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NASB | John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 12:32 "And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews]." |
Subject: THE MOST POWERFUL VERSE IN EVANGELISM |
Bible Note: Hi, Tim; I hope you won't think I'm piling on here. What I think these folks are telling you is that the interpretation you have attached to John 12:32 is different from the interpretation that John (inspired by the Holy Spirit) gave in the very next verse. Hank (who can be a little grouchy now and then) and others are simply following the example of the Bereans (Acts 17:11) and searching the Scriptures to see if what you say is true. I have to believe that the Holy Spirit inspired John to record the words that Jesus spoke in verse 32 and give the reason in verse 33. If you give a different reason, I have no choice but to conclude that your reason is wrong - not because Hank or I or anyone else on this forum says so but because the Bible says so. The Holy Spirit did not change his mind and reveal a different reason to anyone. That said, I would certainly agree that we are called to lift up ("raise" or "elevate") the name of Jesus before the world so that people can see him and be drawn to him. And it's also true that we would have no reason to lift up Jesus' name if he had not been bodily lifted up (crucified). But that was done once for all 2000 years ago and can never be done again (except in the sense of Hebrews 6:5-6). Also, there is nothing wrong with saying that the reason you feel led to evangelize is given in verse 32. After all, it is because he was lifted up on the cross that you and I and the rest of us are drawn to him in the first place. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones who, unlike Hank, is NEVER grouchy ;-) |