Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 4
The teacher argues that Old Testament “if/then” passages (Deut 11, Deut 30, Joshua 24, Isaiah 1) assume real human choice; how would early Christians—reading the same texts—have expected baptized believers to respond to these conditional warnings and promises?
Another way to ask: The teacher says Old Testament “if you do this, then this happens” passages assume real choice. How do you think early Christians expected baptized believers to respond to those warnings and promises?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the teacher’s early Christian quotations, they would expect baptized believers to take the warnings and promises as real, personal calls to choose obedience, reject idolatry, and accept responsibility for outcomes. The “if/then” structure would be treated as meaningful because believers truly can obey or resist.
- Deut 11: “I set before you today a blessing and a curse… The blessing, if you obey… and the curse, if you do not obey.”
- Deut 30: “Therefore, choose life… obey his voice and cling to him. For this is your life.”
- Joshua 24: “Choose to yourselves this day whom you will serve… You are witnesses… that you have chosen the Lord.”
- Isaiah 1: “If you be willing and hearken… eat the good… but if you be not willing… a sword shall devour you.”
- Early Christians cited: Melito: “nothing to hinder you from changing… because you are a free man.”
- Irenaeus: believers “do his will agreeably to their own choice… the disobedient… agreeably to their own choice.”