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NASB | Romans 9:23 And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 9:23 And what if He has done so to make known the riches of His glory to the objects of His mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory, |
Subject: What's up with the italics in vs. 23? |
Bible Note: Thank you for your encouragement. I think you have just demonstrated what I am concerned about. Note the structure of your post: [Doctrinal idea] "This morning, my focus has been on the sovereignty of God and that we are God's possession." (OT Scripture quote.) [Movement from doctrine to scripture in question] "I believe these truths rings loudly in Romans 9. In verses 14-21" [Assimilation of idea and target scripture] "supports the stated purpose of God which I believe Paul presumes the reader... knows." [outcome of assimilation] "As I read this passage I am reminded" [Target NT Scripture quote] [Restating Scripture using outcome of assimilation] ""So what if God chose to . . . SO WHAT!"" [Introduction of previously undeveloped Anthropological idea] "Since we all have a burning desire to know WHY?" [Speculation about Translator's rendering of Scripture in question using new idea- assimilation not demonstrated but assumed] "I suspect the NASB translators took a "liberty"" [Statement of Faith in justification of Translator's rendering using another related Scripture] "However, to me, it is supported by..." (NT Scripture quote) [Suggestion that reader consider presented argument] "Ponder these things." [Authoritative reminder to not question Authority] "..let's not usurp His authority." [Closing Blessing] [Signature] ___________ This is my undisciplined form of deconstruction. It is a wonderful tool that provides an opportunity to learn alot about why we think we know what we know. The truth is that I would probably construct a post very similar to it in response. But I would NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER include that last bit about usurping "God"'s authority! Never! It even seems contradictory to what you began with at the top of the post: "if God has set this desire in your heart, then you will be blessed in pursuing it." I'm going to suggest some things for you to think about as well. One objective of Teaching is to teach people how to think, not just what to think. Babies must be fed by another. When we grow up, we feed ourselves and decide if what goes in our mouth actually goes down our throats or not. Your interpretaion of Scripture seems to be built upon a solid foundation of Doctrine instead of the other way 'round. We all do it. I do it. I have earned the right to question the interpretations of others because I question my own on a regular basis. While I understand deeply the importance of the idea of "Revelation" to the rhelm of Theological thought, I do not confuse the Revelation of God with the words that I read in in an English Bible Translation. The two are not neccessarily the same. Nor am I a fatalist, believing that what exists, is good enough because it has had to pass through God's judgement about what may or may not exist in order to exist at all. The reason I tend to ignore arguments about Predestination and all is because bad things like this happen when we do: "they will be held accountable by God - let's not usurp His authority." This denies the validity of any just action taken by the Church in this world today. The whole anti-abortion movement in the 90's drilled us on the failings of this kind of idea. The lack of resistance to Hitler was backed up by this idea as well. Be careful when weilding the sword of Predestination. I don't think it's meant for our hands at all. I don't think Paul uses it himself to slay dragons of complaint. I think he just picks it up and holds it and says, "What if it were used thusly?" ...and then puts it down. It's too easy for us humans to try to use it to back up our own prefered scenarios and support our worldly fears. God Himself uses it in the end of Job. Jesus uses it when answering one of Peter's many questions after the Resurection. It doesn't really belong to us. God, Bless you. Whitewave |