The science of words.

[LittleLambofJesus]

So your reading of the Bible allows no room for hyperbole or historical context? I mean, the great empires of the ancient world pretty much controlled all of the world that they knew about. Would it have made any sense to inform them that there was more to the world that they knew about when their control of the known world was the point?

Also, "the sea" in Isaiah 23 is obviously the Mediterranean Sea, just as "the river" in the Bible is almost always the Euphrates River.

http://www.christianforums.com/t7467399/#post54725165
Euprates dried on 9 11

Revelation 9:14 saying to the sixth Messenger, the one having the trumpet: "loose! the four Messengers, the ones having been bound upon the river, the great Euphrates"

Revelation 16:12 And the sixth *Messenger poured out the bowl of Him upon the river, the great Euphrates, and is dried the water of it
that may be being made ready the way of the kings, of the ones from rising of sun/east.

Jabar used to guard a vital crossing point of the Euphrates river.

 

[yeshuasavedme]

So your reading of the Bible ...

Also, "the sea" in Isaiah 23 is obviously the Mediterranean Sea, just as "the river" in the Bible is almost always the Euphrates River.

And I suppose you also think Noah's flood was "local" and not global.
As I said, I believe the Word of God. I'm sorry you don't.
Nebuchadnezzar ruled the entire global world's kings. They all paid tribute to him. That is just what God says, and historical records verify it.

The entire globe is "under heaven", and that is the reach of Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom.
"Wherever man, beast, or fowl dwelt, they were under of Nebuchadnezzar's poiwer -and they dwelt globally, as historical records and ruins prove.

Dan 2:37 Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. Dan 2:38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold.
The Olmecs dwelt in Mexico at that time, and they were under Nebuchadnezzar's power. That is what God's Word says, and it is true.

 

[yeshuasavedme]

"the river" in the Bible is almost always the Euphrates River.

Your Bible reading is very limited.
When God spoke to the power behind the throne =the heavenly prince- set over Egypt, in Ezekiel [many hundreds of years after the event]; He showed He was going to settle a controversy with that heavenly prince who had influenced the Pharaoh of the Exodus to say; "My River is my own and I have made it for myself". That was the Nile. [Jasher 79:48-51] .

Eze 29:3 Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I [am] against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river [is] mine own, and I have made [it] for myself.

Jasher 79:48-51 48

Now therefore send us, that we may take a journey for three days in the wilderness, and there may sacrifice to him, for from the days of our going down to Egypt, he has not taken from our hands either burnt offering, oblation or sacrifice, and if thou wilt not send us, his anger will be kindled against thee, and he will smite Egypt either with the plague or with the sword.
49

And Pharaoh said to them, Tell me now his power and his might; and they said to him, He created the heaven and the earth, the seas and all their fishes, he formed the light, created the darkness, caused rain upon the earth and watered it, and made the herbage and grass to sprout, he created man and beast and the animals of the forest, the birds of the air and the fish of the sea, and by his mouth they live and die.
50

Surely he created thee in thy mother's womb, and put into thee the breath of life, and reared thee and placed thee upon the royal throne of Egypt, and he will take thy breath and soul from thee, and return thee to the ground whence thou wast taken.
51

And the anger of the king was kindled at their words, and he said to them, But who amongst all the Gods of nations can do this? my river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.

Then there is the River Jordan and Arnon from Mount Hermon that flows into Jordan which you can get acquainted with, and in Persia, there is the River Ulai, in Daniel, and the River of Life that flows from the throne of the temple, in Ezekiel and in Revelation.
& etc.

 

[Tzaousios]

Your Bible reading is very limited.

How is his Bible reading limited? One could say the same thing concerning the confirmation bias with which you approach your reading of history.

 

[yeshuasavedme]

How is his Bible reading limited? One could say the same thing concerning the confirmation bias with which you approach your reading of history.

You know I was referring directly to the totally refutable claim that

"the river" in the Bible is almost always the Euphrates River.

So I was specific. You? -not so much.

 

[linssue55]

Part 1.
Lexicography is the science of words, that branch of learning which teaches and applies the proper meaning and correct application of words to a subject. This science is a systematic study of words that has been placed on the table, made ready to be disected.

A lexicon is a dictionary; a vocabulary, or book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language, with the definition of each, or an explanation of its meaning.

A linguist, is a person skilled in languages. This term is usually applied to a person well versed in the languages. They are acknowledged as teaches of Languages. They write the books. Most of the great Linguist have taught in the universities of the world. They are not one or two year Bible students.

