ELTBefore Tov ת
Revelation was complete when it produced new life
The *ת* (Tav) is a letter that is a *ר* (Resh) with a *ו* (Vav) returning, symbolizing the idea that the revelation of God produces a new life. This represents the transformative power of God's revelation, which brings forth spiritual rebirth and renewal. Through the revelation of God, a new life is birthed in those who receive it, specifically through the work of Christ, who brings new life to His people.
Here are some scriptures that reflect the idea that the revelation of God produces new life:
Revelation Produces New Life
1. ▸ ± 2 Corinthians 5:17
- "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"*
- - This verse speaks of the new creation that comes through the revelation of Christ. Those who are in Christ experience a complete transformation, leaving behind the old life and embracing a new life in Him.
- "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'"*
- - Jesus speaks of the necessity of being born again, indicating the new life that comes through the revelation of God's truth and the work of the Holy Spirit.
- "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."*
- - The hearing and believing of God's word, the revelation of Christ, brings eternal life. This passage reflects the power of God's revelation to transform death into life.
4. ▸ ± 1 Peter 1:23
- "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God."*
- - Peter speaks of being born again through the enduring word of God, which is the revelation that brings new life to those who receive it.
5. ▸ ± Colossians 3:9-10
- "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."*
- - The new life is a process of renewal, as believers are transformed by the revelation of God's knowledge and become more like Christ, their Creator.
6. ▸ ± Romans 6:4
- "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."*
- - Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are given the opportunity to live a new life, symbolized by baptism, which is a revelation of the new birth in Christ.
Conclusion
These scriptures illustrate the powerful effect of God's revelation, which brings new life. The transformation from old to new, death to life, is a result of receiving the revelation of God's word, particularly through Christ, who is the ultimate revelation of God. The new life in Christ is not just a change in behavior but a complete spiritual rebirth, reflecting the *ת* (Tav) as the revelation that produces new life.
Discussion
- How does ת (Tav) demonstrate that revelation is completed in Christ’s work?
- How does revelation (resh) distinguish people (vav) and lead to transformation (tav)?
- Can we see a similar pattern of revelation → distinction → completion in the broader biblical narrative?
- If revelation (resh) distinguishes (vav), how does this help us understand how Jesus separates the sheep from the goats?
- How does the concept of resh (revealing) relate to Jesus as the Word made flesh?
- How does understanding resh as revealing (rather than as 'head') change the way we interpret Hebrew words like ראשית (reshit, beginning)?
- Does this structure (revelation → distinction → completion) explain why some people reject Christ while others are transformed by Him?
- How can believers live in light of the idea that God’s completed work is our new life?
