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NASB | 1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment], |
Bible Question:
1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, I Pet. 1:22, has always been somewhat of a puzzle to me. I would like to know the proper Greek grammatical construct of this verse. Is it a command given to new believers, or is it telling us that this will be the natural response of those who are new born in Christ? I.e. Did you ever see a new born that wasn't hungry for milk? I am very perplexed by so called Christians that don't have a hunger for God's word. CDBJ |
Bible Answer: Dear CDBJ, Greetings in Jesus' name! I don't know about the proper Greek grammatical construct of this verse, but to answer the question, "Are there stillborn Christians?" I would have to say no. This is from God's point of view. One is considered a Christian when you, in summary, "... confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;" Romans 10:9 NASB. (This seems to be the Lowest Common Denominator for Biblical salvation.) This is an awesome thing, not to be taken lightly, or parceled out wholesale! While the Gospel is to be spread in every possible manner, the reciept of the Good News is an event on the order of childbirth, with the same responsibilities. I recommend a bit of 'pre-natal' and 'post-natal' instruction to over-anxious believers. We live in an age of 'cheap grace.' Many churches are anxious for as many 'souls' added to their statistics as possible. It is called 'zeal,' but they so desire numbers that they water down the Gospel. I have witnessed many times that salvation is reduced to 'a threat or a bribe.' After the 'sinner's prayer' is repeated, a person is declared 'saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost.' Though I am aware that this IS possible, I have seen unfruitful aftermath too many times. I have spoken to church leaders about this, and invariably they say, "but some ARE saved, and Jesus is happy for even ONE!" While this is certainly true, I strongly believe that the same results, or even better results, are available through a more personal, more patient form of evangelism. In fact, for all those that are 'victims' of this 'cheap grace,' they find their hearts are further hardened against Jesus because of the impersonal, rushed showtime atmosphere, and the hypocrisy of the leadership. In the Parable of the Sower, there is one type of 'stolen' seed, two types of unfruitful seed, and one type of fruitful seed, bearing a normal crop. I believe that the church is responsible for sowing, watering and reaping. 30, 60, or 100-fold crops are normal to any farmer that knows his business! Another problem I see is that 'altar calls' are watered down by 'rededications.' I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a church or special meeting proclaim a 'call to the lost' that had only a few come forward. As it becomes obvious that not very many will come forth, the call is 'broadened' to include those who are 'not right with God,' and 'those who have sinned toward a brother,' and so on. Sometimes it gets ridiculous! Finally, just about everyone there is 'blackmailed' into coming forward for 'renewal' or 'rededication.' Then, after the meeting, they are counting up how many got 'saved' that night. Does the Bible really speak of 're-salvation' as a common occurrence? I have asked, "How many times a person can be saved?" The answer is, "You don't have any faith!" :-) Can Christians be stillborn? NO. Can people be duped? YES. How many times can a Christian be saved? ONCE. Is that enough? YES. What should be done? The church should act like the church, and chuck the 'prime-time' antics and circus acts. In Christ Jesus, charis |