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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: Ed, I am greatful that you have answered my questions. Since you have shown me the courtesy, I would return it in kind, point by point as you have given me. 1) Statement: Let’s look at just a few of the exceptions to your premise. Matthew 28:19-20, John 7:16 Acts 1:7 Act 2:38, 1 Cor 11:27 and 1 Cor 11:29. Answer: In what way do the passages cited lack the necessary detail to accomplish the task in what is said? I looked at each example you gave, and I found no commandment listed that was not given parameters so it could be followed. Seeing this, I find no exceptions to my premise. 2) Statement: Where does it say a commandment has to have parameters? If I tell you to pick up a stone is that not a command? Do I have to say pick up every stone, or one stone three times a day before it becomes a commandment? I think not! Answer: How can you keep a commandment if you don't know what it is or how to perform it? If you tell me to pick up a stone, and this is a command, I will pick up "a stone," as you did not give me parameters, and any stone would have satisfied the requirements of the non-specific command. If you tell me to pick one specific stone, but fail to specify which one it is, how am I to perform what you ask? So in the case of Hebrews, if this is a command, and the existing parameters are "don't stop assembling," then taking the available parameters provided, I am adhering to this teaching, exhortation, or commandment if I assemble with at least one other person in my home, at the mall, in the park, or anywhere else. Further, I can assemble any day I choose, once a week, once a month, or once a year. The passage simply does not say. So if we are to keep this "command," how can we do so without parameters? Unless it is not a command, but exhortation, and up to us to decide when, where, how, and how often. 3) Statement: Once again is the absence of parameters proof there is no commandment? What are the parameters on love you neighbor as yourself? Once again you say command must have parameters again I say "Pick up a stone" is very much a command and it carries not parameters. Answer: Either the absence of parameters is evidence there is no commandment, or we have a commandment that can be followed as we choose to follow it. "Pick up a stone" carries parameters. The command is to pick up an unspecified stone. This can be satisfied by picking up any random stone. The parameters of love: Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. I find that these parameters suffice for the sake of this discussion. See 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. 4) Statement: Love for God and love for each other prevents us from disobeying his commandments. Love is the motivator, obedience is the result, commandments are direction setters. Answer: Love for God and love for each other prevents us from disobeying his commandments. This is all that needed to be said. Although, it didn't really answer the question. Love does not have potential for failure. It seems we are agreeing on this, yes? That it does not? 5) Statement: You have said you do only what you determine is correct irregardless of what anyone else says. You have mocked the church, orthodoxy and said, "…I see something many don't see. Maybe that makes me wrong. Maybe that makes me special. Who knows which." Answer: I do see something many don't see. I feel blessed. I will continue to do only what I determine is correct, regardless of what anyone else says. I will try the spirits in love, and the Spirit will show me what is true and what is not. [1st John 2:27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.] Continued ... |