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NASB | Hebrews 11:40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 11:40 because God had us in mind and had something better for us, so that they [these men and women of authentic faith] would not be made perfect [that is, completed in Him] apart from us. |
Subject: Superior Hope |
Bible Note: Although I may ocassionally read about religion or other Bible topics outside the Bible written by various men and Bible students, I think it's a mistake for them to introduce concept completely new and independent of the Bible. In this regard, with reference to dispensations, I only see three main dispensations clearly taught by the Bible: 1) the Patriarchical Age, Adam to Jacob 2) Israelite Nation w/Law of Moses and 3) Age of Christianity. This is endorsed by the discussion (verses) below as being the mystery hidden with God until the time was right when he chose to reveal all to the world. Rom 16:25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 1 Cor 2:7 but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; 1 Cor 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, Eph 1:9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him Eph 3:3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. Eph 3:4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, Eph 3:9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; Eph 5:32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. Eph 6:19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, Col 1:26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, Col 1:27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, You might notice that main themes throughout the OT point toward the future looking forward to the time of the Messiah. The Gospels through Acts 1 introduce the life, ministry, death, burial and ressurection of Christ. Acts 2 through Revelation cites the establishment, administration, government, dealing with problems and the ultimate goal of reaching Heaven. So just what was/is the mystery of God revealed in His Word. It's not completely described in specific detail so we're left on our own. It seems clear that if the Devil suspected that God meant all along to literally sacrifice His Son on the cross for the sins of the entire world, for all time, that he the Devil would have done everything in his power to have prevented it. The Devil just didn't understand God's Perfect Sense of Justice and didn't see the danger to Himself in allowing Christ to die. He probably thought if he could just get Christ to come down to his world by having Him killed, then He'd have the last laugh on God. But God is incredibly clever and knows how to turn the bad things in our world and makes them turn for His Good. I realize this is somewhat simplistic but that's the way I see God's Word. I don't think He minds our probing and delving into His Word and discussing those truths as deeply as we like. The big thing I would be very cautious about and avoid almost entirely are those topics as I mentioned above if it's outside the parameters as set by the Bible. Hope this helps and blessings to you. Country Girl |