To define a word, or the definition of a word, is to give an explanation of the signification of a word or term, or to give the idea of what a word is understood to express.

What does it mean to translate?

To translate is to interpret from one language into another language, words, phrases, etc. It is also to express the sense of one language in the words of another. The Hebrew O.T. was translated into the Greek language more than two hundred years before Christ. Since then, both the Old and the New Testaments have been translated into most every language of the world. This work has been finished and completed by those whose love for God, and His Word were foremost in their minds and hearts.

Why do we need Lexicons and Dictionaries? And who are the people behind these work?

A full and scientific dictionary, or lexicon of any language, embraces a wide field of research. The serious scholars who pursue the study of languages, both critically and philologically, will not rest until they have traced each word to its origin, investigating each words primitive form and meaning.

These establish the various forms and senses of words and phrases. Their study includes the way words have been used throughout different periods of history, the particular people with their dialects, and the manner and order in which all these are deduced from the original root usage. This step is very important in getting at the truth of a words meaning. This is a step left out today, because of personal biases, lack of effort, and rush to publish.

Lexicocographers observe the relationship to which the words and phrases stand to other words, both in construction, phrases, and the various modifications which they has undergone in these respects. When all these above points are properly learned with certainty and arranged in their own minds, then have these scholars mastered the word in question. With the transcript of their view, the necessary documentation, then is the true lexicography of the words published.

This is justly termed the historological method of Lexicography. This has grown out of the general progress of the study of ancient literature and of relevant fields. It is linguistics, historical, logical, and comparative.

1. Historical linguistcs: This in the sense that a word, phrase, or passage which is deduced from the circumstances of time, place, and under which it was written, its primary sense, as opposed to any secondary or even more remote sense.

2. Logical linguistcs: Logic is the science of correct reasoning, implying correct thinking and legitimate inferences from premises, which are principles assumed or admitted to be correct. Logic includes the art of thinking, as well as the art of reasoning.

Isa.1:18, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD." The Lord demands correct reasoning, correct thinking, and Holy principles in the study of His word.

3. Comparative linguistcs: It is to estimate by comparison. Example, our body may be considered heavy when compared to a feather, but light when compared to a truck. To compare is to set or bring things together in fact, or in contemplation, and to examine the relations they bear to each other, with a view to ascertain their agreement or disagreement. God's word is truth, is light, is life, is the way.

The above proceed upon the supposition, that a language is in itself ancient and independent of every other language. Its words may therefore be traced to their ultimate roots within itself. This is true in both the Greek and Hebrew languages.

Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com

Study from the Original languages of the written word using......known as ICE; The ancient texts translated from the Greek and Hebrew into English.

Isogogics....That means we consider the historical, geographical, economic, political, & cultural elements of the time period in which the Scriptures were written. An accurate interpretation of the Word of God without such due consideration is impossible.

Catagories...That means we develop particular topics, or doctrines of Scripture, according to the entire revealed Word of God. We correlate each individual doctrine to other doctrines in Scripture, and to the overall revelation of God's Word. For example, the Doctrine of Soteriology (salvation), would have several other doctrines included within and related to it, such as the Doctrine of Redemption, the Doctrine of Justification, the Doctrine of Reconciliation, the Doctrine of Propitiation, etc. An accurate interpretation of any portion of Scripture is impossible without an understanding of how that portion relates to the entire body of Scriptures.

Exegesis;...word upon word, line upon line and pre-cept upon pre-cept. That means the Word of God is taught verse-by-verse from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. An accurate interpretation of God's Word must include an accurate understanding of the original meaning of the original words to the original audience of each particular passage of Scripture.

Also, included are Hermanutics, Dispensations, Linguistics, Anthropathisms, Anthrophamorphisms, Syntex, etc..

 

[Tzaousios]

So I was specific. You? -not so much.

Oh? I was quite specific when I addressed your earlier historical claims about the late Roman and early medieval periods. You largely ignored that in lieu of pushing the ideas of this Barry Fell guy.

As for your methodology, I was also very specific when I said you display a prominent confirmation bias in your reading of history and how that effects your reading of the Bible.

 

[LaSpino3]

Part 3. to refresh, we are speaking on the following subject. A Synecdoche is a trope in which,

1. The whole is put for a part;
2. A part is put for the whole.
3. A certain number for an uncertain one.
4. A general name for a particular one.
5. Special words for general ones.

