Conditional and Unconditional Aspects
of the Good News
By Jonathan Mitchell
This article will suggest that there are conditional threads which are parts of the Good News, which Itself flows from the central, unconditional heart of this Good News - which is Jesus Christ (Mk. 1:1, JMNT) and His Finished Work. We are saved by Grace, and not by works (Eph. 2:8-9), and yet we are a part of the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), and are "created for good works." We find these two ingredients presented by Paul, in Eph. 2:10,
"for the fact is, we are (continually exist being) the effect of what He did (or: His creation; the thing He has constructed; the result of His work; His achievement; His opus; the effect of His Deed): people being founded from a state of disorder and wildness (being framed, built, settled and created; being changed from chaos to order), within, and in union with, Christ Jesus, based upon (or: founded and built on) Good Works (virtuous actions; excellent deeds) which God made ready in advance (prepared beforehand), to the end that we could, should and would walk about (= live our lives; order our behavior) centered within, in union with, and in the sphere of, Them." [cf vs. 15, 4:24, below; 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:14; Col. 3:10]
"We are the effect (the '-ma' ending of the Greek noun) of what He did (etc.)."
This describes the reality of Christ's act, and it is unconditional - He just did it. We are His "achievement." We were not involved in His work, or in the Deed of Christ. We had no part in being sprouted from the Vine (Jn. 15) so as to become (via His Life-producing "sap") a branch of Him. Everything in this verse is done by Christ. Our part is to "walk about (= live our lives; order our behavior) centered within, in union with, and in the sphere of, Them."
But, in Jn. 8, we find a conditional statement which Jesus made to believing Judeans:
31. Therefore, Jesus began laying it out, saying to the Judeans who had trusted and were now believing by, with, and in, Him, "If you yourselves would remain (can dwell; should abide; would take residence) within My Word (in union with My Logos and Information; centered in the Thought, Idea and Blueprint laid out by Me), you folks are, and continue being, truly (really; genuinely, apart from forgetting, and with awakened remembering) My disciples (or: learners from Me),
32. "and you will progressively come to know the Truth (or: Reality; that which is unsealed, open and without concealment) by intimate experience, and this Truth (Reality; unconcealed 'non-forgetting') will progressively liberate and make (or: set) you people free!" [cf Rom. 8:2; Gal. 4:26; 5:1; Jas. 2:12]
We can observe that the promise, given in vs. 32, is contingent upon the condition which is stated in the opening words of Jesus, in vs. 31: "IF you yourselves would remain within My Word (etc.)." This is a big "IF," a big "condition" which is to be met, if a person wants to "progressively come to intimately experience the Reality of unconcealed non-forgetting."
[The parenthetical expansion of the word "truth" offers the insight of the Greek word 'aletheia,' which is 'a-' (called the alpha privative, which negates the noun to which it is prefixed) added to 'lethe,' whose root meaning is "forgetting." An extended meaning of 'aletheia' was also used to signify what was seen in clear light, and was thus unconcealed, unsealed and open.]
Now, we should be aware that the promise, "you will progressively come to know the Truth/Reality (etc.)," is not speaking about "being saved," or, "being born again, from above," or, "being set free from sin," or, "being raised with Him in His resurrection" (Rom. 6:4-8). No, all this has to have happened before we can, "remain (can dwell; should abide; would take residence) within [His] Word." Just think about it: if a person is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1) there is NOTHING which he or she can do. A dead person cannot believe or have faith. But once a person has been given Life, then this living person can believe, trust, be faithful... and "remain in His Word." Like a child, this alive person can learn and can "progressively come to know the Truth." Having intimate experience with this Truth is the process of the Truth progressively liberating and setting this person free.
A conditional passage is spoken by Jesus in Jn. 15, which begins with an unconditional declaration (vs. 3), then moves to an imperative (4a) which is made possible by this present situation (of vs. 3), and next presents a conditional metaphor (4b), continuing on with a conditional arrangement in 5b, which continues expanding in vss. 6 and 7:
3. "You folks, yourselves, are already clean (cleansed), cleared and pruned ones through, and because of, the Word (Logos; laid-out message; Thought; Idea; Reason; pattern-conveying Information; Blueprint) which I have spoken to you (in you; for you; among you) folks.
4. "Remain (dwell; abide; stay; be resident) within the midst of, in the sphere of, and in union with, ME! I, Myself, also [am] within the midst of, in the sphere of, and in union with, you folks. Correspondingly as the tender branch is not being consistently able (having continuing power) to repeatedly bear fruit from itself unless it should continually remain (stay; dwell) within (in union with; on) the grapevine, in the same way, neither [can] you folks, unless you may constantly remain (stay; dwell) within (in union with; centered in) Me.
