196. Peaceable Things: Three Names of Christ — Terryl Givens at Restore
Dec 23, 2023
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Terryl Givens, a scholar and advisor, explores the peaceable things of Christ including three names of Christ: Creator, Emmanuel, and Paraclete. He discusses the uncertainty of life and finding security and peace through scripture and personal experiences. Givens also delves into the theology of ascent, the purpose of creation, and the concept of God inhabiting our world. The podcast explores witnessing goodness, redefining justice, and finding comfort and joy in the gospel.
Accessing 'peaceable things' can bring safety and peace amidst life's inherent risk and uncertainty.
Embracing the names Creator, Emmanuel, and Paraclete reveals God's relational, loving, and open-hearted nature.
Deep dives
The Peaceable Things of Christ
Terrell Gibbons explores the concept of the peaceable things of Christ referred to in scripture. Despite the inherent risk and uncertainty of life, we can find an anchor of safety and peace by accessing peaceable things. Terrell identifies three names of Christ, including Creator, Emmanuel, and Paraclete, that highlight God's relational, loving, and open-hearted nature. He discusses how the early Christians understood the essence of the gospel, emphasizing the miracle of Christ's incarnation and his desire for companionship. Terrell also reflects on the idea that Christ will bear witness to our experiences and efforts, redefining our understanding of judgment and justice. This understanding of God's peaceable nature brings comfort, hope, and joy to Terrell's faith and life.
The Theology of Ascent
Terrell delves into the theology of ascent taught by the Capidotian fathers, influential figures in the early Christian Church. Unlike the traditional notion that God created humans for His glory, the Capidotian fathers believed that God desired companionship and created souls to become peers of God. This perspective sees the world as a nursery of kindred divinity, emphasizing the relationship between God and humans. Terrell highlights the contrast between this understanding and the prevailing idea of a sovereign and distant God. The belief in a God who is relational and creates for companionship brings a sense of security and peace in the journey of life.
The Witness and Love of Christ
Terrell explores the significance of the names Emmanuel and Paraclete in understanding Christ's role as a witness and companion to humanity. Drawing from historical Christian art and early Christian writings, he emphasizes the miraculous nature of Christ's incarnation and the revelation of God's essence as love. Terrell contemplates the idea that Christ will confess and bear witness to our efforts and experiences before the angels, reimagining judgment as a celebration and recognition of our discipleship. He suggests that judgment involves a witnessing process where our relationships continue to develop, guided by a justice that is open to the possibilities of the future. Understanding the witness and love of Christ offers a peaceful perspective on judgment and reinforces the belief in a God who never shuts the door of His heart to His children.
This week, we’re sharing another session from our Restore conference, this time featuring a scholar most of you will be familiar with: our long time friend and advisor Terryl Givens.
Terryl’s heartfelt session explores what he finds to be the “peaceable things” of Christ, referred to in scripture. An unsettling experience at the age of sixteen led Terryl to confront the inherent risk and uncertainty of our choices in life. And while life may not always be “peaceful,” Terryl says, we can always access “peaceable things”, which he anchors in the Restoration’s understanding of God.
If you know Terryl’s work, you know of his gift for illuminating gospel truths gleaming quietly throughout Christian history. Terryl guides us through three names of Christ–Creator, Emmanuel, and Paraclete–that show God to be relational, loving, and open-hearted. This God doesn’t seek to judge or condemn, but to invite us at their table as peers and mutual witnesses of each other’s inherent goodness.
We hope you enjoy this hopeful message that cuts straight to the heart of the fear and uncertainty that so many of us feel, day to day.
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