me. And he said unto me…

God did not speak to Paul about this because Paul was an apostle. This was something that Paul was praying about that was hindering him personally, and God answered him by speaking to him. So don’t let anyone ever tell you that God doesn’t speak to us today, he does but we must draw close to him to hear his voice. 

Now consider the following from the book of Hebrews.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 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 in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. ~ Hebrews 2:14-18

Take notice that Jesus was made like us in every respect for this purpose, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God. And because his meditation never stops he is able to save us to the uttermost because he ever lives to make intercession for us ~ Hebrews 7:25.

Jesus’s intercession doesn’t mean he’s down on his knees praying to God for us. It means that He ever lives as our perfected High Priest!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ… ~ Ephesians 1:4

Have you ever wondered what these spiritual blessings, of which Paul speaks in the text above, actually are?

If you have, and you’re still not sure, I believe I have the answer for you.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is constructed in much the same way as his letter to the Colossians, which is more of a condensed version of his message to the Ephesians.

In Ephesians, Paul speaks of the “spiritual blessings” in heavenly places in Christ (1:4). He also speaks of our being seated with Christ in heavenly places (2:6-7). In Colossians, he says something similar.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 1:1-4

What exactly is Paul talking about with all this language of “blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places” and “seated with Christ in heavenly places” and “dead with Christ” and “your life hidden with Christ in God”?

The answer is found in Paul’s teaching of the old man from which are redeemed, and the new man we are called to be. In Colossians 3:5, Paul begins to unwrap what he means by saying, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth…” (v.5)

Paul then gives a list of the sins of the flesh which we are to put to death in our lives, and refers to this as “putting off the old man.” He then says that we are to put on the new man created in the image of Jesus Christ (3:10) by walking in love, forgiviness, kindness, peace, etc.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ~ Colossians 3:12-15

Paul goes into much more detail about putting off the old man and putting on the new in his letter to the Ephesians where he employes the same language of peace as the calling of the believer.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ~ Ephesians 4:1-3

This is the heavenly life to which we are called.

Sin is why Christ died, and the expression of sin is the old man of which we are instructed to “put off.” In Paul’s theology, the old man mentioned in Romans 6, as well as in Ephesians and Colossians is not some “mystical thing.” It is a direct reference to the person that sin causes us to become, and Christ died to save us from our sins, which make us murderers, liars, thiefs, blashpemers, adulterers, etc. Paul describes our old man being crucified with Christ as “destroying the body of sin.” ~ Romans 6:6

When we choose to surrender to Christ, we choose to live after the life of Christ, and thus we crucify the old man of sin: who we were in our sins.

Christ died and rose again, to set us free from our sins and to give us power over sin, that the life from above could be freely expressed in us.

The virtures of the new man in Christ, ruled by the peace of God, is what Paul is speaking of when speaks of the spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus and those things which are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

The Holy Spirit comes to us with the glorious life of the enthroned Christ, empowering us to live in this dark and sinful world as true ambassadors for Christ, with a life and peace that is only heaven can give.

Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. ~ John 10:31:-38

In the reference above, the Jews wanted to stone Jesus again ( an extension of John 8:59), for claiming to be the Son of God (i.e., God). In his response to them Jesus challenges them by citing Psalm 82:6

I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. ~ Psalm 82:6

Some sects of charismatic Christianity have used this as justification to teach that Christians are little gods. Listed below are some quotes from a popular Word of Faith minister. These quotes demonstrate just how far off the rails some have slid in the misappropriation of this scriptural text.

I say this with all respect so that it don’t upset you too bad, but I say it anyway. When I read in the Bible where he [Jesus] says, ‘I Am,’ I just smile and say, ‘Yes, I Am, too!’

On the cross, Jesus won the right for believers to be born again back into the god-class. Adam was created, not subordinate to God, but as a god; he lost it, and in Christ we are taken back to the god-class.

You don’t have a god in you, you are one.

