D. A. Carson’s lecture, “What is the Gospel?” had me thinking outside the box. Far removed from my comfort zone regarding my understanding of the Bible. Being raised Catholic, and attending a Catholic school, lead me to believe that one never really questioned the actions of Jesus. Carson, at times, made fun of Jesus’ actions and how Jesus would not give simple and direct answers. He explained that through time there have been different theories of what truly is the gospel and what it is trying to teach us.
The lecture focused on the gospel according to John 3:1-21. This is the area where John describes Jesus answering Nicodemus’ questions. Nicodemus is an educated Pharisee and misunderstands Jesus’ reply of “No one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again” and “No one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of Water and the Spirit.” Nicodemus wonders how can someone be reborn. He is thinking reborn ( new birth and reborn are used interchangeably) in the literal sense where Carson states that Jesus talks of the new birth as an expression to start over, to change from the inside. …show more content…
Per Carson, scholars have somewhat disputed the Water and Spirit statement. At one time it was though one had to be baptized to enter the Kingdom. However, that was dismissed due to the action of a baptism was not even discussed in the Bible at this stage. Born of the Water, was then thought of the mother’s water breaking at the time of giving birth. However, there was no connection with the Spirit with that theory. Carson, believes that being born of Water and Spirit, is being born again. Water and Spirit, are actions to allow one to have a new birth. We may only be transformed with God granting the power of the
The lecture focused on the gospel according to John 3:1-21. This is the area where John describes Jesus answering Nicodemus’ questions. Nicodemus is an educated Pharisee and misunderstands Jesus’ reply of “No one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again” and “No one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of Water and the Spirit.” Nicodemus wonders how can someone be reborn. He is thinking reborn ( new birth and reborn are used interchangeably) in the literal sense where Carson states that Jesus talks of the new birth as an expression to start over, to change from the inside. …show more content…
Per Carson, scholars have somewhat disputed the Water and Spirit statement. At one time it was though one had to be baptized to enter the Kingdom. However, that was dismissed due to the action of a baptism was not even discussed in the Bible at this stage. Born of the Water, was then thought of the mother’s water breaking at the time of giving birth. However, there was no connection with the Spirit with that theory. Carson, believes that being born of Water and Spirit, is being born again. Water and Spirit, are actions to allow one to have a new birth. We may only be transformed with God granting the power of the