In math, equations may provide visual presentations of the equivalence (or non-equivalence) of two mathematical expressions. A simple example would be: 8+2=10. The sign “=” indicates that the expressions on each side of the sign are equal. Mathematical equations can get quite complex, but the visual presentation of the equations allows us to grasp the big picture.
In the world of thought, we may borrow the signs of mathematical equations to provide visual presentations of the relationship between ideas, themes, or actions. For example, “person – food = hunger”. The equation expresses the observation that a person who goes without food will experience hunger. The equation gives a visual handle on the truth expressed, with a minimal use of words.
Using such “thought equations” can sometimes help to represent spiritual truths. They serve to point us to the truth and remind us to consider the wider implications and applications of the truth. I will call them “gospel equations”.
1 John 5.11-12 tells us: “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life” (NIV). From this we can formulate two gospel equations. The first is “person + Jesus = have eternal life.” The second is “person – Jesus = no eternal life”. Using these two equations one can expand on the concepts represented, and further explain the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Another passage is Matthew 7.21-17. Jesus declares in verses 24-25: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (NIV). From this we get the equation “hear + obey = wisdom” or “hear + obey = stability”. Then, in verses 26-27 we read: “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (NIV). The equation would then be “hear – obey = folly” or “hear – obey = destruction”.
Try it out. What gospel equations can you formulate from biblical passages you know or have read?
—Keith Y. Jainga