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NASB | John 3:14 "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:14 "Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], [Num 21:9] |
Subject: Jesus' Instruction to Nicodemus |
Bible Note: Hello Mark, Unless I take a gift, I cannot receive a gift. By taking it, do I boast that I took it? Of course not, I thank the One that gave it. Do I say to the Giver, "Look at me, I am so great, I am taking your gift"? Of course not, I thank the Giver. Am I proclaiming that because I am a man that I am great in my free will in accepting the Giver's gift? Of course not. It is only by the mercy of God that He has given me that free will to accept the gift. Is that boasting? Yes, boasting of God's mercy. Am I belittling God's Sovereignty? Of course not. It is by the Sovereignty of God that He offered this Gift. Do I slap Him in the face by taking this Gift? Of course not. Does this reduce the Sovereignty of God? Far from it, for even the angels in Heaven rejoice when the Gift is taken. Who will change the Word that comes from the mouth of Jehovah? Which of you will presume to have authority for this? Isa 1:19 "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: Isa 1:20 but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Jehovah hath spoken it." "If ye be willing ..." ; "but if ye refuse and rebel..." There also, is that Grace, "If ye". Better would He love one that comes freely than one that comes because of programming. Does this take away from God's Sovereignty? No, it honors Him, because I honor Him, freely. His Grace He set before me and by setting His Grace before me, He has called me, I heard His Word, I had to choose that day, so for me and my house we will follow the Lord. Is that boasting or degrading the Sovereignty of God? No, it is proclaiming. eklektos |