The Gospel is not complicated. Otherwise, it would make absolutely no sense for Jesus to have "called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-4 NIV).
Nor was Jesus a theologian—that may come as a shock to some; however, search the Scriptures and nowhere do we find him, as it were, theologizing. Jesus did not have to theologize or philosophize at all; he simply stated the truth in no uncertain terms. Take it or leave it. “I am the way, the truth and the life he said; and further, if you want to meet God, the Father, you must go through the Son ((John 14:6),”. No “ifs” or “ands” or “buts” about that either. His words are short, succinct, and to the point. Even children can understand these words if they wish.
This is really nothing unique, either. As far back as Moses, God had a simple answer when asked who he is. I am that I who I am, nothing more, nothing less. Now, that simple truth took theologians centuries to formulate into a doctrinal statement. This, they call in theological terms, the simplicity of God. Thus, we say God is without parts. The general idea can be stated in this way: the "attributes" of God are inseparable from the nature of God. In other words, He is what He is. With Him you get the full package, so to speak, not just in bits and pieces.
Thus, God can say, “I am the Lord, your God, and the is none other like me (Isaiah 45:5).” To accept this simple fact is to accept God in His fullness. Now, this doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a history to which we can relate. That we must know and accept, also. But, nowhere in the process are we allowed to, or even expected to, make any changes. Changing who God is from our perspective and doesn’t affect Him in the least. He is as solid as a rock, so says the psalmist (Psalm 18:31).
Therefore, God is trustworthy. He is dependable. He will do what He says. He is the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17) says the Apostle. Now, friends, this is a simple truth. What’s complicated about that? The simple faith of a child can understand that.
So, why complicate matters?
Nor was Jesus a theologian—that may come as a shock to some; however, search the Scriptures and nowhere do we find him, as it were, theologizing. Jesus did not have to theologize or philosophize at all; he simply stated the truth in no uncertain terms. Take it or leave it. “I am the way, the truth and the life he said; and further, if you want to meet God, the Father, you must go through the Son ((John 14:6),”. No “ifs” or “ands” or “buts” about that either. His words are short, succinct, and to the point. Even children can understand these words if they wish.
This is really nothing unique, either. As far back as Moses, God had a simple answer when asked who he is. I am that I who I am, nothing more, nothing less. Now, that simple truth took theologians centuries to formulate into a doctrinal statement. This, they call in theological terms, the simplicity of God. Thus, we say God is without parts. The general idea can be stated in this way: the "attributes" of God are inseparable from the nature of God. In other words, He is what He is. With Him you get the full package, so to speak, not just in bits and pieces.
Thus, God can say, “I am the Lord, your God, and the is none other like me (Isaiah 45:5).” To accept this simple fact is to accept God in His fullness. Now, this doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have a history to which we can relate. That we must know and accept, also. But, nowhere in the process are we allowed to, or even expected to, make any changes. Changing who God is from our perspective and doesn’t affect Him in the least. He is as solid as a rock, so says the psalmist (Psalm 18:31).
Therefore, God is trustworthy. He is dependable. He will do what He says. He is the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17) says the Apostle. Now, friends, this is a simple truth. What’s complicated about that? The simple faith of a child can understand that.
So, why complicate matters?
Take care, and remember He cares for you!
JimR_/
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