Verse of the Day (February 25, 2020)

Verse of the Day (February 25, 2020) #BMSeminary – The greatest commandment is stated in Deu 6:5. There is a slight difference between the Masoretic Hebrew text and Jesus’ quote, but the essence is the same. This verse is not concerned with the dichotomous (cf. Heb 4:12) or trichotomous (cf. 1Th 5:23) nature of man but rather deals with a person as a unity (cf. Gen 2:7; 1Co 15:45): a thinking and feeling, physical and spiritual being. It is true that because humans are earthly animals they depend upon this planet for food, water, air, and all the other things animal life needs to survive. Humans are also spiritual beings who relate to God and the spiritual realms. However, it is a false interpretation to build theology on these different descriptions of human nature. The key to this verse is the thrice-repeated “all,” not the supposed distinctions between “heart,” ” soul,” and “mind.” By quoting this central affirmation of the oneness of God, Jesus is inseparably linking the OT and NT understanding of God. The NT is the fulfillment of the OT. YHWH is now revealed as a Triune Unity. Oneness has been redefined! NT believers fully assert monotheism, but with a footnote. Apparently the NT writers did not see the implication of Psa 110:1 as a contradiction (cf. 1Co 8:6; Eph 4:5; Php 2:11). There is surely mystery here! See the Special Topic: The Trinity at Mat 3:17. The second commandment was not requested by the scribe, but it does show that a balance between believers’love for God and their love for their fellow human must be maintained. It is impossible to love God and hate people (cf. 1Jn 2:9; 1Jn 2:11; 1Jn 3:15; 1Jn 4:20). This is a quote from Lev 19:18. (You Can Understand the Bible by Dr. Bob Utley)