***Kosta: Thus, the story of Jonah is understood to prefigure a Christ arch-type rather than a literal narrative.
ZC: Naturally, since the Hebrew Bible accepted on its face teaches Judaism, not chr*stianity.
Thank you! I have been trying to tell that to literalistic, fundamentalist Protestants.***
I haven’t run across any, Kosta. When I am posting to the literalists and mention the verses about cutting off limbs and plucking out eyes if they cause people to sin, the backpedalling resembles that in the old Merrie Melodies Warner Brothers cartoons.
But yet, 'my flesh is real food' is strictly literal...How are you at pedaling backwards???
“When I am posting to the literalists and mention the verses about cutting off limbs and plucking out eyes if they cause people to sin, the backpedalling resembles that in the old Merrie Melodies Warner Brothers cartoons.”
FWIW - I believe what Jesus said. However, the point He was making was that the Law is spiritual, and no one keeps it fully. To achieve salvation by obedience, you WOULD need to cut off your hands, pluck out your eyes (better do that while you still have a hand!), etc. Therefor, to be saved by the Law is impossible - you would have to cut our your human nature.
But that is what Christ does - why we must be born again - we must die with Christ, and be raised to a new life with Him.