Jan 17, 2013

Improving God's Word ....

... is a fool's errand.

All Scripture:

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..." 2 Tim.3:16.

No Scripture:

"No prophecy of the scripture is of any private (one's own or exclusive) interpretation." 2 Pet.1:20.

Every scripture harmonizes with all other scripture. This is true as long as one does not resort to one of many per-versions which are not accurately translated from the Textus Receptus (received texts).  I have always preferred the King James Version (KJV), for English speakers because, though translated into Old English, it is still the most accurate to the Received Texts, and has been for four hundred years. It is not the Received Texts which need better translation or interpretation but the Old English, which is quite easily done by anyone who speaks English.  2Tim.2:15, "...Rightly dividing the word of truth" is still and always the most important aspect of Bible study. "the word of truth" is in reference to "the" Bible. "The" is  what is known as a "definite article" which means, "a singular thing" or "one of a kind".  It is perfectly unique to itself and there is no other. It is God's truth, not your or my "private" truth or opinion or dream or imagination or personal revelation. All of these pseudo "personal revelations" can't all be true because they conflict with each other. So called "personal convictions or revelations" which are unprovable in God's word, are unimportant and un-necessary, at best, and are usually very harmful. If they disagree with the Bible, they are a lie. If they agree with the Bible, we already have them, in the Bible, and have no need of repetitious confirmation.

Instead of seeking some new truth or new light, we need to do something with the eternal truth and light we already have, which God gave us in His word. As Paul said, "All the counsel of God." Acts 20:27. Jesus commissioned us, in Matt. 28:19, to preach and teach God's good news to all the world.  Not your or my good news or new truth
or your personal "private" doctrine or revelation but the good news Christ brought to earth 2000 years ago.  It hasn't changed. Everything else has, but not God. "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Heb.13:8. God has never been surprised or learned anything.  He knew it all, forever in the past and knows it all forever in the future. He is omniscient.

Yes, there are times to discuss business, family, ideas, politics, hopes, plans and even sports, but our primary and most important message is God's word ... especially the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ.

There are multiple lifetimes of material in the Bible which need to be preached and of which you will never run out or cover completely. So why would any Christian preach another gospel or search for something better or new to espouse? Gal.1:6   "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel."

God's word, the Holy Bible has endured the test of time and survived constant attacks for 2000 years, at least.  Why add to or subtract from or change it now? That very thing is happening right here and now, world wide, but it is a very dangerous, futile business.  "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  "And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Rev. 22:18-19.

 

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