These are just some of the crazy claims made by this popular WOF minister by his misappropriation of this portion of scripture. It’s unfortunate because many sincere believers follow him and other ministers who teach similar things. Consequently they are missing out on what Jesus is actually telling the Jews who wanted to stone him when he appealed to Psalm 82.

So what exactly is Jesus telling the Jews to whom he was speaking when he says, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? Ellicott’s Commentary for English readers points out the following:

I said, Ye are gods?—In the Hebrew of the Psalm, as in the Greek here, the pronoun is emphatic. “I myself said, Ye are gods?” The words are probably to be understood in the Psalm as spoken by God, who sits in judgment on the judges whom He had appointed, and gives the name of “gods” (Elohim) as representing Himself.

When Jesus cites this text, he was telling those Jews that he is Son of the God they claimed to represent, and the works which the Father had done through him was an indictment against them. They had misrepresented the God of Israel, and thus they were being judged.

Recently, I wrote a couple of teachings on the topic of the Son of man. Jesus, who is the Son of God often referred to himself as the Son of man. Among the Old Testament prophecies which speak of the Messiah was Daniel’s reference to the Son of man, to who God would give the Kingdom and appoint as the righteous ruler and judge. With this in mind consider Jesus’s words to the hostile Jews in John 5.

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. ~ John 5:20-27 

When Jesus cited Psalm 82 in John 10, he was standing in the place of God, as God’s Son, pronouncing judgment on the leaders of the people who controlled the synagogue, misrepresented God, and oppressed the people.

Psalm 82, when read as a whole is not a text telling the people that they are deities. It is an indictment against the unjust rulers who misrepresented God. Thus they were condemned by God’s judgment. No Jewish leader who would have heard Jesus speaking in John 10, would have thought that Jesus was telling them that they were deities because of Psalm 82. They would have heard Jesus claiming that the works which the Father had done through him, the Son of God, was judgment against them as rulers over the people.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. ~ John 6:51-59

In the reference above, Jesus uses very strong language, a language that would make the causal, uncommitted follower very uncomfortable. He speaks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood. Jesus did not mean this literally, but figuratively. And even in a figurative manner, it was more than many of the Jews could handle.

Eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of man is a call to commitment. Often Jesus would say and do things on purpose to test the hearts of the people, to prove their motives, and to weed out those who were not committed to him.

The faith Jesus calls us into is an “all in commitment” to follow him. Eating his flesh and drinking his blood represents complete faithfulness to him. Many of the Jews in John 6 were interested in following Jesus as long as he was doing miracles and keeping them fed, but once the call to commitment was issued, many turned away.

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. ~ John 6:60-69 

Jesus’s words regarding eating his flesh and drinking his blood had a true deep spiritual meaning, yet they were said in such a way that they would drive away those who were not completely committed to Jesus. Because of this hard saying, many of those who had followed him “casually” or not with their whole heart, were offended and turned away, but the 12 disciples (except for Judas) remained faithful. I am certain (based on the whole narrative of the gospels) that Peter did not yet understand the depth of meaning within the words of Jesus regarding eating his flesh and drinking his blood. It didn’t matter, because Peter was his disciple, and he knew that Jesus had the words of eternal life. In due time the meaning would be understood.

The sad reality is too many Christians have not yet learned the lesson contained in these verses. Eternal life is in Jesus, and when I say eternal life, I am not referring to punching your ticket to Heaven. I am talking about a walk of faith that is so dependent on Jesus,  it is as if you are actually eating his flesh and drinking his blood for your spiritual well being.

We eat physical food to nurture our physical bodies because our physical life depends on it. In like manner, Jesus is the true bread which came down from heaven, and spiritual life is dependent on him. Without Jesus, i.e., without fellowship with the Son of God we cannot maintain good spiritual health and continue good spiritual growth.

Jesus is the bread of life and the table is set before us. Thus the call comes to us all to come and partake of him who gave his flesh and whose blood was shed for us.

