The Bible NETWork ~ Impacting the World for Christ one post at a time!

Overcomer

Yes I love that too .... the way that the Bible explains itself, so that if we honestly and faithfully read it all, and don't just choose the parts we like, then we are generally guarded from error.

It is God's Word after all .... and in some strange way, which is not like any other book I have ever read (and I have read a lot of books), the Bible is 'alive'.

joy

Dinah

_________________
Forum Code of Conduct
Forum Statement of Beliefs

Psychobobicus

thank you for explaining that ...

And this is what is meant in the general Forum rules :



It is sometimes necessary to refer to the original language, because there is a danger in using English (or any other translation) to formulate doctrine based on word studies.

Word studies can be useful, but we need to check what we think the Bible is saying against what Greek scholars tell us that word actually means in the language in which it was originally written.

If we come up with an unique insight, and we think this is from God, (unless of course it is personal encouragement),the fact that none of the Christian scholars, or those with expertise in Koine Greek, agree with what we think the word (or sentence means) should make us very careful.

I agree with your outline, which I think is actually completed by 1 John 2:1-2

1 John 2:1-2 1 (My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.) But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One, 2 and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world. Context (NET)

John then goes on to outline how we actually continue living in the Light.

in Christ

Dinah

_________________
Forum Code of Conduct
Forum Statement of Beliefs

You are most welcome. It can also be helpful to know a little Greek grammar and syntax because translators don't have the room to fully explain the subtleties of Greek, like the conditional sentence thing we encountered here. We see the word "if" and automatically assume what it means from English grammar, when the Greek is so much more descriptive. I also agree that we should be leery of coming up with an interpretation that disagrees with the majority of scholarship on an issue. Unfortunately, some around here do not accept scholarly authority, choosing instead to argue that their view is correct based solely on their own reading on a verse. Having said this, the outline and message of 1st John I laid out is the view of the majority of scholars.

_________________
Στηθι εδραιος, ως ακμων τυπτομενος. - Ignatius |II Timothy 4:2| All Scripture is NKJV, unless a translation from the Greek text or otherwise noted.
M.A. Theological Studies (New Testament), Faith Seminary, Tacoma WA
Member, Evangelical Theological Society, North American Patristics Society.
Assistant Editor and contributing author of several published and forthcoming publications.

Hi Dinah,

Thanks for posting this. 1Jn is a favorite of mine. When I'm in a certain mood it ministers uniquely.

I agree that it's hard to pick apart. John writes it as a seamless garment. I think that really shows in 2.12-14.

I had a pastor once who tied the "fellowship" in 1.7 with its "blood of Jesus cleansing us". I think there's a lot of truth to that. We walk in the Light, we have fellowship, and then the blood cleanses us. But I don't hold to it strictly. Having spent my share of time in the wilderness (see my sig if it comes through), I know the Lord can minister directly as well.

Be blessed,
p.

_________________
Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her. - Ho 2:14

(Robin)
Why did this thread die out ... what happened?

I think I feel the same way Robin does (in the previous post)--this is a wonderful, timeless discussion, it has already lasted almost 2000 years, and every Christian needs to try to understand as well as they can. I hope it's ok to keep on studying, and posting here. Surely the warning of John 1:6 is at the heart of this. I'll be re-reading the comments by Psycobobicus for days--I tried to print them with controlP but everything goes down the right margin of the page--why is that?

probably something to do with tabling ... try using "convert table to text" in Word.

But I would love to continue this discussion and to continue moving on in this wonderful letter .... any takers? .... fire away

Dinah

_________________
Forum Code of Conduct
Forum Statement of Beliefs