5. "I, Myself, AM the Grapevine; you folks [are] the tender branches (shoots or twigs that can be easily broken). The person continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding; residing) within the midst of Me - and I within the midst of and in union with him - this one is repeatedly bearing (bringing forth; = producing) much fruit. [It is the case] that apart from (or: Because separated from) Me you folks continue having ability and power to do (make; construct; create; form; perform; produce) nothing!
6. "If anyone would (or: may; should) not continuously remain (dwell; abide; stay; have residency) within the midst of, and in union with, Me, he or she is cast (or: thrown) outside, in the same way as the tender branch (or: like that twig or shoot). And thus, it (or: he/she) is caused to dry up and wither, and then they are constantly gathering (or: leading) them [other MSS: it] together ["synagogue-ing" them, or it, as in a bundle]. Later, they are normally throwing (or: casting) them into the fire - and it is ignited, progressively kindled, and then continues caused to be burning.
7. "If you people can (or: would; should) remain (abide; dwell; stay; establish residency) within the midst of, in union with, and in the sphere of, ME - and My gush-effects (results of spoken words) can (should; would) remain and reside [with p66 and others: and the flow of My declarations continues abiding] within the midst of, and in union with, you - seek in petition [other MSS: you will continue asking] whatever you folks may habitually purpose (constantly intend; repeatedly will; continuously want or desire), and it will proceed coming to be within and among you folks (or: will progressively occur for you people; will continue being birthed by you folks; will habitually happen to you folks). [cf Rom. 11:21-24]
In vs. 3, we see that Christ has already done the birthing of these disciples, and then has grown them to be more than just a sprout from one of His Stems. They are now branches. And if they "remain within the midst of Him," they will produce much Fruit (Jn. 15:2, 8). And, as Jn. 15:8 tells us, this will bring glory to His Father so that they,"can continuously bear (or: would keep on bringing forth) much fruit, and thus can (or: would) come to be [with other MSS: will continue becoming] disciples (learners; students; apprentices) by Me (or: in Me; to Me; for Me; with Me; [other MSS: My disciples])."
Moving back to Jn. 15:4, we observe His imperative to them: "Remain (dwell; abide; stay; be resident) within the midst of, in the sphere of, and in union with, ME!" Now, He immediately follows this imperative with a strong indicative: "I, Myself, also [am] within the midst of, in the sphere of, and in union with, you folks!" He was admonishing them to, on their part, keep this intimate relationship with Him. What He is describing is a healthy, two-way relationship. In vs. 5 He gives them the Grapevine metaphor, telling them that IF they would abide (dwell) in Him that they will repeatedly bring forth much Fruit.
So, we see that Jesus wanted a lot of Fruit (from Him, the Vine) from them (cf Gal. 5:22-23). But, if someone would not abide in Him, they would not produce His Fruit, and so, would be pruned from the Vine, would wither and dry, and then end up being burned (15:6). They would be removed from being disciples. This burning is because of a lack of living one's life in vital union with Christ. A parallel situation, as far as burning is concerned, can be observed in the sphere of works which Paul describes in 1 Cor. 3:9b-17. There, in vs. 15, building with the wrong material leads to experiencing loss, but the person is saved, "so as by fire." Ponder that! The prodigal son remained a son even while he walked away from his father's house - and that through his own choice. But still, God was at work within him through the fires of his misery, preparing him and enabling him to make the decision, "I will arise and go" (Lu. 15:18a). The misery was indeed God's grace and the Goodness of God leading him to a change of thinking (Rom. 2:4), and thus, to deliverance from that condition and situation.
Now here, in Jn. 15, we need to pause to remember that, like the verses in Jn. 8 above, Jesus was not talking about what would happen to folks in the next life, but rather in this present life. This, like Jn. 8:31-32, is not about being born again, being saved (or not), etc. This passage in Jn. 15 is about being a disciple. Jesus did not call everyone to be disciples. He only chose a few to be His apprentices, and in 15:16 He tells His disciples that they had not chosen Him, but rather, He had chosen them. And so, He continues, in vs. 7, speaking of how it will be for disciples who remain and continue residency in union with Him, having the results of His spoken Words constantly dwelling within them. There are conditions for discipleship, but there are no conditions for being born again, from above, or being a part of His resurrection. His mercy is upon ALL (Rom. 11:32).
