Abstract
Shawn McCraney of Christian Ultra Libertarians for Truth discusses the “unlesses” used by Jesus in the Bible, representing conditional statements. He highlights various instances where Jesus emphasizes the conditions for certain outcomes, such as surpassing the righteousness of religious leaders, having a childlike heart, repentance, faith, and embracing Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. McCraney encourages listeners to walk in faith, abide in Jesus, and apply these unlesses to their lives.
Long Description
In this transcript, Shawn McCraney of Christian Ultra Libertarians for Truth discusses the concept of “unlesses” used by Jesus in various passages of the Bible. He begins by introducing the term “unlesses,” which he acknowledges might not be a real word but is used to describe instances where Jesus employs the word “except” in the King James Version of the Bible, which is translated as “unless” in Modern English.
McCraney reflects on the significance of these unlesses and how they present conditional statements or prerequisites for certain outcomes. He highlights several examples of unlesses mentioned by Jesus in different contexts.
One unless that Jesus spoke about is in Matthew Chapter 5, where he tells the Jews that unless their righteousness exceeds that of the religious leaders (scribes and Pharisees), they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. McCraney interprets this as a shift from relying on obedience to the law for righteousness to having faith in Jesus, who fulfilled the law perfectly.
Another unless is found in Matthew 18:3, where Jesus states that unless a person is converted and becomes like a little child, they will not enter the kingdom of heaven. McCraney explains this as having a childlike heart that relies on God, seeking His help and guidance.
In Matthew 24:22, Jesus speaks about the last days and says that unless those days are shortened, no flesh would be saved. McCraney views this as a statement applicable to that specific time period.
Moving to Luke 13:3, Jesus declares that unless people repent, they will likewise perish. McCraney emphasizes the importance of changing one’s mind and turning to God, or else they will suffer ruin or loss.
The conversation then turns to the concept of faith. In John 4:48, Jesus tells the people that unless they see signs and wonders, they will not believe. McCraney explains that having faith is essential for pleasing God, and those who demand tangible evidence before believing lack faith.
In John 6:44, Jesus says that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them. McCraney acknowledges that Scripture supports the idea that God calls and draws everyone but also emphasizes that no one can come to God unless they heed His call.
Jesus further challenges his followers in John 6:53, stating that unless they eat His flesh and drink His blood, they have no life in them. McCraney interprets this figuratively, explaining that it means embracing everything Jesus represents, His life, death, and resurrection.
In John 12:24, Jesus uses the metaphor of a corn kernel falling to the ground and dying to bring forth much fruit. McCraney explains this as Jesus speaking about His own death, emphasizing that through His death, many more can come into the kingdom of God.
Finally, McCraney mentions an interaction between Jesus and Peter, where Jesus tells Peter that unless He washes his feet, Peter has no part with Him. He interprets this as a symbolic act of submission and embracing Jesus’ purpose and meaning.
Throughout the transcript, McCraney encourages listeners to walk in faith, abide in Jesus, and embrace the teachings of these unlesses as they relate to their lives.