Steven Ow Kam Toi

Introduction to NT
Assignment 5: Q: Describe how John seeks to refute a theology which denies that Jesus was fully human in 1 John. 1. Docetism Docetism is derived from the Greek word dokeo () meaning to seem or dokein meaning to appear. Docetism, similar to Gnosticism, believed that matter and spirit are antagonistic; and that matter is evil and spirit is good. God being spirit is good, cannot take on a material body which is evil. This belief held that Jesus seemed or appeared to have a physical body, but in reality he is spirit which is eternal and hence could not physically die. Therefore the physical body of Jesus is an illusion. His incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection are all illusions and appeared to be real. Heresy identified In 1 John, this heretical teaching is identified in the following verses: 1 John 2:22-23, denies that Jesus is the Christ. 1 John 4:2-3, denies that Christ came in the flesh. Heresy refuted 3.1. Jesus was fully human Jesus has a physical human body. He can be touched, seen and hold (1 Jn 1:1-4; 1 Jn 4:14) Jesus was fully human and fully capable of interacting with humans. He spoke, fellowshipped and walked amongst human (1 Jn 1:1-4; 1 Jn 2:6) Jesus body shed blood just like any human when he was crucified (1 Jn 1:7; 1 Jn 2:2; 1 Jn 4:10; 1 Jn 5:6-8). Jesus came by water and blood; and was testified by the Spirit (1 Jn 5:6-8). Water and blood flowed from his pierced side at the cross. The shedding of blood and water and the reality of his death witnessed by many prove that he is fully human. 3.2. Jesus was the Christ incarnate. God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through him (1 Jn 4:9-10) And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world (1 Jn 4:14) And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (1 Jn 5:20) Jesus came in the flesh, into the world, through the virgin birth (incarnation) is implied in the verses above.

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Steven Ow Kam Toi

3.3.

Jesus Resurrection and Second Coming His resurrection is implied. For without death there is no resurrection; without resurrection there is no Second Coming. so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. (1 Jn 2:28) but we know that when he appears we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is. (1 Jn 3:2).

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Conclusion John refuted the docetism heresy, that Jesus is not fully human, by demonstrating that Jesus was the Christ, came in the flesh, had a physical body, fully human, lived amongst man, suffer and shed blood and water, died, resurrected and will come again.