scrolls, thus Charlesworth concludes that the writer was an Essene convert to the Johannine community. Liturgical use The Odes of Solomon were, perhaps, composed for liturgical use. In the Syriac manuscripts, all of the Odes end with a hallelujah, and the Harris manuscript marks this word in the middle of an ode by the Syriac letter hê (). The use of plural imperative and jussive verb-forms suggest that on occasion a congregation is being addressed. Bernard, Aune, Pierce and others who have commented on the Odes find in them clear early baptismal imagery — water is an ever-present theme (floods, drinking the living waters, drowning and the well-spring) as is the language of conversion and initiation. Charlesworth has led the criticism of this view. Themes Evangelism The Odes reflect a surprising emphasis on spreading the knowledge of God, and conversion of others. According to James H. Charlesworth, "the key characteristic in these hymns is a joyous tone of thanksgiving for the advent of the Messiah who had been promised (cf. Ode 7:1-6; 41:3-7) and for the present experience of eternal life and love from and for the Beloved (3:1-9; 11:1-24; 23:1-3; 26:1-7; 40:1-6)". Theology Though there is some dispute, according to Chadwick the Odes are likely part of the proto-Orthodox Christian strain, with slight differences, as Odist appears to have mixed ideas from the Essene community with Christianity. Others, such as James White, have argued that the book is influenced by Gnosticism. Soteriology It has been argued by some that the Odes support the doctrine of predestination; for example, they state, "And before they had existed, I recognized them; and imprinted a seal on their faces." Others, however, do not agree that the Odes support predestination, arguing that the writer had in mind, not unconditional election, but election based on foreknowledge. According to Thomas R. Schreiner, the soteriology of the Odes is highly grace oriented being underlined by a doctrine of election and he argued the writer saw salvation as a work of God which is not accomplished by human merit. Thomas R. Schreiner and Brian J. Arnold argued that the book supports a form of imputed righteousness. Eschatology The book makes mention of the Antichrist figuratively, using the word "dragon" for the Antichrist. The Odes perhaps references the general resurrection. Christology Some have argued that the book has docetic leanings, however it also appears to suggest that the birth