In the Name of Salvation: Three Theological Treatises

IN THE NAME OF SALVATION: THREE THEOLOGICAL TREATISES (Second Edition - as it appears in Approaching the Kingdom: An Anthology) ONE - THE SUPREME TRANSFORMATION - WATER INTO WINE In the following treatise, I examine Christ's first miracle - transforming water into wine, which took place at a wedding in Cana in Galilee. This sign foreshadowed and illustrated his transformation of the natural rhythm of the cosmos. Ancient Chinese sages used the term Tao to refer to the natural rhythm of the cosmos and they observed that it behaved like water. The Tao's lofty esoteric principles were followed by few. But, there was tribulation in the world and Christ came into the world to save all people, not just the few. He transformed the Tao into what resembles wine to save lowly humankind from its sins. I believe if we can better understand the Tao, we will be able to better see the magnitude, magnificence and majesty of Christ. In writing this treatise, I hope to help my fellow Christians better understand our Lord through knowledge of the Tao and to help non-Christians, through the Spirit of Truth, begin to believe that Christ is the Son of the Most High God. TWO - AGAPE INTO ETERNITY The following treatise is meant to be a painting in words of the means to union with God. This way people can see the big picture, so there is no longer fear - only hope, comfort and peace - about eternity. The 3000 year old thriving Hindu theology of Brahman, Atman and Moksha is the image and Jesus is the way. I have not focused on Jesus's miracles or resurrection to illustrate his unique position as God's only begotten Son who makes eternal life possible. I have focused on his agape, which if embraced and emulated, will unite one with God who is Agape. Implicit in the theology is the Holy Spirit who, too, is Agape. THREE - THE MESSIAH JESUS The title Messiah comes from the Hebrew word "mashiach," which means "anointed one." In Jewish tradition, it was used to refer to priests and kings who were anointed with holy oil to consecrate their positions and signify God's blessing. However, in the Jewish theology about the end of days, it has greater significance because it refers to the Messiah who will usher in God's Kingdom. The Greek term for the title Messiah is Christ. Jesus's followers identify Jesus as the Christ. They are known as Christians. In the following treatise, I display Old Testament passages about the Messiah and God's Kingdom of Heaven and how Jesus makes the prophecies reality. My goal is to strengthen my fellow Christians' faith and show Jews that Jesus is the One.