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NASB | Mark 9:23 And Jesus said to him, "'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Mark 9:23 Jesus said to him, "[You say to Me,] 'If You can?' All things are possible for the one who believes and trusts [in Me]!" |
Bible Question:
Nolan, let me clarify my question. Jesus says that we need faith as a mustard seed, which was the smallest seed for planting purposes in Judea; I've heard they're almost as small as the head of a needle. But, Paul acts as if faith to move mountains is the most monumentous act of faith, how are we to interpret these Scripture together? Secondly, are the statements Paul makes in I Cor 13:1-3 possible? Notice that Paul states in vs. 2, "If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge;" but in vs. 9,10 he states, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away." So, is it possible to prophecy all mysteries and have all knowledge? If these are not possible, what about the other statements in vs 1 and 3? If vs. 2 is impossible what does that say about the other verses and how do I know if vs. 1 is possible? |
Bible Answer: Hi Chris, You've presented a real challenge for us and have made us think. I appreciate it. Let me also try to connect these scriptures for you. I think first that one must be in the mindset of knowing how powerful God is especially in relation to us. For instance, I often write of this in my capitalization of our being the light of the world but God is the Light of the world. Scripture is full of these contrasts between God and man. So, no, we aren't God, and we won't ever have all knowledge and know all mysteries except the necessary saving knowledge of Him and knowing and believing the mysteries of the faith. Paul was showing us the more excellent way of love that we should pursue above all. The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians has a total of nine words of "love". I think that that is significant and I was tempted to capitalize Love; it reminds me of the Trinity because that total is divisible by three. I believe that God is Light; however I believe that 1John shows us that God is love. Here in 1Cor.13 I think we see the most excellent way (1Cor 12:31) of love (1Cor 14:l). In 1Cor 13 we see the greatest of the gifts, His love. I don't capitalize love but I believe we can make this love a gift from Him. In other words, put a "His" in front each of those nine words and incorporate it for yourself. Some day we will see that perfect Way of Truth and the partial shall be done away. For now we see in a mirror, in a riddle, but then face to face. Now, I'll try to give you a connection between Matthew, Mark, and this 1Cor passage. Mark 9:22 says, "But if You can do anything,...". This is in contrast to the inability of the disciples to cast out the unclean spirit. Remember the contrast between God and man. Matthew 17:20,"...for truly I say to you, if you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there," and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." I think He was contrasting the littleness of their faith with His great power. The connection between Matthew and Mark here is in the unbelieving, and perverted generation and "how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you?" We don't all have the gifts listed in 1Corinthians but we do have the gift of His love and we can pray and fast for the welfare of others thus bringing their needs to Him. Thanks again for your question that made us think. |