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NASB | Titus 1:2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Titus 1:2 based on the hope and divine guarantee of eternal life, [the life] which God, who is ever truthful and without deceit, promised before the ages of time began, |
Bible Question:
Titus 1v1-2 tells us that Paul is a "servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ...in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began". (AV). NASB renders "promised long ages ago" but I don't know that that is a very accurate rendering although it probably does give the thought! In v2 we learn that eternal life is a Prospect "in hope of", we also learn that it was Promised; then in v3 we learn that it was Preached by the apostle Paul. My question is - When/how/where did God PROMISE "eternal life...before the world began"? Does this just relate to His eternal purpose or is there a written promise in Scripture? Thanks David |
Bible Answer: Dia duit, David... Eternal life is discussed in the Old Testament in a number of places -- although it is not a doctrine that is commonly shared by all Jewish peoples. (Of course, if you find any two of us, you will find at least three or more opinions!) Nonetheless, probably the earliest reference is Job 19:25-27. However, one might construe from Genesis 2:9 and 3:22 that there is indirect evidence of it being an understood aspect of human existence. (You might be interested in post #213874 discussing the "interim state.") Of course, we see a reference to it by the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17) and a lawyer (Luke 10:25). You can find God's promises regarding the concept of eternal life in places like Daniel 12:2; Isaiah 26:19; 66:24; Ezekiel 37:1-4, 12; and probably others. In Him, Doc PS You might be interested be interested in Josephus' Discourse to the Greeks Concerning Hades: http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/2847 It might give you a Jewish perspective on life after death from around the time of Christ. As always, though, I recommend to folks that they take such writings with a grain of kosher salt. :-) Remember, such things do not have the authority of Scripture. |