Take note of the conditions for discipleship which He laid out in Mat. 16:24,"At that point Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone continues intending (purposing; willing; wanting) to come on behind Me, let him at once completely say, 'No,' to, deny and disown himself, and then in one move lift up his execution stake (pole for suspending a corpse; cross), and after that proceed to be by habit continuously following after (with) Me!"
Discipleship is a way of walking the Path, of living the Christ Life, in answer to a call to function as such. But not all are called to this kind of life. Many have been, now are, and as Jesus said, all humanity will be, dragged to Him (Jn. 12:32). They are, or will be, His sheep and He will be their Shepherd. No conditions will be placed upon them, other than to know His voice and stay with the flock (so as not to become a "lost sheep"). They are, in this life, told to do such as we read from Paul, in Eph. 6:13,
"On account of this, you folks are to again take in hand and receive back (or: at once take up) the full suit of armor (panoply; implements of war), which is God (or: which belongs to and has its source in God), to the end that you would have power and be able to withstand and resist (to stand opposite, over against as facing an opponent; or: stand in [other folks'] place, instead of [them]) within the harmful and misery-gushed day (or: this day of bad conditions), and then, accomplishing all (achieving and effecting everything [the whole]), to stand firm."
Paul gives the called-out communities many such admonitions about life in this world, and life within the communities. They are words given to help folks who are experiencing hard conditions, but they are not conditional requirements for living in Christ as a part of the called-out groups (traditionally called "churches"). In Rom. 13:14, he told folks:
"but rather, you folks must clothe yourselves with (or: sink into; enter; put on) the Lord, Jesus Christ, and - with regard to the flesh - stop (or: do not continue) making forethought (constructing provision; planning ahead for accommodation) into excessive desires (= into rushing emotions which pertain to the self or the estrangement of the natural realm of humanity; or: = unto a setting of feelings and longings upon something organic, or of the human nature, that is oriented to the System).
[note: an = signifies a paraphrase]
Notice how this verse is really just a restatement of Eph. 6:13, above. All believers are able to do these things by means of the Spirit that dwells within them.
We read, in Mat. 13:10b, that the disciples wondered why Jesus spoke only in parables to the multitudes. Jesus then gave them a decided response, in vs. 11:
"To (or: For; With) you folks it has been given to intimately experience and insightfully know the secrets (mysteries) of the Empire, Reign and Dominion of the Heavens(or: the Kingdom which is the heavens; the royal rule, influences and activities which pertain to and have their origin in the heavens, and which emanate from the atmospheres; [cf 1 Cor. 2:10; 1 Jn. 2:17]), yet it has not been given to those people."
As we read in Jn. 8:31-32, above, so here: "to intimately experience and insightfully know the secrets" corresponds to, "progressively come to know the Truth." Because "it has NOT been given to those people," Jesus goes on to explain (in Mat. 13),
"because while seeing (or: observing) they continue not seeing, and during listening (or: hearing) they are not hearing (or: listening) - neither are they comprehending or understanding (having things flow together so as to get the picture or see the relationships)."
Jesus was citing Isa. 6:9, which was originally spoken concerning Israel but here He applies it to the multitudes of the Judeans who were listening to His parables. In this same chapter, Jesus continues His explanation to His disciples:
15. 'For the heart of this People was made thick and fat, and thus has become impervious, dull and insensitive, and with the ears they hear heavily, and are thus hard of hearing, and they shut (or: closed) their eyes (or: they squint their eyes), lest at some time they might see with [their] eyes and should then be listening and hearing with [their] ears, and with the heart they could make things flow together so as to comprehend - and they might turn about! And so, I will progressively cure and heal them!' [Isa. 6:9-10; Ezk. 12:2; Rom. 11:7-8; 2 Cor. 3:14; Heb. 11:5] (or: ... and they squint their eyes! At some point should they not see with [their] eyes, and continue listening so as to hear with [their] ears, and thus understand in the heart? And then they can turn around, and I will continue healing them!')
