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NASB | 1 Corinthians 8:5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 8:5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, |
Subject: Still waiting.... |
Bible Note: I wasn't going to re-enter/reply (as previously stated) to this thread, but Mary... your sincere response urged me on. Bro. Tim responds that "basic logic demands that we start with the simplest statements first and then build from there." Here's another approach. Anytime a scripture (or portion of a verse) is extracted out of its context, read the surrounding verses for contextual understanding of the Bible to see what point is being established. Tim states, "It cannot be true that there are 'other gods' and are not 'other gods' at the same time! These are two contadictory statements." However, within Bible context, it can be true that there ARE 'other gods' (after all, why would God warn against worshipping 'other gods'), but no 'other [true] God'. Notice the capital "G" in the title "God" and singular nature in KJV Isaiah 45:21 "... there is no God else besides me". Interesting is the context of the preceding quote: "... there is no God else besides me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me." These qualifying remarks clarify what this scripture is really talking about. God Almighty is called a "just God" and "a Savior". And here's the point, within the context there is no other true God, just one God in whom salvation lies - a recurring theme in Isaiah. I believe that Tim may be taking some verses too literal or not allowing the surrounding verses to explain the meaning. The surrounding scriptures highlight the issue that Isaiah is trying to present, there is only one true God. Of this true God, the sciptures saith: "I have made the earth, and created man upon it;" (Isa 45:12a), "a just God and a Savior" (Isa 45:21). Isaiah (under inspiration) is building a case for worshipping the only true God and Creator for note Isa 45:20 "Assemble yourselves together and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations; they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that CANNOT save." And, that's the crux of Isaiah's writing, there is no other God (capital G) other than the true God. Isa 45:5 (American Std. Bible) says: "I am Jehovah, and there is none else; besides me there is no God." (Interesting that when Bibles include the name of God, it becomes less confusing to the reader.) That there are 'other gods' though (small "g") is very clear from the Bible. The statement "false gods do not really exist" is a loaded statement. Molech was a god who was worshipped, he doesn't have to be real - just real to those who worship him. Of course, we know Satan is real and was called "...the god of this world [who] has blinded the minds of unbelievers..." - NIV 2 Cor 4:4 He even tried to get Jesus (in his weakened physical state) to worship him (imagine that!) - Mt 4:9 KJV "And saith (Satan) unto him (Jesus), All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." I don't doubt that Tim believes in his interpretation of his quoted verses and I actually understand what he is saying - I just respectfully disagree because I surmise that they are taken out of context. Hope this is helpful. |