What Lost Gospel?

Did you read the report on FoxNews.com on Nov. 10, 2014? The title is: "'Lost Gospel' claims Jesus was married, had children."

The second paragraph says, "Professor Barrie Wilson and writer Simcha Jacobovici claim the manuscript reveals secrets of Jesus' family life, the names of his two children and his connection to powerful political figures in the Roman Empire."

Of course, when scholars studied the animal skin on which the "lost gospel" was written, they declared it "insignificant." I call it phony.

But the revelation of this "lost gospel" is nothing new. People -- some students of history, many charlatans, and some novelists -- have presented various "gospels" throughout the centuries; and it is up to the true student of history and dedicated scholar to ferret out the truth.

Therefore, I am grateful to Dr. Darrell L. Bock, PhD (Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement at the Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement; Dallas Theological Seminary) for writing a book titled, "The Missing Gospels." He doesn't infer that something is missing in the Bible. Rather, with numerous ancient writings being discovered, and many of them presenting erroneous views of Jesus and the early church, Dr. Bock helps us to understand why some documents might be helpful while others are spurious, or phony. And he informs us that although we can learn from other documents, the Bible is complete in and of itself.

Several documents are referred to as "alternative gospels," but "gospel" means "good news" and most of these spurious writings do not contain good news. One of the better-known "alternative gospels" is the Gospel of Thomas. Dr. Bock says Thomas was probably written "in the early to mid-second century;" therefore it could not have been written by the Apostle Thomas. I have read the book, and it is a confusing and sometimes contradictory collection of sayings supposedly attributed to Jesus. Don't waste your time on that book.

"Thomas" and other later "alternative gospels" are gnostic in nature. Bock said, "...the terms Gnostic and Gnosticism refer to a belief that is rooted in special knowledge. Those in the know are called Gnostics." According to the Gnostic concept, one can "receive" knowledge that contradicts knowledge he previously gained. But that wasn't a problem because the goal was not to create a systematic form of theology or coherent way of thinking. Rather, the goal was knowledge for the sake of knowledge. No concept, even though self-contradictory, was considered right or wrong because they figured anything you can "know" has equal value. Obviously, they didn't believe in absolute truth. Sounds like some people today who don't believe in absolutes.

It is interesting that some people are willing to believe almost anything -- no matter how absurd -- as long as it does not involve Jesus. But Jesus said to His followers, "You shall know the truth.... (John 8:32)" and "I am the way, the truth, and the life.... (John 14:6)"

Point number five in Dr. Bock's "10 Things I Wish Everyone Knew About the Gospel" (Jan. 29, 2015) is something that could change your life. He said, "The gospel has a goal beyond heaven. The point of the gospel is not about going to heaven, as nice as that prospect is. It is about being engaged with God forever. I like to joke that living forever is a good thing depending on whom it's with. The good news of the gospel is that it opens the door to a restored relationship with God that he enables. So, the exciting thing is that reconciliation results with benefits starting now, not just in the future. (See 2 Corinthians 5:16-20.)"

Is there a "lost gospel" that we need in order to properly understand who Jesus is and what His mission was on earth? The answer is a resounding "No." The Bible is so complete and detailed in nature that it gives us all the information we need to come to a living and loving relationship with Jesus the Messiah.

However, it is beneficial to read other books by those who have a close relationship with our Lord, because they can answer questions about the Bible, our Lord, and history. If you are intrigued, puzzled or bothered by stories such as "The Da Vinci Code" or about Mary Magdalene and Jesus getting married, read Dr. Bock's book "The Missing Gospels." But also study the Bible. It is the written standard of truth.

-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Religion on 08/19/2015