And thus, we read in Rom. 11:
25. You see, I am not willing for you folks to continue being ignorant of this Secret (or: mystery), brothers (= fellow believers; family) - in order that you folks may not continue being prudent, thoughtful or discreet by [other MSS: among or within; other MSS: beside] yourselves (or: = be conceited) - that a petrifying, from a part (a stone-like hardening in some measure; a callousness [extending over] a part), has been birthed and come into existence in Israel (or: has happened to Israel) until which [time] (or: to the point of which [situation]) the effect of the full inclusion (or: the result of the full measure and entire contents; the full totality; or: = the full impact and full complement of forces) of the ethnic multitudes (or: from the nations; or: - which are the Gentiles) may, or would, enter in. [cf Acts 15:14; Eph. 4:13] [comment: = to the entrance of the Roman legions into Jerusalem? Cf Lu. 21:24; Or, is this referring to the fullness of all ethnic multitudes, which now includes the totality of Israel, entering into the kingdom, since vs. 32, below, says that God has locked up all mankind in disobedience, etc., so as to have mercy upon all? Cf Gen. 48:19b, LXX, "a full number of ethnic multitudes"]
26. So then, thus, in this manner and with this result: ALL ISRAEL will progressively be delivered (or: one-after-another be rescued, saved, made whole and restored to their original position [in the olive tree]), according as it has been written,"The One continuously dragging out of danger and drawing to Himself (The Rescuer; The Deliverer) will repeatedly arrive and be present from out of Zion; He will continue turning irreverence away from JACOB. [cf Zech. 13:1; Heb. 12:22ff]
27. "And this [is] the arrangement for them, from beside Me (or: So, this [will be] My covenant in, to, for, and with, them), when I cut off and take away their failures (deviations; sins; misses of the target; shootings amiss of the goal)." [Isa. 59:20-21; 27:9]
28. Corresponding to (With respect to; In accord with; Down from; In the sphere of; or: From the domination of; In the realm of the suppression of) the Good News (the message of goodness, ease, and well-being), on the one hand, [they were; they became] enemies (hostile ones; ones regarded as enemies) because of (or: through; with a view to; on account of; for the sake of) you folks; but on the other hand, according to (with respect to; in accord with; down from; corresponding to; along the line of; or: from the dominion of) the selection (the choosing out; the election) [they are] loved ones, because of (with a view to; on account of; for the sake of) the fathers (= ancestors; = Abraham, Isaac and Jacob [and thus, all 12 Tribes]),
In regard to "a petrifying, from a part (a stone-like hardening in some measure; a callousness [extending over] a part), has been birthed and come into existence in Israel (or: has happened to Israel)," in vs. 25, above, we see a similar description of what was given by Paul in 2 Cor. 3:
14. But further, the results of their perceptions, concepts and understanding (effects of directing the mind and thought processes) were petrified (were hardened into a stony concretion and made callous [note: a medical term for being covered with thick skin]), for until this very day the same head-covering (veil) continues remaining (dwelling; abiding; [cf Jn. 3:36]) upon the reading of the old covenant (arrangement; thorough placement) - it [i.e., the reading of the old, or the old covenant itself, or the understanding of it] continues not being uncovered or unveiled - because it [i.e., the old covenant and arrangement] continues being progressively and fully unemployed and brought down to doing no work, and thus, being made useless, ineffective, nullified, and abolished, within Christ (or: [the old arrangement and covenant] is abolished in union with, and in the sphere of, an Anointing, and, in the midst of Christ).
15. Still furthermore, until today, whenever Moses should be habitually read [e.g., in the synagogue], a head-covering (veil) continues lying upon their heart (= the innermost being of the group).
16. Yet whenever the time should be reached when he [= Moses; vs. 13, above] would (or: whenever it [= their heart] would at some point) turn upon, so as to face toward, [the] Lord, "the head-covering (veil; [cf Isa. 25:7]) is progressively taken from around [it]."
Here, in vs. 16, we find Paul making a conditional statement: "would turn upon, so as to face toward." This idea was first presented to the Judeans when John the Immerser told his audiences (who were Judeans) that they need to change their thinking about the Messiah, and come to realize that His Kingdom was at hand and in their midst (close enough to touch), as they continue reading Moses. We should keep in mind that Jesus said that for specific functions or for special occasions, "You see, many folks continue existing being called and invited ones, yet a few people [are also] chosen ones (selected and picked out folks; the elect)" (Mat.22:14). As regards our call, in the new covenant, 2 Pet. 1:10 gives us this instruction:
"Wherefore (or: Because of this), brothers (= [my] family), hasten to exert yourselves to a greater extent to constantly make firm (sure-footed and steadfast) your calling (or: invitation) and election (selection; act of choosing out); for you see, in repeatedly doing these things, you can by no means (would under no circumstances) stumble once (or: at any time)."
And then we find this, in 1 Cor. 12;
5. and there are different distributions of attending services (divided-out apportionments and assignments of dispensings), and yet the same Lord (or: Owner; Master; [= Christ or Yahweh]);
6. also, there continue being different assigned distributions of the results of inner workings (effects of inward operations and activities), and still, the same God - the One continuously working inwardly (progressively activating) all things, within, and in union with, ALL HUMANS (or: constantly energizing ALL, in ALL; or: habitually making active, and operating, the whole, centered within the midst, and sphere, of all things).
