Talk:1. Introduction: Unveiling the Hidden Mysteries of Scripture
[D1]
If we consider the possibility of salvation through teaching alone prior to the cross, we realize that the significance of the cross would diminish. [D1]
There is more to this. This is true.. but.
It may cause confusion. Before the cross if you could get saved by teaching alone, the cross would not be necessary. After the cross we do get saved by teaching alone (about the cross). I am making a comparison, not stating an absolute about teaching in isolation from the actualized work of the cross or absent from the Spirit.
This intentional :not teaching enough" is forshadowed by Eve not being taught by Adam sufficiently. Also by men not being taught before Noah. By not being allwoed to eat the tree of life, by prophets sealing the word, etc.
It culminates with "Forgive them, they know not what they do".
It is also referenced in riddles: Jesus is guilty of the law without being guilty of the law. He teaches in parables so they don't understand" which is not literal truth, so in teh shadow "he lies".
I don't know if all this needs addresed in the intro, but there was a dilemma, of how the invisible God makes himelf known prior to the cross without destroying the need for the cross.
We can't get too far into riddle too soon or people who do not understand will misunderstand. The language of riddle does not denigrate Christ in anyway. It is how truths are hidden.
These are just observations, not direction. You write much better than I.
[D2]
" belief and salvation would come through faith. "
I prefer to use 'trust' for believe'. Believe 'aman' אמנ - on א()נ the promise of the Father מ. "Standing on the promises of God" , faithful, sure, established, verified, stand fast. It has none of the nonsense in the english word of merely intellectual assent.
We envision salvation as a ticket, either out of hell or into heaven. It is neither. Yasha ישע is his flesh י()ע that loves the increase of the word ש. We love the teaching. It is about knowing God.
Instead of 'belief and salvation would come through faith" "trust and a love for God and his word would come through the knowledge of the cross."
I like to use "trust" instead of belief. It has too many meanings. I try to make the point with Atheists who say that they just don't believe, that they become irrelevant, because no one cares about what you believe. Atheism is only 'interesting' as a truth claim. Demons believe. The Hebrew word for believe is 'aman' meaning faithful, established, trust, stedfast, etc. It has none of the 'intellectual assent' nonsense carried by the English word.
Believe 'aman' אמנ - on א()נ the promise of the Father מ.
[D3]
The triumphal entrance, though appearing to be a welcome from the people, was in fact a rejection as shown in symbols. This is the fulfillment of "make his path straight". His temptation is to not die. In this scene he sees the people are so lost, they cannot even ask for help. It encourages him to the cross a sthe only way to provide salvation.