May God give us all understanding.

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. ~ Acts 7:51-59

Stephen in Acts 7, and John on the isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:13; 14:14) are the only references I know of in the NT where Jesus is referred to as the Son of man by someone other than himself. Here Stephen, before an angry Sanhedrin, sees Jesus (the Son of man) standing on the right hand of God. The Sanhedrin was the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews, led by the High Priest.

Stephen’s proclamation was the ultimate condemnation to these wicked leaders. They all knew what Stephen meant by declaring that he was seeing the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. The One they hated and had put to death by wicked hands and deceit, was God’s appointed ruler, judge, and King. They knew the prophecy given by Daniel.

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. ~ Daniel 7:13-14

Stephen seeing the Son of man meant that Jesus, the Messiah was now enthroned with all rule and authority under him. Stephen’s testimony aligns with what John saw in the book of the Revelation.

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. ~ Revelation 1:13

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. ~ Revelation 14:14

I don’t think many of us truly appreciate what we are reading, when we read the words of Jesus, declaring himself to be the Son of man. Every time Jesus referred to himself as the Son of man, he was claiming to be the Messiah and the righteous ruler whom Daniel saw in the presence of the Ancient of Days. 

And I (John the Baptist) knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. ~ John 1:31-34

John the Baptist bore witness that Jesus is the Son of God, for God had revealed this to John when he said to him, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Later, in the first chapter of John, Nathanael’s encounter with Jesus convinced him that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. ~ John 1:47-49

In response to Nathanael’s belief that Jesus is the Son of God, we read the following:

Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. ~ John 1:50-51

Notice that in response to Nathanael’s declaration, Jesus refers to himself as the Son of man.

It’s important to point out that Jesus uses the definite article “the” aka, the Son of man, which is not a reference to Jesus’s humanity as we might think. It’s actually a reference to his deity as God in the flesh. Notice that Jesus refers to himself as the Son of man upon which Nathanael would see angels ascending and descending. 

The title, the Son of man, is no ordinary reference to Jesus’s humanity, but a title associated with his deity. Consider the following texts in which the Son of man does what God does.

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. ~ Matthew 9:6 

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. ~ Matthew 10:23

For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. ~ Matthew 12:8

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity… ~ Matthew 13:41

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. ~ Matthew 16:27

Many other texts could be referenced, but hopefully these will suffice to get the point across. Now consider Jesus’s conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 and observe how Jesus describes himself as both the Son of man and the Son of God.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~ John 3:9-16 

Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of man, and the only begotten Son of God in the same context. He also describes himself as the Son of man who came down from heaven, yet is in heaven. How could this be?  Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers may shed some light.

If heaven is thought of as a place infinitely distant beyond clouds and sky, or as a time in the far future when this world’s life shall end, then it is indeed hard to understand what is here meant by “the Son of Man which is in heaven;” and a copyist may well have found in omission the easiest solution of the difficulty. But if heaven is something wholly different from this coldness of distance in space or time; if it is a state, a life, in which we are, which is in us–now in part, hereafter in its fulness–then may we understand and with glad hearts hold to the vital truth that the Son of Man, who came down from heaven, was ever in heaven; and that every son of man who is born of water and of the Spirit is “made a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor (in the present, ??????????) of the kingdom of heaven.”

The phrase, the Son of man which is in heaven seems to point to oneness that Jesus has with the Father. The Father and the Son are one, with this text in mind consider Jesus’ exchange with Philip later in John 14:

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. ~ John 14:7-12 

Though he came to earth and lived as a man, he was never severed from God. He and the Father are one, and have an eternal bond that can not be separated, Jesus is forever God in the flesh and God with us. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.~ John 1:18

No matter how much we think we understand the incarnation of Jesus Christ, there is still a part of it which remains a mystery.

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. ~ 1 Timothy 3:16

Until the next post on this topic, read Daniel 7:13-14, and we’ll pick up there.

THE GOSPEL OF GRACE