Good News by a Man Named John [antikvár]

preface Good News by a Man Named John is a unique account of the unique person in history, Jesus Christ, so evidently a man, for he "became a human being and lived among us" (1.14), and so unmistakably God. This is the record of only three years in the life of this person who marked the turning point in history, well symbolized by our dating of B.C. and A.D. For John the events of Jesus' life were so many that were they to be "written down one by one the whole world could not hold the books" (21.25); but what mattered far more than the events, the teachings, or the miracles them- selves was the fact that these were "signs" of greater truths about this incredible person, whom some Samaritans ac- claimed as "the Savior of the world" (4.42), whom Thomas addressed as "My Lord and my God" (20.28), and whom John describes as "The Word" (LI). Good News by a Man Named John is the fourth book of the New Testament, the record of God's new covenant with his people. This covenant, or agreement, is the good news of God's promise to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The New Testament does not merely inform; it demands decision and calls for commitment on the part of those who read this Good News. John makes his own purpose very explicit by declaring, "These have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this faith you may have life in his name" (20.31). The New Testament consists of twenty-seven books, written by perhaps as many as twelve different authors over a period of some fifty years. Although the books differ in content, a constant theme runs through all of them and joins them into a unity—God's love for man revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.