The Apostle John Ushers in a Third Testament
The New Testament speaks of a future congregation, a group that is not part of the initial fold but is destined to be united under one shepherd.
This mysterious third group is alluded to in various passages, suggesting a broader, more inclusive understanding of the faith.
Who is the Third Group?
Jesus speaks of "other sheep, which are not of this fold", indicating a future congregation that will hear his voice and join the original flock to form one united body of believers.
“I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.” — John 10:16
The Apostle John, known for his prophetic writings, is often associated with this future-oriented vision of the church.
Jesus alludes to this role for John when he says “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?” (John 21:23).
The Voice of Revelation
The “voice” that the latter group will hear is the parabolic language displayed in the Book of Revelation.
The parabolic language refers to the symbolic and metaphorical way in which the text communicates its messages.
This style is characteristic of apocalyptic literature, which often uses vivid imagery, allegories, and symbols to convey deeper spiritual truths.
This language is key to unlocking the deeper meanings within the text, revealing truths that transcend literal interpretations.
John's Role in the Third Congregation
John's role is pivotal as he represents this future group and is tasked with writing the Book of Revelation.
Revelation’s use of parabolic language serves to “unveil” or reveal spiritual realities that are not immediately apparent to the reader.
His writings serve to reveal the "voice" and to correct erroneous traditions, bringing forth a restoration of understanding that has been obscured over time.
The Restoration of Understanding
The Reformation was a significant shift in the church's history, but the Restoration that John heralds is about returning to the proper understanding of Christ's teachings.
The "key of knowledge" is the spiritual, parabolic interpretation of the scriptures, which has the power to transform the religious landscape.
There were multiple warnings of losing these keys in Jesus’ day.
“The Pharisees and the scribes have taken the keys of knowledge (and) have hidden them.” — Luke 11:52; Gospel of Thomas
The Loss and Recovery of Spiritual Understanding
The theme of a great loss of spiritual understanding followed by a restoration is prevalent in John's writings and throughout the Bible.
Just as the body needs sleep for restoration, the church had to undergo a spiritual sleep.
This is illustrated in the gospel accounts when the disciples are found asleep in the Garden of Gathsemene.
The Apostle Paul continuously talks about those who have “fallen asleep in Christ” in his letters.
Paul also gives us a time cue for such an age when he says “for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first”.
Christians fall into a slumber where much of the proper understanding is lost.
We see many warnings in the New Testament speaking against false apostles and emphasizing the need to recover the true meaning of the Gospel, which has been buried under earthly teachings.
For example we read about a character named Diotrephes who didn’t allow some of Jesus’ own disciples in his church.
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
This concept is mirrored in Jesus' parable of the treasure hidden in the field, symbolizing the precious truth of the Gospel that awaits discovery by those who seek it earnestly.
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44) is a powerful metaphor for the Kingdom of Heaven and offers valuable insights into the process of uncovering the deeper, parabolic meanings of scripture.
Here's how the parable relates to recovering the parabolic understanding of scripture:
Seeking the Hidden: Just as the treasure in the parable is hidden and must be sought after, the deeper meanings of scripture often require diligent study and seeking. They are not always immediately apparent and can be overlooked if one does not search for them.
Value of Discovery: The man in the parable recognizes the immense value of the treasure and sells all he has to possess it. Similarly, discovering the parabolic understanding of scripture can be transformative, offering spiritual riches that far surpass worldly knowledge.
Sacrifice for Truth: The parable illustrates that one must be willing to give up everything to gain the treasure. In the context of scripture, this can mean setting aside preconceived notions or traditional interpretations to embrace the truth revealed through parables.
Joy in Understanding: The joy of the man upon finding the treasure reflects the joy believers experience when they gain a deeper understanding of God's word. It's a joy that comes from connecting with the divine and comprehending the spiritual truths of the Bible.
The Treasure Comes Free: While the man buys the field, the treasure itself is a gift. This parallels the grace of God, which is freely given, though it may cost us everything, even our tradition, to follow Christ.
Conclusion
In essence, the Apostle John's message in the Book of Revelation is a call to rediscover the foundational truths of the faith, to unlock the spiritual meanings within the scriptures, and to prepare for the unification of all believers in the light of Christ's return.