7. Yet in (or: to; for; with) each person, the manifestation (clear display in Light) of the Breath-effect (or: from, and which is, the Spirit) is continuously being given with a view to, and [leading] toward, progressively bringing [folks; things] together, face-to-face with, the constant, mutual bearing-together for benefit, advantage, expedience and the common good.
The character of the New Arrangement (or: Covenant) is not that of being a "cookie cutter" society. There are different callings and different "results of Grace" (12:4, above). Everyone has a different part to play. A society needs farmers and engineers; bakers and plumbers; teachers and doctors; etc. In 1 Cor. 12:29 we are instructed that: "Not all [are] folks sent off on a mission (representatives; envoys; emissaries). Not all [are] those who have light ahead of time and speak it before others in public (prophets). Not all [are] people who teach (teachers; instructors). Not all [have] inherent abilities, means of influence, or powers (etc.)."
But keep in mind that in 2 Cor. 3, above, Paul was referring to Israel, God's People, and elsewhere he lists all that pertained to this People:
"the very ones who, as such, are Israelites, whose [is/was] the placing in the condition of a son (or: the deposit of the Son; the setting in place which is the Son; the constituting as a son; [cf 8:15, 23, above; Ex. 4:22]) and the glory (the assumed appearance, things which call forth praise, and a reputation) and the arrangements (or: covenants; [other MSS: the Covenant) and the placing of the Law (or: even the setting of custom, code and legislation by or as [Torah: the Instruction]) and the sacred service and the promises" (Rom. 9:4; cf Acts 13:32-33).
These passages take us back to Mat. 13:15b, above. At this point, in these narratives, Israel is not being called to be Christ's disciples. But an unconditional act of God has brought them into a new relationship with Himself, and with all the rest of humanity, as we will next consider. We are instructed about this in Eph. 2:11-22. The Uncircumcision (a figure of the ethnic multitudes; the Gentiles) "came to be (were birthed; are generated; are suddenly become) near, immersed within, and centered in union with, the blood of the Christ (or: from the Anointed One [= the Messiah])." (Eph. 2:13b). The next verse explains what Paul has just said: "You see, He Himself is our Peace (or: continuously exists being our JOINING and harmony [of Israel with the Gentiles]) - the One making (forming; constructing; creating; producing) The Both [to be] one, and within His flesh" (vs. 14). He takes this even further, in 15b,
"to the end that He may frame (create; found and settle from a state of wildness and disorder) The Two into One qualitatively New and Different [p46 & others: common] Humanity centered within the midst of, and in union with, Himself, continuously making (progressively creating, constructing and forming) Peace by a Joining." [cf 2 Cor. 5:17; note: these verses may fit John Milbank's phrase, "an ontology of peace;" the word peace is a noun that comes from the verb which means "to join" - Kenneth Wuest]
This is all the unconditional work of Christ. Humans had no part in accomplishing it. Everyone is included in this "One qualitatively New and Different Humanity" (cf 1 Cor. 15:48-49). It is the New Creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
Paul ends a long discussion about the resurrection, the two Adams, the first man and the Second Man, etc., with an admonition for behavior, in 1 Cor. 15:58,
"Consequently, my beloved brothers, progressively come to be seated and settled folks - immovable and unswerving people - continuing to always be surrounded by more than enough (or: superabounding) within the midst of the Lord's work (= [Yahweh's or Christ's] deed or act), having seen and now knowing that your fatiguing labor (or: toil) does not exist without contents (is not empty) within, and in union with, [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh]."
We could go on, giving more examples of the interplay of the Conditional and the Unconditional. We must always keep in mind, that when we are endeavoring to comply with God's conditional statements, that Paul informs us of the following basic fact, in Phil. 2:13,
"for it follows that (or: for you see,) God is the One habitually operating with inward activity, repeatedly working within, constantly causing function and progressively producing effects within, among, and in union with, you folks - both the [condition] to be habitually willing (wanting; intending; purposing; resolving) and the [situation] to be continuously effecting the action, repeatedly operating to cause function, and habitually setting at work so as to produce - for the sake of, and over, the pleasing good form and this thinking of goodness, in delightful imagination of what is desirable." [cf Heb. 13:20-21]
In God's new economy, both the Conditional and the Unconditional have their parts, and we need to keep these two categories separate, so that we can understand the place of each in the new creation, which comes in the Good News of, and from, Jesus Christ.
Jonathan
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