The recognition of God's presence today : An introduction to the theology of John's gospel

Abstract

The thesis starts out with the total view of John's Gospel. The background of John viewed from various aspects such as - Political, Socio-cultural, Religious and Theological is studied in order to find out the reason why John wrote his Gospel and what his purpose was. Moreover, his theological motifs - his Christology is discussed in order to understand his message. The message of John is "The Recognition of His presence to-day". This peculiar message of John is exposed through a critical commentary on John 3:1-21. In this paradigm:- An Encounter with the Revealer, it is made clear that God through the descending and the ascending of the Son of Man has made His presence realized among men, and that His presence is to be actualized by the response of man in faith. His coming is continued to be realized and His presence is continued to be actualized through the community of those who believe Him - as she continues to respond to Him in Faith, in love and in hope.

John's message still speaks to us to-day. It challenges us to examine our faith, our lives and our fellowship of believers who are to carry out His mission that is to help everyone come to Him and recognize His presence to-day.