THE TRUE IDENTITY OF THE "OTHER SHEEP" (JOHN 10:16)- THE INCLUSION OF GENTILES IN THE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION
The Meaning of John 10:16 and the Other Sheep of Jesus
John 10:16 is a verse from the Bible that has been the subject of much discussion and interpretation. In this verse, Jesus says, "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." This verse has been interpreted by some to refer to the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian congregation, while others, specifically Jehovah's Witnesses, have a different understanding of this verse.
The Jehovah's Witness Doctrine about the Other Sheep Class
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the other sheep mentioned in John 10:16 are a separate class of Christians who are distinct from the anointed Christians. According to the Watchtower , 144,000 Christian believers are to rule with Christ in heaven, while the "other sheep class" refers to those who will live forever on a paradise earth.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that someone has to be of the anointed class in order to have a heavenly hope and will be part of the "little flock" mentioned in Luke 12:32. This is what the Bible also suggests. On the other hand, they believe that the other sheep class, which includes the majority of Jehovah's Witnesses, will live forever on earth and will serve as loyal subjects of God's kingdom. The Bible never mentions that the "other sheep" of Jesus will have an earhtly hope or that they are a secondary class of Christians.
While Jehovah's Witnesses have a specific interpretation of John 10:16, there are several reasons to question the validity of their doctrine regarding the other sheep class.
1. Context of John 10:16
When interpreting any verse in the Bible, it is important to consider the surrounding context. In the case of John 10:16, Jesus is speaking to the Jews and contrasting himself with the religious leaders of the time. He refers to himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. The mention of other sheep in this context suggests that Jesus is referring to those outside of the Jewish community who will also be part of his flock.
2. The Unity of Believers
Throughout the New Testament, there is a consistent emphasis on the unity of believers. Jesus prayed for his followers to be one, just as he and the Father are one (John 17:21). The apostle Paul also emphasized the unity of believers in his letters, referring to them as one body, one spirit, and one hope (Ephesians 4:4-6). This unity extends to all believers, regardless of their ethnic background or social status.
It is inconsistent with the overall message of unity in the Bible to suggest that there are two separate classes of Christians with different destinies. The idea that only a select few will go to heaven while the majority of Christians will remain on earth undermines the unity and equality of believers.
Of course, there will be an earhtly class of people who will be saved and have everlasting life on earth but these are to gather much later, after the final sealing of the Body of Christ (144,000) and after the way to heavenly life is ended(Revelation 7:1-8) . These "good will" people , who do not belong to the Church, are going to "wash their garments" in the blood of the Lamb just before Armageddon ,after the beginning of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 7:9-14)They will be a great crowd who will help the Church members,while they are on earth before their rapture to heaven and they will be rewarded by Christ for that (Matthew 25:31-38) . While Jehovah's Witness Organization identifies these good will people of the great tribulation (the "great crowd") with the "other sheep", the Bible does not do do. Actually you can't find in Scriptures the phrase "great crowd of other sheep" more than you can find the phrase "Trinity" or the "immortal soul"- it doesn't exist. The secondary class of "earthly" hope Christians is a false teaching.
3. The Role of Gentiles in the Early Church
The early Christian church was comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers. The apostle Paul, who played a significant role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles, made it clear that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:28). He emphasized that Gentiles who believed in Jesus became fellow heirs and members of the same body (Ephesians 2:14-22, 3:6).
This understanding of the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian congregation aligns with the interpretation that the other sheep mentioned in John 10:16 refers to the Gentiles who would come to believe in Jesus as their shepherd.
4. The Abundance of Scripture Supporting Gentile Inclusion
There are numerous other passages in the Bible that support the idea of Gentile inclusion in the Christian congregation. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision from God, showing him that the gospel is not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. This leads to the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile, and the recognition that God shows no favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right (Acts 10:34-35).Cornelius actually was the first from the "other sheep" who received the heavenly hope and became the first Gentile member of the Little flock of the anointed brothers and sisters of Christ.
The apostle Paul also dedicated much of his ministry to preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. He referred to himself as the apostle to the Gentiles and wrote extensively about the inclusion of Gentiles in the body of Christ.
Conclusion
The interpretation of John 10:16 as referring to the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian congregation is supported by the context of the verse, the unity of believers emphasized throughout the New Testament, the role of Gentiles in the early church, and the abundance of scripture supporting Gentile inclusion. While Jehovah's Witnesses have a different understanding of this verse, their interpretation is not consistent with the overall message of unity and equality in the Bible.
It is important to approach the study of the Bible with an open mind and a willingness to consider different interpretations. By examining the context, comparing scripture with scripture, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of verses like John 10:16 and the significance of the other sheep of Jesus.
Comments
Post a Comment