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NASB | Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. |
Subject: catholic and protestant salvation view |
Bible Note: Rubel Shelly, of Nashville, Tennessee, has been one of the most vociferous critics of the restoration movement in recent years. His speeches at the Christ Church Pentecostal denomination in Nashville (April 13, 1994), at the 1995 Tulsa Workshop, and at the Florence (Alabama) Spiritual Renewal Conference (April 19, 1996) are but a sampling of this misguided brother’s hostile mood. (Note: For further discussion see the author’s article, “Contemporary Attacks on the Restoration Principle,” The Spiritual Sword, Vol. 23, No. 1, October, 1991, pp. 40-44.) The biblical platform The fact is, the Bible teaches that when the Creator establishes a system of religion, its obligations are to remain intact until God Himself provides evidence that it no longer is operative. No one is to presume to modify the divine arrangement. The Old Testament emphasizes this principle repeatedly. Surely no clearer example of this concept can be found than that of the sad case of Jeroboam I, the premier king of northern Israel. His apostasy from the Mosaic pattern is carefully documented in 1 Kings 13. Note the following: 1. He changed the object of worship from the invisible God to golden calves, which were to represent the Lord. 2. The monarch switched the sacred center of devotion from Jerusalem to Bethel and Dan. 3. Priests could be selected from tribes other than Levi. 4. A new feast was inaugurated to rival the feast of the tabernacles. Modern “Jeroboams” doubtless would endorse these alterations as quite refreshing; after all, we can’t be stifled by “traditionism.” Jehovah’s attitude, however, was radically different. In approximately twenty-one passages the Old Testament refers to Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who “made Israel to sin” (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:16). Innovation is transgression! “Restoration” defined When one speaks of a “restoration” plea, several things are implied. First, there is the suggestion that there is a divine “pattern” for human conduct. Second, God expects conformity to that pattern. Third, in the nature of things, rebellious and frail men will digress from that heavenly way. Fourth, it is the responsibility of those who revere the Lord’s will to restore, the primitive order, and call their fellows back to the “old paths” (cf. Jer. 6:16). There are numerous New Testament passages which stress these truths. Let us consider a few. |