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NASB | John 9:31 "We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 9:31 "We know [according to your tradition] that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone fears God and does His will, He hears him. |
Bible Question:
EdB Concerning John 9:31 which the question revolved around I found a couple of interesting cross reference verses. Compare the following OT verses with the NT verse 9:31. Wouldn't you agree that these OT verses possibly help us better understand what was said in John 9:31: John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: Jer. 5:25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear Prov. 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Micah 3:4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings Grace be to you New Creature |
Bible Answer: New Creature I understand and agree with the overall thrust of was said in John 9:31. However we do know God does hear and talks to sinners. Satan being the perfect example, Balaam in Numbers another, Saul in Samuel another. Does that mean the Bible contradicts itself? NO! The man in John 9:31 wasn't speaking as inspired by the Holy Spirit but rather, most probably, according to the religious teaching of the time. However, later in the chapter we see him have another encounter with Jesus and at that point I think he is speaking under the inpiration of the Holy Spirit. The Bible does at times quotes a speaker that isn't talking under the inpiration of the Holy Spirit. Some examples are Satan, Goliah, Saul, Delilah, Phillestines, and Ballak to name just a few. What is "inspired" is the fact they said what they said and that the conversation took place. Not every speaker quoted in the Bible is speaking under the inspiration. Whether this man in John 9:31 was or was inspire when he spoke in is not what is important, what is important is that Jesus because of His love for us worked this miracle to increase our faith. As to the other scriptures you quoted which are from the Old Testament most is to reinforce the understanding of the separation between man and God due to sin. Most of these are stated after God has repeatedly warned the listener not to continue in sin. In effect what God is saying is if you continue to do this I will not hear you when trouble comes. It is a fact that a man walking in sin should not expect anything from God. However to say God doesn't hear him even when it serves God purpose is not correct. Again I refer to Satan talking to God in Job. Or the nation of Israel as seen the book of Judges that repeatedly turn their backs on God, turning to their idols until their oppression is so bad they cry out once more to God. God hears them and send a Judge. Or the children of Israel in captivity. God heard their cry because of his promise to Abraham and sent Moses. God hears our cry for salvation while we were yet in sin, He reached for us. Let us not try to establish doctrine on this point. Let me once again say a man or woman walking is sin should not expect anything from God except salvation if they cry out for it. Be blessed EdB |