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John 12:42

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Deacon, Sep 13, 2007.

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  1. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    Read John 12:35-43 [BibleGateway.com LINK]

    Despite Christ’s miracles, “some did not believe in him”,
    of these, it was said they “could not believe”.
    Yet, among these “many even of the authorities believed in him”
    “but they did not confess it”.

    What would you call the authorities who believed but did not publicly confess Jesus?

    Were they believers?
    Were they sons of light?

    Rob
     
    #1 Deacon, Sep 13, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 13, 2007
  2. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    The answer is no and no. Were they ashamed of Jesus, or of the consequences of this world? We all know what the Bible says about those who are ashamed of the Lord. Also, it reminds me of the parable of the sower, the seed took root at first, but did not have deep roots, and under the heat it withered.
     
    #2 saturneptune, Sep 13, 2007
  3. standingfirminChrist

    standingfirminChrist New Member

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    Jesus said, "He that denies me before men, him will I deny before the Father"


    I would say until they made a public profession, their profession was not possession.
     
    #3 standingfirminChrist, Sep 13, 2007
  4. Zenas

    Zenas Active Member

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    Joseph of Arimathea seems to fit this description and I have always thought of him as one of the "good guys."

    "After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body." John 19:38.
     
    #4 Zenas, Sep 13, 2007
  5. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    Just my opinions here...

    I think Nicodemus could be in that group too.
    Interesting wording, quite catchy.

    I thought that since the bible said they "believed" that the first question would be a gimme.

    Were they believers?
    YES, "among the chief rulers also many believed on him" KJV

    Were they sons of light? IMHO, not yet, they were in the process of becoming...

    "I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

    And Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me.
    And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.
    I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
    If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
    John 12:44-47 ESV

    The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge;!!!

    Rob
     
    #5 Deacon, Sep 13, 2007
  6. swaimj

    swaimj <img src=/swaimj.gif>

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    Deacon, I think I agree with what you are saying. Prior to Jesus' death, the standard for a follower was to "take up a cross and follow me". I take it that Jesus was literally inviting his disciples to die with him. Of course they all forsook Jesus and fled. After Jesus' resurrection and the giving of the Holy Spirit many did give their very lives for Jesus and follow him in death. Joseph and Nicodemus were no worse for failing to declare their belief in public than the disciples were when they fled at Jesus' arrest.
     
    #6 swaimj, Sep 13, 2007
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