In Mathematics, there is this principle called transitive relations, which notes that when one element is in relation to a second element and the second is in relation to a third element, then it is implied that the first element is in relation to the third element, as the relation “less than or equal to.” In layman’s terms, this principle simply states that if A<=B and B<=C, then A<=C. Of course, during my college days, jokes such as the following used to abound in the campus when learning this principle. If the Mathematics Professor loves his daughter and His student loves the Professor, then does it not mean that the student loves the Professor’s daughter, by virtue of transitive relations. Levity aside, I was reminded of this principle when reading the Bible.
It is believed that the etymology of the word ‘transitive’ is from Late Latin transitivus; from Latin transitus, which literally means “that may pass over (to another person)“. The scripture avers that “And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s” (1 Corinthians 3:23). Transitively, God has passed over to us, because of Jesus Christ, the passover Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God. Jesus Christ has made a transitive relationship with God possibly and no wonder He affirmed, no man comes to God, the Father, but by Him (and Him alone). There is no other way, for Jesus is the ONLY way. What a wonder it is to realize that we are in a relationship with God the Father when we believe in the name of Jesus. And you and I are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.
John 14:5-7 (KJV)
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.