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NASB | Revelation 22:18 ¶ I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 22:18 ¶ I testify and warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book [its predictions, consolations, and admonitions]: if anyone adds [anything] to them, God will add to him the plagues (afflictions, calamities) which are written in this book; [Deut 4:2] |
Subject: Release and Faith Question |
Bible Note: Dear Hank, John Calvin made the statement that man is an "idol factory". When I first read his remark, my mind turned to the the examination of the "natural" man. It is clear that the unregenerate are constantly manufacturing gods that suit their own desires. Even the professed atheist makes a god of his own intellect; declaring that he has freed himself from the superstition of the masses, Nevertheless, he merely worships the creature rather than the Creator. This was no revelation to me. I was unregenerate myself, and I know what it is like to hate God and to consider spiritual things as foolish and incomprehensible. But CHRISTIANS! How is it possible for US to fall for heretical doctrines that diminsh God and inflate man? I don't know the answer. I do think that, despite wrong-headed pre-suppositions, many of those who follow false doctrines, are not mere professors but are indeed truely adopted children of God. What saddens me is the chaos and confusion that results from our attachement to error. We love Jesus; We love our church home; our pastor and brethren and we love our traditions, but when confronted with doctrines which are foreign to our accepted beliefs (whether founded on Scripture or not) we bristle with anger. We are so concerned with protecting the things we love, that many times we ignore or refuse to recieve even God's Word. I do not exempt myself from my own criticism. I'm as bad as the next guy; Maybe worse. I find my solace in Christ's righteousness imputed to me, a wicked sinner, whose own righteousness is but filthy rags. He is my Rock and my strong fortress, to Him I will run and find safety. My heart goes out to those who have yet to find out how miserable and weak they are. They still believe they can please God by pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps. Thank God for Paul's words in Romans 7! He did not put his faith in his own faith. He admitted his absolute and unconditional dependence on Jesus and what He had done in Paul's stead. He placed his faith in Christ! I apologize for rambling. I'm feeling rather overwhelmed today. Your Brother, John |