Jay Quine on religious thoughts

Colossians 2:16-23  The Penumbra of Jesus

Monday, May 20th is a solar eclipse.  The moon never covers all the solarsphere—there is always a penumbra around the edge.  When the moon’s shadow falls no one looks down at the shadow.  We look up!  Colossians 2 tells us to look, not at the shadow, but at the body casting the shadow.

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. ¹⁷  These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. ¹⁸ Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions,puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, ¹⁹ and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. ²⁰ If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— ²¹  “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” ²² ( referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? ²³ These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Every striving of spirituality; every self-induced holiness; every effort of righteousness; whether self-discipline, legalism, lists of “do’s” and “don’ts”, is as real as a shadow.  A Christianity of rules is a Christianity in ruins.  This paragraph ends telling us that “shadows” are of no value to guard against sin—“of no value in stopping the indulgences of the flesh.”

Instead, look to Jesus.  He is not an empty shadow, but is the “substance”.  The original Greek word is the word is “soma,” meaning “body”.  He is the body which casts the shadow.  Our human effort expressing our faith and righteousness is living in a shadow—a life of no substance.  Lift up your eyes and look at the body—the substantive life.  You will see Jesus.  With outstretched arms of love He will shine on you.

Looking up from sitting in darkness you may first only see the outline of Jesus casting the shadow.  The light behind Him emanates a bright penumbra all around Him.  It is the glory of God.

Related articles

• May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor! by Quine (jay-quine.blogspot.com)
• The Bible in 52 – Week 9 Faith in a Snake? (yourlifemattersinc.com)
• The Bible in 52: Week 7 – How to Worship a Holy God (yourlifemattersinc.com)
• How the the Apostles Die? By Dr. Jay Quine (houstontheology.blogspot.com)

Here are four questions I challenge you to answer.  Literally write down the answer for clarity and certainty.  Here they are:

1. If you stood before God at the gates of heaven, how would you answer the following question from God: “Why should I let you in?”

2. If you were asked how you get to heaven, which of the following best describes your answer:

a. Works (doing good deeds for others)

The Stairway to Heaven

b. Personal faith in Christ plus works.

c. Personal faith in Christ alone.

d. None of the above.

3. When in your life did you come to believe you are a Christian (if you did )?

4. Have you come to the point in life that you are certain you are going to heaven?

Now get out that pen and paper and answer these!

Other Critical Questions

• Are We in the Tribulation? Do This Self Study! (churchwritings.wordpress.com)
• May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor! by Quine (jay-quine.blogspot.com)
• Gifted for a Purpose – You! (religousthoughts.blog.com)

When Moses asked God, “Who shall I say sent me?” the Lord answered, “I am that I am.  I am sent you.”

Theologians know this phrase to describe God as the self-existent one.  It is part of God’s independence; His aseity.  God doesn’t NEED anyone to be Himself.  He is content with Himself.  He can even love Himself.

I was recently challenged to be more like God.  After all, if I am created in the image of God, is it not part of the goal of being more God-like to be at peace with your self.  I was challenged: “Enjoy your self… enjoy who you are, not merely what you do.”

Let God enjoy you.  I know He does, but you need to embrace it.  God enjoys you.  So enjoy your self (your being, nature, and personhood) too.  Didn’t Jesus assume this when He instructed, “Love your neighbor as yourself?”

I am that I am… not self existent, but created in the image of God.  Enjoy it.

Other Articles to Enjoy for Your SELF!

• May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor! by Quine (jay-quine.blogspot.com)
• How the the Apostles Die? By Dr. Jay Quine (houstontheology.blogspot.com)
• Walk in Wisdom – Make a Vow (jay-quine.blogspot.com)