Subject: Is not God inside of each of us? |
Bible Note: Greetings grace, I too am not being contentious for the sake of being contentious but just getting a "feel" for the group, being new here. My point can best be illustrated by reading the post #89586 by Mommapbs. She states: "What we believe about ourself is the basis of our signinficance or "self worth." The way we think will determine how we act; how we respond to God and others. It is our THINKING that must be conformed to the MIND OF CHRIST! Don't be conformed to the pattern of the world, but be TRANSFORMED, by the renewing of your mind!(Romans 12:2)" This is an example of revelation through the Holy Spirit in conjunction with scripture. The point I was making was the imbalance towards interpretation of scripture for the sake of only translation. Or in some cases, interpretation of scripture with additional scripture, lacking the true Spirit guidance that is necessary to gain truth via the Word of God. Seeing many posts debating merely semantics ("New Collegiate Dictionary defines this that way...whereas Webster's defines this that way..."; or where one verse out of an entire text is examined for its message, ignoring the context of the rest of the text). Obviously I spoke too soon, and there are indeed thought-provoking, spirit-lifting dialogue to be had here, as well as several Spirit-filled lessons that have been and still are being written. I am not foolish to believe that every person who utters "God has told me" this or that is speaking truth, certainly not. What I do put faith in, however, is that God's Spirit that lives in me will let me know what is truth and what is not. As for my interpretation: "Paul said that because the Gentiles followed the Law (scriptures) and did not know the Law, that he knew that God had chosen them with his Spirit. Thus, the Spirit of God dwelled within those who had never known or read the scriptures." What I am saying is that God's spirit dwelled inside of them in the form of their conscience, as Paul says, "their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them." Given the sinful nature of man, this knowledge of the Law (hidden within their conscience or as Paul put it "written in their hearts") was a gift of God's Spirit, and would save them from the wrath of God's impartial judgment. Please reference the previous chapter in Romans when Paul says, "that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks..." Wouldn't this suggest that, at the very least, a small part of God's Spirit lives in each us (even those who as yet have not heard the Gospel) since we are made in His image? It was because of their unbelief that they did not see the God that was evident not only in the world around them, but also in themselves. This is also mentioned in the book of Acts, chapter 11, when Peter says in verse 17 that, "So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?" This was of course after he had performed great acts and miracles among the Gentiles. You are indeed correct when you say that whether Jew or Greek, male or female, all are subject to the judgment of God. I look forward to more discussion with you. In Christ, LGC |