<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Father Walter Snyder Q: I have been searching the Bible trying to find the term "unconditional love," which is, I believe, what God has for us. I have not been able to find it. Any help would be appreciated. A: Unless you have a paraphrase or translation I have not heard of, the term "unconditional love" will probably not appear. However, the Scriptures testify that this is what God has. For example, 1 Timothy 2:3-5 says: "God . . . desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. . . ." Similarly, John 3:16 tells us that God loved "the world" and gave his Son. The death of Christ was unconditional, paying for all sins through all time. However, a "condition" exists--his death does not benefit you until the Holy Spirit brings you to faith through Baptism and the Word. When reading the Bible, you might mentally substitute "God's unconditional love (in Christ Jesus)" for "grace." You'll be amazed at the degree of correlation. Q: Once on TV, I was channel surfing and found a Rabbi talking about how he had discovered a code placed in the Old Testament from our Lord Jesus. Sorry, but I can't remember what the Jewish people call our Old Testament--and of course this code is written in Hebrew. Anyway he named several verses from the OT and said that when you read it backwards it will read something like "Jesus is my name"--forgive me again, but I think Jesus is something like Yeshua in Hebrew. I saw this program in April so I can't remember the Rabbi's name and this was on one of those infomercial programs. I don't usually listen or believe all that I see and hear on an infomercial, but this seemed very interesting and would like to know if you have seen it; and if you have, where could I go to get more information if this is true (or not true). When the Rabbi cited specific verses and showed that "Jesus is my name" was really there, it seemed to make it credible. A: There are several Jewish terms for the Hebrew Scriptures. They include "Torah," which normally means the first five books of Moses, and "Tanak" (sometimes spelled differently), which is a Hebrew acronym for the Law (Moses), the Prophets, and the Writings. Other expressions are also used, including "Scripture(s)" and "Bible." And Yeshua, Joshua, and Jesus are interchangeable, depending upon the language of the text. As for finding codes in the Bible, I prefer to study the plain words. If you use the right formula, you can get the Bible to say anything from "the Buddha is Lord" to "all men should wear dresses." Christianity teaches the *Perspicuity* of Scripture. This is the quality of Scripture according to which the doctrine of salvation is clearly set forth in the pages of the Word. We need no hidden or secret messages; we have the plain, revealed truth. I'm aware of a book currently on the bestseller charts that purports to reveal an entire secret code in the Old Testament. However, Jesus clearly referred to the plain text of the OT, using it to speak of himself. For example, John 5:39 says, "You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me." Likewise, Paul writes to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:15-17): "From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Q: What's the difference between "investing" (stocks, etc.) and gambling. Can you help? A: Without my making any recommendations, look to see what your outlay of money is "buying." Are you taking a chance that blind luck will grant a return on your funds, or have you researched what you are doing, allowing your funds to be lent to others who will use them to build their businesses and thus provide you with a return based upon their success? The former may bring employment to those involved in the so-called "gaming" industry, as well as to law enforcement officers and counselors dealing with gambling addicts. The latter will, most likely, benefit much more of society, providing that you temper your investments by not supporting those with whom you have religious or moral differences. Bottom line: Both are "gambles." I just don't see the same Biblical prohibitions against supporting the hard work and industry of others as I do those who offer "something for nothing," appealing to our covetousness. Remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas, and is the coauthor of "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.