The Cosmic and Trans-Cosmic Christ: Martin Hanna's blog

The Cosmic Christ of Scripture

2010-05-13T21:43:00.000-04:00

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The Cosmic and Trans-cosmic Christ of Scripture

2010-05-12T21:33:00.002-04:00

There are cosmic and trans-cosmic dimensions of the biblical title “Christ” which means “anointed person.” The Old Testament refers to the anointing of priests (Exod 29:1-9 ), kings (1 Sam 10:1; 2 Sam 2:4; 1 Kings 1:34), and prophets (19:16). However, the New Testament refers to Jesus alone as “the Christ” (Acts 2:27, 31). The Samaritans looked for Christ (Jn 4:25) and the Jews expected him to perform miracles (Jn 7:31). Claiming the title of Christ, Jesus announced a universal worship of God which is not limited to the religious centers of the Samaritans or the Jews (4:21-26). The cosmic and trans-cosmic scope of Christ is also manifest in his ascension to God’s right hand to pour out the Spirit on all flesh (Acts 2:17, 32-33) to empower the preaching of the gospel to all nations (2:1-5).

The scope of Christ may be further clarified by a study of the biblical use of the word cosmos [translated as “world” in English Bibles].
“Christ, the Savior of the cosmos” (Jn 4:42), is trans-cosmic since “the cosmos was made by him (Jn 1:10). Christ is also cosmic in that “he was in the cosmos” (Jn 1:10). As the trans-cosmic Christ, he says: “I am not of the cosmos” (Jn 8:23; 17:14, 16). As the cosmic Christ, he says: “I am the light of the cosmos” (Jn 8:12). Christ is cosmic in that “God . . . sends His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh” (Rom 8:3). Christ is trans-cosmic in that he is “separate from sinners, and . . . higher than the heavens” (Heb 7:26).
The trans-cosmic “God was in [the cosmic] Christ reconciling the cosmos to himself” (2 Cor 5:19; cf. Rom 11:15). “In him dwells the [trans-cosmic] fullness of the Godhead bodily [that is, within the cosmos]” (Col 2:9). Christ, who was trans-cosmic “in the form of God” and “equal with God” (Phil 2:6), became part of the cosmos in “the form of a bondservant” “in the likeness” and “appearance as a man” and “became obedient to” “the death of the cross” (Phil 2:7-8).

Biblical texts on the relation of Christ to “all things”also indicate the cosmic and trans-cosmic scope of his ministry. “There is . . . one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things” (1 Cor 8:6). God will “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth” (Eph 1:10). “God . . . created all things through Jesus Christ” (3:9) who is “head over all things” (1:22) and “head of all principality and power” (Col 2:10). He “is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (1:17). “In the beginning was the word (logos). . . and the word was God [trans-cosmic]. All things [in the cosmos] were made by him . . . . and the word was made flesh [in the cosmos]” (Jn 1:1, 14).

Welcome to our Discussion Forums!

2010-05-12T21:32:00.000-04:00

This is a discussion initiated among the members of my classes at Andrews University. At the same time, we encourage participation by others.

Everyone who visits this blogspot is welcome to participate with questions or comments. Let us know what insights you discovered in our discussions and what issues you disagree with or find to be unclear or incorrect.

Please avoid communicating disrespect for those with whom you may disagree. Let us agree to disagree agreeably. We expect to grow spiritually and intellectually through our dialog and we hope the same for you.

Instructions for participation in discussions.

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Under the heading for each class you will see the number of previous comments. Click on that link and it will take you to a page where you will see these comments. At the top of that page you should click on a link which reads "jump to comment form." Then you will see a box in which you may type or paste your comment. From the options available, select “Name/URL” and then type in your name (do not select anonymous). For security purposes you must also type in a word verification which is case sensitive. Once you have done this, click on the "publish your comment" button. That’s all there is to it.

Doctrine of Salvation, Fall 2010

2010-05-09T15:38:00.002-04:00

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Revelation, Inspiration, and Hermeneutics, Fall 2010

2010-05-09T15:37:00.001-04:00

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Works of Christ: Summer 2010

2010-05-09T15:36:00.003-04:00

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Revelation Inspiration and Hermeneutics: Summer 2010

2010-05-09T15:30:00.017-04:00

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Say what you think about my videos.

2009-07-11T13:46:00.000-04:00

On the right side of this page, at the top, you will see a list of links which connect you with some of my favorite internet videos.

Also, scroll down and see my videos and pictures from my trip to Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Take a look at those which attract your attention and write a comment on what you see.

Video from my trip to Zimbabwe

2009-07-10T13:45:00.000-04:00

Video from my trip to Botswana

2009-07-09T11:01:00.000-04:00

My pictures of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River

2009-07-08T11:00:00.000-04:00

Protestant Theological Heritage: Summer 2010

2009-07-08T10:30:00.000-04:00

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Doctrine of Salvation: Summer 2010

2009-07-08T10:29:00.000-04:00

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Assignments for Understanding the Christian World, Fall 2009.

2009-07-07T19:35:00.000-04:00

Post your assignments below. All further comments and discussions should be posted under the thread entitled: "Comments on Assigments."

Comments on assignments for Understanding the Christian World, Fall 2009.

2009-07-07T19:34:00.000-04:00

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Assignments for Revelation, Inspiration, Hermeneutics, Fall 2009.

2009-07-07T19:33:00.004-04:00

Post your assignments below. All further comments and discussions should be posted under the thread entitled: "Comments on Assigments."

Comments on assignments for Revelation, Inspiration, Hermeneutics, Fall 2009.

2009-07-07T19:32:00.001-04:00

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Assignments for Doctrine of Salvation, Fall 2009.

2009-07-07T19:31:00.001-04:00

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Comments on assignments for Doctrine of Salvation, Fall 2009.

2009-07-07T19:30:00.001-04:00

This thread is reserved for your comments and ongoing discussion regarding the assignments posted in the previous thread.

Assignments for Works of God, Summer 2009.

2009-07-05T22:07:00.000-04:00

Comments on assignments for Works of God, Summer 2009.

2009-07-05T22:06:00.001-04:00

Assignments for Life and Ministry of Ellen White, Summer 2009.

2009-07-05T22:05:00.000-04:00

Comments on assignments for Life and Ministry of Ellen White, Summer 2009.

2009-07-05T22:04:00.000-04:00

Post final essay for Protestant Theological Heritage here.

2009-07-05T22:03:00.000-04:00