THE PROLOGUE
OUTLINE
63
IN
If we further pursue our investigation we shall observe the same
features in the corresponding section, Colossians 2:8-23. When John
wrote his Gospel, all ceremonial observance was finished. The epistle
to the Hebrews had been sent to those who were involved in the
transition; the epistle to the Colossians had demonstrated once and for
all the completeness of the believer in Christ, and even John, though he
ministered a message of `life' to the `world' and had no commission to
speak of the mystery and its blessings, could not and would not put
upon the `other sheep' the bondage of ceremonial, now removed by
grace. This is made clear in 4:20-24, but we must leave consideration
of its message until we reach that chapter.
In all testimony, especially where change, opposition, and
contention are involved, there is danger of leaving a wrong impression
by over or under stating the truth or by omitting some feature, so well
known and so fully believed, as to appear to be in no need of
vindication. We want, therefore, to avoid the slightest appearance of
evil, and evil it would be if but one reader suspected that we belittled
the inspiration and moral glory of the law given by Moses. We will
therefore quote the thirteen references to Moses in the Gospel of John,
and thus complete the presentation of the truth.
Moses in John's Gospel
`For the law was given by Moses, but true grace came by Jesus
Christ' (John 1:17 Author's translation).
`... We have found Him, of Whom Moses in the law, and the
prophets, did write' (John 1:45).
`And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must
the Son of Man be lifted up' (John 3:14).
`... there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he
wrote of Me' (John 5:45,46).
`Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from
heaven; but My Father giveth you the True Bread from heaven'
(John 6:32).
`Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the
law? Why go ye about to kill Me?' (John 7:19).