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NASB | 1 John 2:5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 2:5 But whoever habitually keeps His word and obeys His precepts [and treasures His message in its entirety], in him the love of God has truly been perfected [it is completed and has reached maturity]. By this we know [for certain] that we are in Him: |
Subject: Priority of the Word |
Bible Note: Dear stjohn, You wrote (post #185400), "It was the object of my affection that I had in mind when I asked, ... What is greater? I am surprised you mist it." (sic) I certainly did miss the answer for which you were fishing. Having heard that silly love argument so many times, both here on the forum and elsewhere, I assumed that that was your "straw man" of choice. I apologize. Regarding your actual objection, however, I have to admit, that I cannot quite conceive of a person loving God without loving His word. Nor can I imagine loving Him without loving the things that He loves, and prioritizing the things as He prioritizes them. As I pointed out earlier, He is the one who has chosen to place the priority on His word as He has done; i.e., above His own name (Psalm 138:2). Although Spurgeon's quote (post #185392) says it very well, I have been thinking about how to explain this thought in a more contemporary fashion. I suppose a man could arguably fall in love with a woman with whom he has no common language. She might appear lovely in form, graceful in movement, dulcet in tone, etc. The star-struck man might even be able to discern some things about her in her actions. But can you picture the longing of the man to actually know her through her words? Imagine his frustration at failing to understand her every utterance. Ultimately, our forlorn lover wants to KNOW the object of his love. Moving from the hypothetical to the actual: I love my wife. What she has to say is precious to me, for this is the means that I see the wonder and beauty of the real person, not just the surface. Her words reveal her heart! The value I place on this is proven by the fact that I spend more time communicating with her than with any other person. Even if I were inclined to do so, I could never distinguish who my wife is from what she says (cf Luke 6:45). After all, what would she think of my love if I told her, "Honey, I'm not really listening to what you say. I place greater importance on you than on your words." This forum is founded on the doctrine of sola scriptura. We believe in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). It is the sole authoritative revelation of Himself, given us in words of His own choosing. Although one might know some things about Him through general revelation (Romans 1:19-20), one cannot truly know God except through what He has chosen to reveal about Himself. The Scripture is certain, necessary, infallible, sufficient, and clear (see post #156917) for you, me, and everyone else! Our membership in this forum is an affirmation and a declaration of these doctrines to a confused and ignorant world. As our Brother Hobbs has affirmed (post #185351), there is, indeed, no single other activity more important in the life of men than the pursuit of Him through the meticulous study of what He has said about Himself. With regards to the believer -- and if you'll permit me to paraphrase James -- "Show me your love of God without a love of His Word, and I will show you my love of God by my love of His Word." "Whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:21 ESV) "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples. As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." (John 15:7-10 ESV) In Him, Doc |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 1 John 2:5 | Author | ||
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whippie | ||
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DocTrinsograce | ||
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stjohn |