Frequently a certain or definite number is put for an uncertain and indefinite number. At times we will find double meaning, "MUCH, or, SUFFICIENT. This is found in,

1. Isa.40:2, "She (Jerusalem) hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins."

2. Isa.61:7, "For your shame ye shall have double."

3. Jer.16:18, "I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double."

4. Zech.9:12, "I declare that I will render double unto thee."

5. Rev.18:6, "double unto her double according to her works."

"Twice," meaning several times, as in,

Ps.62:11, "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this."

"FIVE," meaning a FEW,

1 Cor.14:19, "Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding." In this same verse, ten thousand are put for many, "ten thousand words in an unknown tongue."

"TEN," for MANY,

Gen.31:7, "Your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten time."
1 Sam.1:8, "Am not I better to thee than ten sons?"

Frequently we have SEVEN, for an indefinite number.

Gen.4:15, "Vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold."

Lev.26:18-21-24-28, "I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins."

Ruth 4:15, "Thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons."

1 Sam.2:5, "The barren hath born seven."

Ps.12:6, "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."

Ps.119:164, "Seven times a day do I praise thee."

Prov.24:16, "A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again."

Prov.26:25, "For there are seven abominations in his heart."

Isa.4:1, "In that day seven women shall take hold of one man."

Jer.15:9, "She that hath borne seven languisheth."

Ez.39:9-12, "Seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them."

Matt.12:45, "Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself."

ONE HUNDRED is put for MANY, or INDEFINITELY, see,

Ecc.6:3, "If a man beget an hundred children."

Ecc.8:12, "Though a sinner do evil an hundred times."

Prov.17:10, "A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool."

Matt.19:29, "Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, -- shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."

Luke 8:8, "Other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold."

A THOUSAND is said to be a GREAT MANY,

Exod.20:6, "Shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me."

Ex.34:7, "Keeping mercy for thousands."

Deut.1:11, "The LORD God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are."

1 Sam.18:7, "Saul hath slain his thousands."

Num.10:36, "Return O LORD, unto the many thousands of Israel."

Ten thousand thousand for a countless host,

Ps.3:6, "I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people."

Dan.7:10, "Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him."

Rev.5:11, "I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne -- the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands."

When a general name is put for a particular one. As in,

Mark 16:15, "Preach the gospel to every creature," where every creature means all mankind.

Phil LaSpino

 

[Rick Otto]

Synadoche... w/a catchy name like that, everybody will soon know what it means.
Synadoche... maybe it's the antidote to "It is what it is."

 

[LaSpino3]

Part 4.

As FLESH denotes ALL MANKIND,

Gen.6:12, "All flesh had corrupted His way upon the earth."

Ps.145:21, "Let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever."

Isa.40:5-6, "The glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together."

Isa.66:23, "All flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD."

Matt.24:22, "Except these days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved."

Luke 3:6, "All flesh shall see the salvation of God."

Rom.3:20, "By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight."

Sometimes special words or particular names are put for such as are general.

Jehovah is in Ps.46:9, is said to break the bow, and cut the spear in sunder, and to burn the chariot in fire. This meaning, God destroys all the weapons of war, and blesses the world with peace.

In Dan.12:2, we read, many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Here many is put for all that have died.

So MAN, generally, is put for all MANKIND, both male and female,

Ps.1:1, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly."

Mark 16:16, "He (any person) that believeth."

Numerous similar passages might be addressed. FATHER is put for any ANCESTOR,

Ps.22:4, "Our fathers trusted in thee."
Ps.44:1, "Our fathers have told us."
Ps.106:6, "We have sinned with our fathers."

FATHER is used at times for GRANDFATHER,

2 Sam.9:7, "I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake."

Dan.5:11, thy father made master (chief) of the magicians."

MOTHER is sometimes used for GRANDMOTHER,

1 K.15:10-13, compare with verses 2-8.

BROTHER for KINSMAN,
Gen.13:8, "we are brethren."
Gen.14:14, Abram heard that his brother was taken captive," with Gen.12:5, "Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son."
Matt.12:46, "Behold, his mother and his brethren (brothers) stood without."
John 7:3-5, "Neither did his brethren believe in him."

In the same way, SON is put for any of the posterity; Laban is said to be Nahor's son, in Gen.29:5, This when Labab was the son of bethuel, and the grandson or nephew of Nahor.

