The contrast can be seen between the Old and New Testaments.
In the Old Testament, the salvation hoped-for (e.g. from the Messiah) is groupish - of Israel, the nation.
It is not individual - the individual is mortal, disposable, and will die; and after death his depersonalized remnant will be go to the shadowy, ghost-filled, underworld of Sheol.
Only the group - Israel - is potentially everlasting.
(If it pleases God; if Israel is obedient to God).
In the New Testament (most authoritatively and clearly in the Fourth Gospel), the salvation offered by Jesus Christ is personal, individual; it is a choice/ decision/ action of each specific person.
The First Creation is groupish; but the Second Creation is individual.
Published on April 02, 2025 03:39