Hebrews 2:10, Jesus, the (Im)perfect Being
And it was only right that [God] should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.
//Hebrews is a fascinating book, one of the deeper theological works of the Bible. While the New Living Translation is not my favorite by any stretch, it seems to be the only translation which makes clear the point of this verse. Consequently, many readers gloss over this verse without reaching its conclusion:
Jesus was not initially perfect, but was made perfect through suffering.
That does not mean he sinned! Indeed, verse 4:15 makes it clear he did not. Rather, as verse 5:8-9 explains, Jesus learned obedience through his suffering, and “once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”
Interesting theology from an anonymous author, a book that even conservative scholars struggle to assign authorship to.
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Put on the whole uniform of the Team, that ye may be able to stand against the blitz of oncoming linebackers. Don the hip pads of truth, the shoulder pads of righteousness, the cleats of preparation. Don’t forget the facemask of faith and the helmet of salvation. Then clutch the pigskin with much Spirit, for that is what the Play Book of your Coach in Heaven demands.The River of Life
Twice before Lee Harmon has written about Christian topics, once on the gospel of John and once on the book of Revelation. But the question people keep asking him is this: As a liberal Christian, why do you care so much about the Bible? Others wonder whether he is truly a Christian at all.
The Way It Happened
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| Revelation: A love story gone awry. | The Gospel: A love story set aright. |
What really happened 2,000 years ago? How did a persecuted minority of end-time believers known as Christians, with their dreams of Armageddon and a conquering Messiah named Jesus, evolve into the largest religion in the world? Author Lee Harmon explores the period in which the New Testament was written in his books about John's Gospel and Revelation.
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Lee Harmon interviewed on The God Show about the History Channel's miniseries The Bible and Lee's latest book, John's Gospel: The Way It Happened.
About Lee
Hello! I'm an author, historical Jesus scholar, book reviewer, and liberal Christian, which means I appreciate and attempt to exercise the humanitarian teachings of Jesus without getting hung up on any particular supernatural or religious beliefs.
The Bible is a magnificent book that has inspired and spiritually fed generations for thousands of years, and each new century seems to bring a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. This is true of not only Christianity; through the years, our age-old religions are slowly transforming from superstitious rituals into humanitarian philosophies. In short, we are growing up, and I am thrilled to be riding the wave.
I avidly read all thought-provoking religion titles. New authors: I'd love to read and review your book!
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Hi! While Lee writes the articles and reviews the books, I edit, organize, and maintain the blog. The views expressed here are Lee's but I'm his biggest supporter! :-)
Perhaps perfect here means ‘complete’
If so, Jesus mission was completed by his suffering & sacrifice
Thanks, Alan, that does make more sense. I confess, I chose the NLT specifically because it speaks plainly, which seems to contradict that interpretation.