Compare Gen.22:20-23, with Gen.24:29.

Rebekah is called Abraham's brother's daughter, Gen.24:48.

Father and mother intending all superiors, Ex.20:12, "Honour thy father and thy mother."

Also in the manner, the Greeks, who are the most eminent of the heathen nations, are put for the whole Gentile world, see in,

Rom.1:16, "to the Jews first, and also to the Greek."
Gal.3:28, Col.3:11, "There is neither Jew nor Greek."

Bread means all the necessities of life, see in,

Matt.6:11, and numerous other places, "Give us this day our daily bread."

The FATHERLESS and WIDOWS are put for any who are in distress or affliction,

Isa.1:17-23, "They judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them."

James 1:27, "To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction."

Hope the above information can be a learning tool for us all.

Phil LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com

 

[LaSpino3]

Figurative language of the Bible. Part 1.

This is an important study, to understand correctly the various forms of languages used in the Bible is to gain insight into God's word.

Figurative language had its' start in the early history of mankind. The Bible abounds with the most beautiful figurative images. Because the books of the Bible are ancient, it sometimes reads very different from that of modern writings. When the Interpretation of the Scriptures is done without proper research, it becomes mis-interpretation.

In speaking or writing, one can use figurative language, metaphors, writing with pictures, use a metonymy, allegories, and other modes to express ideas and thought.

To speak figuratively can be described as the language which is moved to action by a person's imagination or by their passions. This may be divided into three separate classes:

1. Figures of words.
2. Figures of imagination
3. Figures of passion

Figures of words, are usually termed, tropes. A trope is a word or expression used in a different sense from that which it usually intended; or a word changed from its original meaning to another for the sake of giving life or emphasis to an idea.

2 Sam.23:3, "The Rock of Israel spake to me,"

Here the trope lies in the word, "Rock." It is changed from its' original sense, as meaning a literal rock. A rock that has the ability to bear and endure against the harshness of nature and life itself and in its recesses and crevices a person can find safety and shelter.

2 Sam.23:2, God by His faithfulness and power, gives that same security to any person who puts their trust in Him. It is also written,

2 Sam. 22:2, "The LORD is my Rock"

Matt.7:25, Jesus said, "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a Rock."

The floods and wind represent the figurative language used by Jesus and the prophet Samuel to represent the trials that men have to endure.

We must all endure many temporary afflictions and sickness, financial problems, as well as spiritual. Any whose mind, body, and spirit are built on and rests on, the Rock of ages = (Jesus Christ), they will withstand all shocks and attacks sent by the prince of this world, Satan. Those who stand upon the Rock will not only stand but will profit.

Phil LaSpino

 

[LaSpino3]

Figurative language of the Bible. Part 2.

Luke 13:32, Jesus is speaking of Herod the king, "Go ye, and tell that fox:"

Here the word "fox" is diverted from its proper meaning which is that of a beast of prey, a creature that is extremely cunning. Scripture alludes Herod to a mischievous, cruel, and crafty tyrant. Jesus in His application of the word "fox," gives us a good idea of Herod's true nature and his hypocrisy.

All languages are more or less figurative. Figurative language presents a kind of picture to the mind. The language of the Bible is highly figurative, especially in the O.T. The reason, some of the books of the O.T. are poetical, in this the writers have rendered these poetical books more animated by figures and images drawn from almost every subject that presents itself to a man's imagination. This can be seen in the writings of David, Solomon, Isaiah, in the N.T. John, especially Revelations.

The N.T. and especially the discourses and speeches of Jesus are also very figurative. Many errors concerning Jesus' comments have been made by Bible scholars making a literal interpretation and application when Jesus had intended His audience to interpret certain words of His in a figurative manner.

When Jesus said to the Jews, in John 2:19, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

The Jews understood the word "Temple," in its natural sense; that is, they thought Jesus meant the real temple that stood in Jerusalem would be destroyed in that frame of time. They asked him, how could you raise, or build it again in three days, when it had taken 46 years for us to build it? They had no understanding that Jesus language was figurative and that, "He spoke of the temple of his body."

What Jesus was saying was, "After you kill me, my body, which is my temple, will be resurrected from the dead in three days." Every i was dotted, and every T was crossed concerning this prophecy. His very words saw a fulfillment shortly after His death.

In order to understand the figurative language of the Bible, it is important, to make sure, and to determine what is really figurative.

