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NASB | John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Gen 1:1; Is 9:6] |
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Bible Note: Dear Shythiyl, You ask, 'Could the Church not benifit from one who posesses "some" of his attributes today?' (sic) Augustines, Luthers, Calvins, Edwards, etc. come into the picture, by divine Providence and the grace of God, at the appropriate times to restore what was lost or bring clearer understanding to what has already been revealed by inspiration in the Word of God. (If you spend some time studying what they taught you will find this to be so.) None of these men are inspired. As I said, at best, they are illumined. (There's quite a difference between the two terms. Scripture -- our authority -- makes the distinction.) Every one of them were fallible. None of us... no one reading these words... probably no one living... is the same caliber as these giants of the faith. It would be the height of hubris to presume that anyone was so gifted. The church generally only recognizes them as their work stands the test of time. The answer to your question: No. If the church needed it, God would have provided it. The best teachers we have today don't fully measure up. However, through technology, we are blessed by the Lord because we still have the sermons and writings of the giants of the faith. Though dead, yet they still speak (Hebrews 11:4). Textual criticism is a human work. Translation is a human work. Preaching is a human work. Witnessing is a human work. God, in His Sovereignty, may command these things and make use of these things. However, only the Scripture, as originally transmitted, is God-breathed. Read Ephesians: God gave us His Word, the Holy Spirit, regeneration, the prophets of old, the apostles of old, pastor-teachers (past and present), and the church (invisible body of Christ) to insure that we do not stray from sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is what we mean by orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Remember... the Holy Spirit inspired in the past, illumines in the present: Word of God -- Written by Inspiration of the Holy Spirit Word of God -- Understood by Illumination of the Holy Spirit In Him, Doc |