Sambodhi 1989 Vol 16

Author(s): Ramesh S Betai, Yajneshwar S Shastri
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 75

is entirely unwarranted and the later is, to say the least, very dubious,
The New Testament carries with a clearer revelation of the distinctions in the Godhead. If in the Old Testament Jehovah is represented as the Redeemer and Saviour of his people,48 in the New Testament the Son of God clearly stands out in that capacity.49 And if in the Old Testament it is Jehovah that dwells among Israel and in the hearts of those that fcar him, 50 in the New Testament it is the Holy Spirit that dwells in the Church.51
The New Testament offers the clear revelation of God sending His Son into the world, 52 and of both the father and the son, sending the spirit.53 We find the Father, 54 and the Holy Spirit praying to God in the hearts of believers.55 Thus the separate persons of the Trinity are made clear. Now how far does the concept of Trinity correspond with the concept of Brahman as Sat, Chit and Ananda ? There is nothing common except the numbers among them.
At the time of baptism, the Son and tlie Father speaks from heaven and Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove.56 Jesus also mentions the three persons : ".. baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (St. Matthew. 28.19).57
The name 'Father' is applied to God in the first person, the name 'Son' is applied in the second person and is called 'Son of God' i.e. Jesus Christ is represented as the Son of God in the Scripture. The name of the 'Holy Spirit is applied in the third person as God is Spirit or the Spirit of God.'
The Significance of Cross :
"The cross means physical suffering, earthly defeat but spiritual victory" writes Dr. Radliakrishnan. "Through suffering lies the way to liberation."58 Now let us examine the Christian view of the death of Christ. It deals with the problem of human sin and brings out that men into fellowship with God is one of the central ideas in the New Testament. “ ... For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received that Christ died for our sins and accordance with the scriptures."59
In almost every letter Paul refers in one form or another to the death of Christ using variety of expression referring to Christ's death, His blood, His cross and His crucifixion. The New Testament denotes the death of Christ as a sacrificial death. It distinctly associates it with the Old Testament ritual sacrifice for sin given on the great Day of Atonement by the main priest at the mercy seat.60