If not sure, we may confuse that which is literal for that which was meant to be figurative, just as the disciples and Jews had done. When this happens we pervert the figurative meaning of words by a literal interpretation.

When we are sure what is literal and what is figurative, we are to interpret it correctly and then deliver its' true sense to our understanding. We are to seek out that particular subject's internal and external sense and meaning.

The literal meaning of words must be retained, more in the historical books of Scripture, (books such as, Genesis, Exodus, Judges, etc.), than in those which are poetical, they being Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, etc.

Any historian's duty is to relate transactions and events simply as they happened. While a poet intending to give the work more life, has a license to decorate his subject with figurative aids such as similes and metaphors.
The literal meaning of words is to be rejected if its interpretation is not suitable or involves an impossibility, such as:

Jer.1:18, God is represented as saying to the prophet Jeremiah, "I have made thee this day a defences city = (fortified city), and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land."

It is obvious that these expressions are figurative? Why? If taken literally, it involves an impossibility. The idea here is that the Lord had promised Jeremiah that He would defend him against assaults, secret plans and the schemes of his enemies. It would be as though they had come up against an impregnable wall or fortress.

Phil LaSpino

 

[PhillipLaSpino]

Part 3, figurative language of the Bible.

By prayer we draw strength, confidence, and guidance. The Holy Spirit will always be there to comfort and guide, so why not remain in prayer continually for His protection and guidance?

Isa.4:4, we read, "The Lord shall have washed away the filth = (corruption, pollution) of the daughters of Zion = (Jerusalem)."

The expression, "The filth of the daughters of Zion," must be understood figuratively, for it is obvious not only from the scope of the passage, but also from the words that immediately follow.

The Lord, "Shall have purged = (to clean or purify) the blood of Jerusalem," that is, the murder and bloodshed committed by the inhabitants of Jerusalem. This is all figurative language.

Job 17:12, Job said, "They change the night into day."

This is a figurative expression. What Job is saying is, "My friends would try to persuade me to change my misery = (night) into joy and happiness = (day)." This was for Job an impossible task. Job had lost his family, land, material wealth, his health and was covered from head to toe with boils.

Isaiah is given a vision by God, and delivers his bad report to the people. He tells them,

Isa.1:5-6, "Why should you be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, niether mollified (soothed) with ointment"

What Isaiah is saying to the people is, "You will revolt more and more = (against God): the whole head is sick = (meaning the whole religious and political system are corrupt) and your whole heart is faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it = (meaning, the nation has turned from God); but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified = (soothed) with ointment = (there is no cure for them)."

The Jewish nation is here described as being in great distress having been stricken and chastised by the Lord God. They are as a man who had been mortally wounded and was without medicine and help, having no means of regaining his health.

Furthermore; where the literal meaning of words is moving against common sense, or appears contrary to the context or scope of a passage, or to parallel passages, the interpretation must also be rejected.

Ps.44:23, David inquires, "Awake, why sleepest thou, O LORD?"

Here, the literal meaning of sleeping cannot be held, or meant. The reason,

David, observes in another of the Psalms,

Ps.121:4, "Behold, He = (God) that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."

The assertion that God never slumbers or sleeps, is to be understood literally. Therefore, the question put forth by David in Psalm 44:23, "Awake, why sleepest thou, O LORD?" must be taken figuratively. David has requested God's help as well as the people. They see no reason why God should ignore their pain and suffering. In this, David asked, "Why sleepest thou."

Ps.44, David's trials made him realize his weaknesses. These weaknesses drew David closer to God, this for His strength. By faith we can approach both Father and Son with love. We shall then be united, one with them.

Phil LaSpino

 

[LaSpino3]

The Harmony of Scripture, Part 1.

The harmony of Scripture? It concerns one verse to another, each to be in harmony to other verses which bears a close connection to the subject at hand. This should be our goal, and the fundamental point when any doctrine of Scripture is under examination.

Those who teach on any one subject must first gather verses from various passages, then examining the words involved, the text, the context, who is speaking and whom they are speaking to. We are also to remain neutral in our personal opinions, being open minded, discussing, then drawing a conclusion.

The most dangerous thing for a new Christian to get involved in, is what I call obscure verses. If instructed under the wrong teachers, or not at all, it can lead them on a path of destruction. The word obscure means, to cloud, not clear, that which is not known, to make less visible, to hide, less glorious, less beautiful, or illustrious, to conceal, etc.

