Bible Question (short): Does a rose always smell as sweet? |
Question (full): Dear Tim, I don't know Greek but you have forced me to get out my interlinear - I may never forgive you :). I have another thought about these passages and wanted to run it by you. The whole crux of the matter here seems to rest upon the one little word "if" - you are saved IF; IF you continue in the faith; IF you do these things. This word is 'ei' in the Greek. If you look closely at this word 'ei', sometimes it is translated 'if' and sometimes it is translated 'since', especially in the NIV. See Col 2:20; Col 3:1. Here I believe that the NIV has captured the meaning of the verse even better than the NASB (oh, my, Bill's REALLY in hot water now). Paul says, "Since you have died with Christ..." and "Since, then you have been raised with Christ..." The NASB's usage of 'if' in these phrases can make it sound, to English ears, like it is conditional. In the English language, there is usually quite a difference between 'if' and 'since'. 'If' sounds like a condition. 'Since' sounds like a conclusion is drawn. And sometimes, to complicate matters, even when it is translated 'if', it means 'since.' Consider the temptation of our Lord when Satan said, "If you are the Son of God..." Satan knew good and well Jesus was the Son of God. Satan's 'if' was not asking Christ to prove Himself. He was saying, "Since you are the Son of God, turn these stones to bread...throw Yourself down." I believe Satan knew all along who Christ was (he tried to have Him killed shortly after birth, didn't he?) Can we use the word 'since' in the three passages you have given us? I don't know. I tried plugging 'since' into the verses and, to me, it completely changes the meaning. Oh, the wonderful interface of Greek and English. What do you think, dear brother? In Christ, Bill Mc |