In the famous conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus uses an
analogy to reflect the means of entering into eternal life. The analogy is not
simply that Moses lifted up the serpent and the Son of Man will be lifted up.
How do we know this?
The analogy points to the entire experience in Numbers 21:5-9 and
Nicodemus could likely recite the thing from heart. The asp-poisoned Jews were
dying being punished for their sin against God. God had Moses make the serpent and
lift it up that whoever turned from their situation and looked at the serpent
wouldn?t die but would live. Even so, the Son of Man is lifted up in the same
manner that whosoever looks to Him in their sin-wracked bodies will not die but
have eternal life.
The one who doesn?t believe is already judged in the present
because he remains in his situation whose ultimate end is only death.
The Gospel of God presented by the Son of Man, unflawed
reason in his call and presentation.
Question: can this be a syllogismus?
-r-