John 1

[Steve Consilvio]

Hello Steve,
Would it be more appropriate to say it like this:


<i>Death no longer contains anyone because the death of our Savior conquered the power of death</i>???


Keeping in mind that prior to Christ's work of redemption the souls of the faithful departed were patiently waiting in Abraham's bosom.


Peace & blessings,


Kathie :)

Um..isn't that the same thing as before?


Redemption did not begin with Jesus. The prophets have always called on others to repent. Death is a secondary issue, in some ways. People fear death, and God tries to teach people to not be afraid, even of death. Although, ironically, it is only Satan that gives death. God always gives life, even through death.


Jesus, in a historical context, represents the sacrifice of faith that God asked Abraham to make. Abraham did not sacrifice Isaac, but all the first born sons in Egypt were sacrificed. Moses and Jesus similarly escaped persecution at birth. There is a lot of overlap regarding sons and sacrifice.


I'd also like to add one more thing to the issue of trinity. Judaism, Christianity and Islam are all monotheistic religions, but the trinity overlays the singular with a plural. It is essentially one God of three parts. As an equation 1=3 does not make sense, at first glance. But it is not so different than a man and wife becoming one flesh: 2=1.


To return to your point: Jesus did not conquer sins; he suffered our sins, and forgave us anyway. It is our sins that gets everyone and everything in trouble, yet we do not recognize our sins. Ultimately, redemption is a fancy name for self-awareness of our own sin (not the ability to judge others.)


I like to put it in this context: Moses freed the slaves; Jesus freed the slave-masters. Love your enemy is only possible through redemption, but we all define our own enemy. Redemption cannot be found through membership in a group, though it may be inspired there. The same group can just as easily mislead.


Afterall, if you were the Devil, then wouldn't getting people to fight over religion be the perfect strategy?