This topic has occupied my thinking for some time now. I think it is a fascinating subject for study.
What are we to make of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3? Jesus is talking to someone who is technically still under the old covenant and he says things such as:
v. 3: “…unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
v. 5: “…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
v. 8: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
These are verses usually associated with salvation and the Spirit’s work under the new covenant yet, again, Jesus is addressing a man who is under the old covenant. Furthermore, Jesus punctuates his point by asking, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?” Jesus seems to indicate that the testimony of the Law and Prophets was sufficient to understand God’s salvific work. If that is the case, it appears that there is quite a bit of continuity between how people were saved (and the Holy Spirit’s role in that) in the OT v.s. NT.
Is that a fair assessment of the text? Or am I reading too much into it? I would appreciate your comments.
Graham Hind
100% agreed, Dr Murray. And really refreshing to hear it so clearly stated.
Phil Pockras
Spot on. We preach and teach it the same. Thanks for a very clear presentation.
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