Hello Brother,
Since they are off of the same post, I thought I'd combine my reply. :smile:
I never asked for your religion, just if you were Seven Day Adventist. Thank-you for affirming my thoughts on what specific theology for the most part you adhere to.
The Word of God saves, so do I consider them mere knowledge words? No. They in Christ Jesus are so much more. As Peter said to our Lord [
Jhn 6:68 KJV] 68
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. This was even before His death and resurrection! and as Paul said [Rom 10:17 KJV] 17
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
So, I believe as Jesus said that Scripture, His Word, is made understood through the Holy Spirit who was provided to the believer.
John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
1 Corinthians 2:1-16
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
This is where the Theology that you believe in and have alluded to will break down between us, and so I won't bring it up except as a Moderator in the following note.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moderator Note: As a Moderator I will tell you that this site adheres to the Trinity. Please read the Statement of Faith (SOF) of the site if you haven't already done so. The link is located at the bottom of each page. We don't seek to make each person who joins to believe in each Doctrine the same way, however, the SOF is the Doctrine which we do adhere to here at Talk Jesus. So, though you may disagree with this, please don't argue it. We can respect each others differences in Doctrine, while still agreeing with certain Dogma. Doing so, allows for fruitful Scriptural discussions to be had. Such is the case for many who are Members of Talk Jesus who believe in Salvation by Grace alone, and those who include Works as being necessary. We have Threads on the subject, and periodically new threads still pop up on the differences. Rarely, if ever does any ones position change, but the joy of going over Scripture will never tire. At least for me. So, differences are allowed to be discussed. Still, the communication must be respectful and hopefully in Love. If you have any issues with this. You are welcome to Private Message any of the staff, if you believe you need to discuss items such as these any further.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
cont. For this very reason my focus is on the Body of Christ and one Church that we are all a part of in Christ Jesus which allows us to discuss Scripture apart from the confusion that certain doctrines create division on. I state this that you might have understanding of the position I hold that seeks to prevent what I believe might be an issue for you in certain communications here because of the Theology of those who profess to be Seventh Day Adventist. It has happened in the past, and I'm sure will on the future.
I agree that we need to continue to keep digging in Scripture. There are so many nuggets of great value to be learned by doing so. I also agree that with twisting here and there making it their own story. Not a biblical true story. That is why context is so very important. Otherwise it becomes eisegesis instead of exegesis. Meaning that you are reading what you want into what the Bible says. Instead of reading out of the Bible what the Author meant.
Now to the question you posed at the end of your second post. I'll answer it with either a yes or no as you have requested. However, to show you how disingenuous this type of question is, and how doctrines are created that if taken in context would not create division, but unity. I will pose my own question to you and ask it be either yes or no as well and if we get there. Why Context is necessary. :smile:
My answer to your Question: No
My Question: Jesus was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel and not to the Gentiles?
I also was going to ask you if Paul was an Apostle? :smile: But figured that this might come closer to reasoning the question you posed to me. Any wonder why I keep telling people that context is very important brother. Sigh, it can be difficult at times, and as we continue to read Scripture, I cannot help but be amazed, that more than one life time is needed to even begin to grasp everything one can find in it's pages. And this is with us having the Holy Spirit to assist us!
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><