In what sense was Christian theology foreshadow by the story of King Saul?
Truth be told, Christian religion is an awesome faith, and Christian believers have absolutely nothing to envy
from their Hebrew counterparts (Jews, Samaritans, Karaites, Noahides, etc). Unfortunately, you will find that
Christian theology is often at odds with the most basic tenets revealed by God's Law. Consider the example
of people speaking different languages (“speaking in tongues”)-- While the gospel presents the latter as a
sign of God's blessing and approval upon the believers [during Pentecost, at the upper room], God's Law
portrays it as the result of God's curse [and disapproval] against the rebellious unbelievers [at the tower of
Babel].
Consider a second example: While the gospel portrays physical circumcision as equivalent to not being part
of God's flock (“For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole Law.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from Grace”-
Galatians 5:3-4, KJV), God's Law portrays it as being the opposite (“And the uncircumcised man child
whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my
343
covenant”- Genesis 17:14).
Finally, consider the example of taking oaths-- While God's Law commands the believer to make his oaths
using God's name (“Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God... and shalt swear by His name”- Deuteronomy 6:13),
The gospel teaches the opposite, as the latter forbids the believer from making any oath (“But I say unto you,
Swear not at all”- Matthew 5:34).
And a similar analysis could be made for almost each single tenet comprising Christian theology; always
arriving at the same result-- that, although a godly and valid religion, Christianity encourages it’s followers to
think [and behave] in a way that directly opposes God's Law. In fact, it makes them oppose God's Law in
such a clever way that most Christian sincerely believe they are actually doing the opposite (fulfilling the
Law’s truest and deepest meaning!).
In this sense, it could be properly said that Christianity was foreshadowed in the story of king Saul; who,
while openly disobeying the word of God brought upon him by prophet Samuel (to destroy Amalek,
including all of it's cattle), dared to claim the opposite (that he had actually obeyed God's word!). As is
written: “… and Saul said unto him, Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the commandment of the
Lord. And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the
oxen which I hear?”- 1 Samuel 15:13-14.
Sadly, just as Saul's rebellion [against the word of God] resulted in Israel being led by a man troubled by an
evil spirit (“But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him”- 1
Samuel 16:14), so did Saul of Tarsus rebellion [against the word of God] resulted in Christianity being led by
a man troubled by an evil spirit (“... there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to
buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure”- 2 Corinthians 12:7).
May the Almighty bless and guide the hearts and minds of our beloved Christian brothers and sister!
344
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |