We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Friday, March 1, 2013

Did They Really Say That?!?


?!?
Jesus restored Lazarus by the understanding that Lazarus had never died, not by an admission that his body had died and then lived again.  Had Jesus believed that Lazarus had lived or died in his body, the Master would have stood on the same plane of belief as those who buried the body, and he could not have resuscitated it.
Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p.75


What does the Bible say about the state of Lazarus?  
John 11:11-15, Jesus said, “‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.’ His disciples replied, ‘Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.’ Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.  So then he told the plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.’

Verse 17 says that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.  The story continues with the discussion of his death, the fact that he would be stinking, and even that Jesus wept because Lazarus was dead.

Jesus said that Lazarus was “asleep,” but he meant Lazarus was dead.  Paul also spoke of the dead as being “asleep” (1 Cor. 15:51), because in both cases they knew that the dead would rise back to life.

Jesus as God was the creator, and was certainly able to restore life to the dead, as will happen in the resurrection.  To say Jesus would be unable to do so if He thought the person was really dead is to blaspheme Him.

The Bible says Lazarus was dead, and dead for four days.  It says Jesus knew he was dead and even wept over the fact.  It also says Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead knowing he was fully dead.

Mary Baker Eddy has written a lie contradicting the plain reading of Scripture.  She is again proven to have been a false teacher.

2 comments:

Joe said...

There's a simple explanation.

Lazarus had been on a long assignment and when he returned he was tired, so tired, in fact, that he stumbled into a tomb, thinking it was the local Holiday Inn.

There he fell asleep for four days until Jesus came yelling and woke him up.

Being refreshed after his long nap, Lazarus came out and greeted everybody with a happy "Hello!"

The ladies had thought he had been afflicted by sleeping sickness. Imagine their relief at finding out he had only been tired.

So, how'd I do? Did I invent a pretty good story?

I should be the next cult founder, right?

I know. It doesn't jibe with the Bible account, but hey! Visions are visions.

Glenn E. Chatfield said...

Joe,
Thanks for the laugh!