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NASB | 1 John 3:8 the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 3:8 The one who practices sin [separating himself from God, and offending Him by acts of disobedience, indifference, or rebellion] is of the devil [and takes his inner character and moral values from him, not God]; for the devil has sinned and violated God's law from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. |
Bible Question:
1 John 3:8 (For this purpose the son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil) Does this mean as a christian if i am not devil work destroying i stand the risk of be told depart from me i know you not? |
Bible Answer: Yes Chris, as Doc mentioned, the scriptures you quote do not adress the same subject at all. It is an understandable leap but what is most revealed is a great misunderstanding that exists about our relationship with God. First: 1 John 3:8 is in reference to Jesus Christ. It is true that as a Christian you have become a son of God, however this verse refers to "THE" Son of God, and it is in the past tense. It is a historic fact that Jesus Christ (the son of God) was manifested to destroy the works of the devil." You are not Him. You are in Him and He is in you, but you are not Him. Secondly here is the context of your quote "I never knew you." Matt 7:21-25 and more specifically vs 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.' Please note it is "the practice of Lawlessness" that disqualifies these pharisees that He is adressing. This is not in reference to traditional jewish law for he says in Matt 23:23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. and again in Luke 11:42 "But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. Notice how Jesus refers to "the weightier provisions of the law: JUSTICE and MERCY and FAITHFULNESS" and in Luke he refers to "THE LOVE OF GOD." So the law here is not by wrote but by knowing. John 5:39-40 "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life." These men had the scriptures but it did not help them respond to Christ. The moral law is an expression of His love, It is manifest in this world through you. It is the capacity to receive His love that hinders or allows the expression of that love through us to others. If Jesus says to someone Depart from me I Know you not then it is only logical to fix the "I know you not". You do not fix the "I know you not" by looking at the enemy of the one you want to know. Look to Him. It is not guilt that will help you. It is Love and Mercy. The more you love Him the more He will continue to destroy the works of the Devil and you will be participating with Him in that but it will not be out of fear hearing "Depart from me" He loves you if you never lift a finger to help Him. When you fully realise that you will become a mighty destroyer of the works of the devil. He is the author and perfecter of faith (Heb 12:2) Your faith should be in His ability to keep you not your ability to please Him. Trust Him, He already died for vou. He is already raised from the dead. He can handle the devil. Confess your weaknesses , be honest with Him about your fears but know that it is His love for you that will enable you to grow and triumph in Him. |
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teragram123 | ||
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FytRobert | ||
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judy22859 | ||
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Yew | ||
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Christendom Kustaff | ||
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DocTrinsograce | ||
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