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NASB | 1 John 2:3 ¶ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 2:3 ¶ And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings). |
Subject: abide |
Bible Note: Greetings MJH! I pray that all on the forum will follow your example of grace my friend! We can disagree without being disagreeable. :-) I've been up all night and day, so I'll try to make my response brief. 1) I agree that Paul was not against the law. But, he argues that the law has now (after Christ) served it's purpose. That is how I understand his various comments, such as we are dead to the Law, and we are no longer under it's supervision. As you noted, many did not understand Paul. They thought he was arguing for lawlessness. We are not free to sin. In fact, we now have a much higher standard than the moral law in that we are indwelt and led by the Holy Spirit. His law is now written in our hearts. So, I hope everyone understands that I am not advocating lawlessness. :-) But, I believe that Paul is saying that the Law has run it's course and we are no longer under it in any way. Rituals, feasts, ect..., have all been fulfilled in Christ - and were never meant to save us anyway. 2) Hagar and Sara: You break the illustration down pretty well, but I don't think you give enough credit to Gal. 4:24: "These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar." Paul isn't just contrasting grace and works, but two entirely different covenants - Abraham and Sinai (Promise and Law). In v. 30, he tells us to 'get rid of the slave woman', not just understand her better or apply her in the proper manner. :-) This is one of the reasons why I don't think the justification by law argument goes far enough. Paul calls for a clean break from the entire covenant of Sinai and compares it to slavery. Well, I'd better get some sleep my friend. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |