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NASB | 2 Peter 3:4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Peter 3:4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming [what has become of it]? For ever since the fathers fell asleep [in death], all things have continued [exactly] as they did from the beginning of creation." |
Subject: Where do I go from here? |
Bible Note: Hello Joe: Seems as if I'm caught in a "Catch-22", since I say my post is my last on this subject, then there is another response, and I can't help myself--have to respond. Maybe this can be the last? :) ------------------------ Take 2 Peter 3: 9 and put verse 15,16 with it: "And remember why he is waiting. He is giving us time to get his message of salvation out to others. Our wise and beloved brother Paul has talked abut these same things in many of his letters." The "time-table" that you refer to is clear throughout, it is "now", "soon", and "near". What is not known to Peter, Paul and the rest, is the precise "day" or "hour". And that's what the disciples want to know, and is understandable that they would try to pin it down. As far as citing the verse, "But don't forget this dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord," has no real meaning to the current situation. Do you think it assuaged the problem for the disciples? Do you think it helped them with their waiting? Do you even think that they believed it? If that statement was truly meant to provide an answer, then it came up woefully short. And especially short when placed against what Peter says, what Paul says, what Jesus says, what John says, and what the author of Revelations says. Quotes from each: Jesus: Mark 9: 1 "Some of you who are standing here right now will live to see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!" What can Jesus mean here, except what he says? John: 1John 2: 18 "Dear children, this world's last hour has come. You have heard about the Antichrist who is coming--the one who is against Christ--and already many such persons have appeared. This makes us all the more certain tht the end of the world is near." What John cannot be certain about is the "day" and the "hour". Other than that, what else could he possibly mean? Peter: 1 Peter 4: 7 "The end of the world is coming soon." What is there about the word "soon" that is not understood? Would not the listeners interpret that message to mean within their lifetime? Again, Peter cannot supply the "day" and "hour", but he's clear that it is "soon". Paul: 1 Cor 29: "The important thing to remember is that our remaining time is very short, and so are our opportunities for doing the Lord's work." Paul goes so far as suggesting that disciples refrain from marriage in order to get the message out better. Why? Because, as he says, the time is short (soon). Rev: 22: 6,7 Angel: "...to tell you this will happen soon." 12 Jesus: "I am coming soon." 20 Jesus: "Yes, I am coming soon." ----------------------------------------- Maybe the real question is the simplest of all: What part of the word "soon" is not understood by the readers of the Bible? ------------------------------------------- And Joe, I certainly agree that a person should keep reading, keep studying. But I think it's critical, not only to read the works of the Apologists, but also the works of their critics. A friend pointed out a website a week ago that supplies a wealth of exposure to both sides as they interact. "The Bible Errancy" newsletter by Dennis McKinsey (I think that's the name)is especially because of the "letters to the editor" section, which provides a forum for the critic AND the apologist. What better way to see and "try" to understand the varying perspectives and interpretations. All 192 are available online. Also, I've read many of the LaHaye books, lately "Are We Living in the End Times?" But all these readings are "after the fact", so to speak. First I read the Bible on my own, relied upon my own interpretive skills, or lack thereof. I have a hunch this is going to turn out to be a lifelong pursuit and I may even get it settled once and for all. Hope so. Treadway |