As Moses Lifted Up The Serpent In The Wilderness

The Relevant Christian Magazine | 7/29/14 | Chuck Ness

[SouthernClaire]

Thanks, One Vike. As always, your article was interesting and a great read.

Jesus is the Old Testament, from beginning to end. The Aleph and the Tau (which is one interesting treat of a study in itself).

I’m going back to a favorite book for study for the week, the short Book of Ruth. The redemption by our Kinsman Redeemer. I am ever amazed to find things I didn’t see before … and that’s always the case. The Bible never ceases to amaze.

You are blessing, One Vike, and thanks again.

[OneVike]

You too kind.

I love the book of Ruth. So many lessons to learn from such a beautiful story. Enjoy your study.

Hmm, I think I’ll reread the book my self.

God bless you, and thanks again.

OV

[Kandy Atz]

Bullinger’s explanation of the serpent in the Garden put to rest my uneasiness about the Genesis 3 account. And this same appendix from his excellent Companion Bible briefly touches on the serpent on the pole in the wilderness and the connection to Genesis 3.

http://www.levendwater.org/companion/append19.html

I would also add that it has been suggested that brass is symbolic of judgment of sin. A brass snake can’t do any harm. The death and resurrection of Jesus neutralized Satan for Believers. Observe.

John 12:24 (AMP)
24 I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest.
John 12:31-32 (AMP)
31 Now the judgment (crisis) of this world is coming on [sentence is now being passed on this world]. Now the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world shall be cast out (expelled).
32 And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jews] to Myself.

Colossians 2:14-15 (AMP)
14 Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.
15 [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].

Hebrews 2:14-15 (AMP)
14 Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death—that is, the devil—
15 And also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives.

See also - Romans 5, 8, Galatians 3:13-14, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 2:9-11, 9 among others.

[CynicalBear]

>>An empty cross is merely an object used for torture.<<

Those who depict Christ on that cross miss the victory. The empty cross is a sign of Christ’s victory over death. If that cross were not empty that victory is incomplete.

[metmom]

Well, I suppose it depends on how you look at it.

That image of Jesus hanging on the cross that adorns Catholic churches is WAY too sanitized. If you really want to know what Jesus did, watch The Passion and realize that it was even worse than that.

It’s Jesus’ death and resurrection that brings us salvation. Sin was atoned for and death was conquered by Him dying, not by His suffering.

[Salvation]

Being Catholic: Sacred Things, Crucifixes and Crosses

[OneVike]

I agree with metmom

I worship Christ, not the cross, not the Bible, not the building, not a statue, not a human religious leader, and not men traditions. Christ and Christ alone is my Lord and savior.

There is no other way to the Father, but Christ.

However, if as metmom stated, you want an image of Christ on the cross to look to, try using this. It's a lot more accurate, and really tells the story of the punishment He suffered for us.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you so much for that beautiful message, dear OneVike!

[Hoodat]

Jesus is not bound by the cross. He defeated it.

And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Colossians 2:14-15

[Salvation]

Disarming principalities and powers? Principalities and powers are levels of angels.

Yes, he rose above the angels.

[Hoodat]

If there is any verse that says it all, it’s John 3:16. . . . It’s Salvation in a nut shell.

Uh, no. Not even close. Salvation cannot be put in a nutshell. It is a living process. Christ came so that we could have life and have it more abundantly.

[OneVike]

So Christ was wrong? You think more is needed after His sacrifice, before he was crucified he walked with us and told those who believed they were forgiven and sin no more. There is nothing more. All you need is to BELIEVE. Nothing more, no works, no dances, no rituals, not songs, and as the thief on the cross learned, you don't even need to be baptized. You should be baptized as a public confession, but it is not needed for salvation. IT IS DONE!

Now God knew they would sin again, and thus he needed to die to become the ultimate and forever sacrifice, but for you to say Christ was wrong is pretty bold.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life".

I would be careful of who you are calling a liar.

[Hoodat]

Nothing in my post even remotely suggested that Christ was wrong. I can only wonder why you felt the need to employ such a pathetic strawman at such an early stage.

[OneVike]

Well you stated to my comment that John 3:16 is salvation in a nut shell;

Uh, no. Not even close. Salvation cannot be put in a nutshell. It is a living process. Christ came so that we could have life and have it more abundantly.

So what am I to gather from your response to my statement of what Christ said?

After all, the thief on the cross did nothing but believe. It was his salvation, all wrapped up in what Christ told Nicodemus.

[Hoodat]

Christ didn’t say that John 3:16 was salvation in a nutshell. And nothing in my post even remotely suggested that Christ was wrong.

[metmom]

Disarming principalities and powers? Principalities and powers are levels of angels. Yes, he rose above the angels.

They're demons. He defeated the demonic forces. There's no need to disarm angels.

[Seven_0]

Thank you for the article. Did you notice that when Moses laid down his rod it became a serpent. That serpent deceives the whole world. Since biblical history is prophecy, we look for Christ to pick up that serpent and the rod of power will be restored. Then he will rule with a rod of iron.

[GOP Poet]

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