Many believe that the Christian fish symbol originates from Jesus’ miracle of multiplying the loaves and fish. However, this is not the case. The symbol’s use in Christianity, particularly to represent churches, dates back to the second century. Its meaning is rooted in the Greek word for fish, Ichthys (ἸΧΘΥΣ), which serves as an acronym for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” (Ἰησοῦς Χρῑστός Θεοῦ Υἱός Σωτήρ).
Although popular belief holds that the symbol was used secretly during periods of persecution, there is no evidence for this in the earliest sources, suggesting it may be a later legend. Christian tombs bearing the fish symbol indicate that it was visible enough that Roman authorities likely understood its meaning.
Today, the Ichthys endures as a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and our Savior.
Who raised Jesus from the dead? A brief look at the Trinity.
The Father "Paul, an apostle-not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead..." — Galatians 1:1
The Son "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." — John 10:18
The Holy Spirit "...and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord..." — Romans 1:4
There is only one God — and that God exists as three Persons.
God raised Jesus from the dead. All three Persons of the Trinity raised Jesus from the dead.
1. The Law restrains evil. God establishes ruling authorities to curb and to punish evil.
2. The Law serves as a mirror, showing us that we fall short of God's righteousness. Our sin is exposed by the Law and reacts against it, desiring to sin even more.
3. The Law shows us how we are to live as justified people in Christ. It shows us God's heart and helps us to walk sanctified.
Too many Christians wonder, "Am I really saved?" and read the Law, feeling dread because of their shortcomings. But that is a misuse of the second use of the Law. The second use drives us to the grace Christ offers because He fulfilled the Law and justifies those who believe in Him.
We are no longer under the condemnation of the Law, but are free to obey the Law out of love for Christ.
Do not look to your obedience to the Law for assurance of salvation. We look Extra Nos (outside of us) to Christ for that assurance.
FrogPaste
Many believe that the Christian fish symbol originates from Jesus’ miracle of multiplying the loaves and fish. However, this is not the case. The symbol’s use in Christianity, particularly to represent churches, dates back to the second century. Its meaning is rooted in the Greek word for fish, Ichthys (ἸΧΘΥΣ), which serves as an acronym for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior” (Ἰησοῦς Χρῑστός Θεοῦ Υἱός Σωτήρ).
Although popular belief holds that the symbol was used secretly during periods of persecution, there is no evidence for this in the earliest sources, suggesting it may be a later legend. Christian tombs bearing the fish symbol indicate that it was visible enough that Roman authorities likely understood its meaning.
Today, the Ichthys endures as a confession of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and our Savior.
10 hours ago | [YT] | 2
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FrogPaste
Who raised Jesus from the dead? A brief look at the Trinity.
The Father
"Paul, an apostle-not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead..." — Galatians 1:1
The Son
"No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." — John 10:18
The Holy Spirit
"...and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord..." — Romans 1:4
There is only one God — and that God exists as three Persons.
God raised Jesus from the dead. All three Persons of the Trinity raised Jesus from the dead.
1 day ago | [YT] | 3
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FrogPaste
The three uses of The Law:
1. The Law restrains evil. God establishes ruling authorities to curb and to punish evil.
2. The Law serves as a mirror, showing us that we fall short of God's righteousness. Our sin is exposed by the Law and reacts against it, desiring to sin even more.
3. The Law shows us how we are to live as justified people in Christ. It shows us God's heart and helps us to walk sanctified.
Too many Christians wonder, "Am I really saved?" and read the Law, feeling dread because of their shortcomings. But that is a misuse of the second use of the Law. The second use drives us to the grace Christ offers because He fulfilled the Law and justifies those who believe in Him.
We are no longer under the condemnation of the Law, but are free to obey the Law out of love for Christ.
Do not look to your obedience to the Law for assurance of salvation. We look Extra Nos (outside of us) to Christ for that assurance.
2 days ago | [YT] | 4
View 0 replies