Symbolism in the Bible: Finale (Chris and Randy)

We spent the past few months looking at some of the most common symbols in the Bible.  Through that journey, we have seen how Biblical writers – and God himself – used these symbols to help communicate a deeper meaning in the story.  By understanding the meaning of the symbols, we have gained a deeper understanding of God’s work in the world. Today, we will recap these lessons and ask once more what we can learn about God and ourselves in the process.

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Symbolism in the Bible: Fire (Randy)

Like water and blood, Biblical writers used fire to symbolize God’s work in the world, ranging from affliction and punishment (no fire), judgement (raging fire), salvation and sanctification (cleansing fire), and eternal life (empowering fire). In this lesson, we explore some of these instances and draw out what they mean to our lives today.

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Symbolism in the Bible: The Cross (Chris)

Tim Keller teaches that the Cross represents the complete inversion of the world’s reality vs. God’s reality.  Through the cross, Christ won by losing.  As Paul noted earlier in 1 Corinthians, Jesus gave up everything that the world values (life, power, and honor) for the sake of what God values (obedience, sacrifice, and love).  Of course, any symbol has its limits.  It represents something rather than being the something itself.  We do not worship the Cross, we worship the Christ of the Cross.  As Paul said, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”  [1 Corinthians 2:2]

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Symbolism in the Bible: Blood (Randy)

Blood in the Bible represents both death and life, and like water, shows how God works in the world.  He judges, saves, and ultimately reconciles us to him through the blood of Christ. 

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Symbolism in the Bible: Water (Randy)

Biblical writers wrote during a time when water was one of the most precious resources. They lived in an arid climate where drought brought famine and war cut off water supplies.  On the other hand, rain and full cisterns meant a good harvest and plenty to drink.  Water in the Bible represents both punishment and blessing. Ultimately, Jesus transformed it to represent eternal life. 

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Symbolism in the Bible: Oil (Chris)

Continuing in our Symbolism series, Chris looks at the symbolism of oil in the Bible.

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The Gospel of Thomas (Bruce Jones)

Bruce Jones from the Passages class at PRUMC examines The Gospel of Thomas.  Bruce adds:

From a recent daily missive by Richard Rohr: “Remember, it's God in you that loves God. You, on your own, don't really know how to love God. It's Christ in you that recognizes Christ. It's the Holy Spirit, whose temple you are (see 1 Corinthians 3:16), that responds to the Holy Spirit. Like recognizes like. That's why all true cognition is really recognition ("re-cognition" or knowing something again). Only so far as you have surrendered to Christ and allowed the Christ in you to come to fullness can you love Christ. It's Christ in you that recognizes and loves Christ.”

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