16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
This verse apparently involves judging someone's character on outside appearances; but I think it gives us an idea how to approach this subject. Our proclivities when on earth of course are character traits which all men; saved and unsaved represent as to our familiarity and memories of them; with their eternal state nonetheless reflecting the condition of their soul (redeemed or unregenerate).
This verse also mentions Christ; and many have tried to portray His image (not a good idea in regard to the 1st Commandment where we are told not to make an image of anything and worship it). If the Shroud of Turin is legitimate (which seems undeniable); then it is interesting how it isn't worshipped as an icon; but we see many icons or in reality idols representing Christ and Biblical characters which are "venerated" as to their sainthood.
As believers we need to get beyond nostalgia and such because what is important is the eternal and redeemed state of a person in Christ and their individual part in the whole Body of Christ which focuses on His righteousness where we will serve; rule and reign with Him for all eternity. We all will; if proven faithful be rewarded with crowns which will represent our authority and place in the Kingdom.
We can look to David's mention of the child who died with Bathsheeba as he looked forward to going to him someday. We can look to Moses and Elijah who appeared before Christ at the Transfiguration and see the focus of the discussion was centered on Christ; clearly He had communed with them already in the past so that this was just the time and place for fulfillment of things they were already given informed about with intimate fellowship in heaven. (I would say Elijah hasn't died and is one of the 2 last day witnesses).
"If the Shroud of Turin is legitimate (which seems undeniable)"
The Scriptures deny the legitimacy of the Shroud of Turin.
-- John 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
The Shroud is a one piece woven cloth, Christ was not bury in a one piece linen cloth. His head was wraped in a separate "napkin" and was laid apart from the the burial shourd.
-- John 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Lazarus was also buried the same.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
With the Holy Spirit within us, we no longer live according to our sinful nature. We recognize that the flesh is inherently corrupt, so there's no need to judge or understand someone based on their outward, physical self-instead, we should connect with them on a spiritual level. God doesn't focus on the flesh, and neither should we. When sharing the gospel with those who are lost, their carnal side will always resist it. That's why we must appeal to their inner spirit, witnessing to that part of them and guiding them away from worldly desires.
Jesus didn't resurrect in a physical body but in a glorified, spiritual one. As believers filled with the Spirit, we eagerly await our own spiritual bodies. Though we haven't received them yet, we're already transformed-we're not who we once
Thank you, thank you, thank you !!! This is most always overlooked (or ignored). Also, I don't believe for a second that the Father would let His beloved Son's burial cloth be in the hands of a church that is nothing but idol worship (I used to be Catholic-I know !!). It's just another of MANY deceptions.
Dear Mr. Priday, Thak you for your response, but please tell me what this means. I'm not the brightest crayon in the box. If you know what I mean. Waiting on your reply. God Bless you...
Well in short it seems evident from scripture that we will recognize those who are on the other side; I thought these references would help.
Luke 20:38 states For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Perhaps all my other commentary wasn't helpful; but my main point is to show that seeing the Lord in someone is the part which lasts forever. Our familiarity with things on this earth are based on things which are temporary quite often-maybe not in your case but our fallen nature often sidetracks us with things such as fleeting youth; and worldly talent; or something as basic as a way a family tends to operate which a memory of someone often can trigger. God has uniquely made all of us but it is for reflecting His glory not our own; and this life is often a painful reminder of how we are all as a vapor on the earth; here and gone.
Another approach to this could be that it is common for us to focus on those we know rather than the multitude of other saved souls who we will interact with once we're up there.
Perhaps I'm more introspective on this since my Mom passed away this past January and my Dad is now in a Memory Care facility with pretty advanced Dementia at this point. The house is now empty but I see how it used to operate with all the proclivities our life here involved.
I do a lot of thinking so anyway no need to sweat it; go to the Scriptures first and search all things.
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
This verse apparently involves judging someone's character on outside appearances; but I think it gives us an idea how to approach this subject. Our proclivities when on earth of course are character traits which all men; saved and unsaved represent as to our familiarity and memories of them; with their eternal state nonetheless reflecting the condition of their soul (redeemed or unregenerate).
This verse also mentions Christ; and many have tried to portray His image (not a good idea in regard to the 1st Commandment where we are told not to make an image of anything and worship it). If the Shroud of Turin is legitimate (which seems undeniable); then it is interesting how it isn't worshipped as an icon; but we see many icons or in reality idols representing Christ and Biblical characters which are "venerated" as to their sainthood.
As believers we need to get beyond nostalgia and such because what is important is the eternal and redeemed state of a person in Christ and their individual part in the whole Body of Christ which focuses on His righteousness where we will serve; rule and reign with Him for all eternity. We all will; if proven faithful be rewarded with crowns which will represent our authority and place in the Kingdom.
We can look to David's mention of the child who died with Bathsheeba as he looked forward to going to him someday. We can look to Moses and Elijah who appeared before Christ at the Transfiguration and see the focus of the discussion was centered on Christ; clearly He had communed with them already in the past so that this was just the time and place for fulfillment of things they were already given informed about with intimate fellowship in heaven. (I would say Elijah hasn't died and is one of the 2 last day witnesses).
Hope this helps somewhat.
RP
The Scriptures deny the legitimacy of the Shroud of Turin.
-- John 20:7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.
The Shroud is a one piece woven cloth, Christ was not bury in a one piece linen cloth. His head was wraped in a separate "napkin" and was laid apart from the the burial shourd.
-- John 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Lazarus was also buried the same.
-- 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
With the Holy Spirit within us, we no longer live according to our sinful nature. We recognize that the flesh is inherently corrupt, so there's no need to judge or understand someone based on their outward, physical self-instead, we should connect with them on a spiritual level. God doesn't focus on the flesh, and neither should we. When sharing the gospel with those who are lost, their carnal side will always resist it. That's why we must appeal to their inner spirit, witnessing to that part of them and guiding them away from worldly desires.
Jesus didn't resurrect in a physical body but in a glorified, spiritual one. As believers filled with the Spirit, we eagerly await our own spiritual bodies. Though we haven't received them yet, we're already transformed-we're not who we once
Luke 20:38 states For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
Perhaps all my other commentary wasn't helpful; but my main point is to show that seeing the Lord in someone is the part which lasts forever. Our familiarity with things on this earth are based on things which are temporary quite often-maybe not in your case but our fallen nature often sidetracks us with things such as fleeting youth; and worldly talent; or something as basic as a way a family tends to operate which a memory of someone often can trigger. God has uniquely made all of us but it is for reflecting His glory not our own; and this life is often a painful reminder of how we are all as a vapor on the earth; here and gone.
Another approach to this could be that it is common for us to focus on those we know rather than the multitude of other saved souls who we will interact with once we're up there.
Perhaps I'm more introspective on this since my Mom passed away this past January and my Dad is now in a Memory Care facility with pretty advanced Dementia at this point. The house is now empty but I see how it used to operate with all the proclivities our life here involved.
I do a lot of thinking so anyway no need to sweat it; go to the Scriptures first and search all things.
Agape.
RP
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