All Scriptural matters must correspond with, and move in a particular direction, and to a particular end design. This includes all precepts, promises, truths, declarations, doctrines, and/or any other various truths spoken of in the Bible.

For example, if any one interprets Bible texts which maintain our justification by faith only; or our salvation by free grace in such a way as to exclude the necessity of good works; it is to be rejected. Why? Because it contradicts the main design of Christianity, which is,

1. To save us from our sins.
Matt.1:21, "He = (Jesus) shall save His people from their sins."

2. To make us holy as God is holy,
1 Pet.1:15, "He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation = (conduct.)"

3. To cleanse us from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit,
2 Cor.7:1, "Having these promises -- let US cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

James 2:14, "What doth it profit, -- though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ver.17-18, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. A man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ver.26, so faith without works is dead also."

Supported by many other verses such as,

Luke 6:43, "A good tree bringeth NOT forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Ver.44, "every tree is known by his own fruit."

Concerning the sower and his seed,

Luke 8:8, Some seed had, "Fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bear fruit an hundred fold." The Greek word for fruit here means, deeds, works, and conduct.

So in our analogy and harmony of Scripture, it is absolutely necessary to understand the whole scheme of God's revelation. It is not for our individual desires, to form private opinions, or fulfill a personal agenda. We must pay attention to the whole, and not to a particular part. If one is careless in this area, they will error in their understanding.

Phil LaSpino

 

[LaSpino3]

The most dangerous thing for a new Christian to get involved in, are obscure verses. What I consider to be unclear, obscure verses in themselves follow. From the following verses false teachings have blossomed, and flourished.

1. Gen.6:7, God said, "I will destroy man whom I have created --- for it repenteth me = (God) that I have made them."

Many have taken this Scripture by itself to show that God does not know the future, and that the events that led to man's sin are as new, or surprising to Him, as they are to us. Why, because they say, God repented that he made man, with the idea, had He known man was so evil, He would not have made him.

2. In both Deut:21:23, and Eph.3:13, we read, "Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree."

Cults teach that Jesus was cursed by His Father when crucified, because He hung from a tree = (cross.) Therefore He must have died in sin, because the Father cursed Him. Therefore, Jesus is not God, but just a man.

3. 2 Cor.5:21, "For He = (the Father) hath made Him = (Jesus) to be sin for us."

With this verse cults teach that Jesus died with sin. The true meaning? Jesus was made a sin offering for us.

4. John 14:28, Jesus said, "I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I."

Again the cults use this verse to show the inferiority of Jesus to the Father, therefore He is not God, but, "a god," unworthy of our worship.

5. Matt.16:18, Jesus said to Peter, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Some teach that the rock was Peter, and in doing so, they are the heirs, or successors, taking authority through Peter. The Pope is said to be the Vicar of Christ, the successor to Peter, he standing in for Christ until his return.

6. 1 Cor.14:2, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh NOT unto men, but unto God: for NO MAN understandeth him; howbeit = (be it as it may) in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."

Incoherent speaking done in the name of God, and by the power of God's Holy Spirit. Praying to God in an unknown, a language not of this earth, is not what this verse supports.

Paul writes in Rom.12:6, "Let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith."

The word prophesy includes from the Hebrew, the idea of exhorting, reproving, threatening, and the WHOLE of the utterances, and writings of the prophets while acting under God's divine influence; they being ambassadors and interpreters of God's will.

As for supposed unknown prophesies not found in Scripture, the Bible is closed, finished. Anything added will be frowned upon, and dealt with by the Lord. We are not to add, or subtract one word, for the fear of eternal destruction. Rev.22:18-19.

The word proportion refers to the measure of faith given to each person by the Holy Spirit. To those who exercise an office of authority, they are to teach the Scriptures in their relation one to another.

2 Pet.1:20-21, "No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old = (any) time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

The above implies that the sense of any prophecy is not to be determined by an abstract observation of the passage being referred to. It is to be taken and taught as one in harmony with the other parts of Scripture which relate to the subject at hand.

1 Cor.2:13, "We speak not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." This rule needs to be applied throughout Scriptures.

God acts with design in all things. His design began with creation, moved to the law, the sacrificial system, the work of His Son Jesus, the giving of gifts by the Holy Spirit, our works of faith, Christ's return, His judgements, etc. His design is uniform, in that every part is in proportion to the whole, and every part is made useful in an inferior capacity to the whole.

Phil LaSpino