The Didache: Doctrines That Build on the Creed

[GWH]

The Bible does not teach about gambling or any recreational use of money directly, even though it was a common activity, which indicates that it is not necessarily or always wrong.

However, the Bible does speak against greed (Luke 12:15, Col. 3:5, etc.), laziness (Matt. 25:26, Tit. 1:12, etc.) irresponsibility (1Tim. 5:8), and addiction (Eph. 5:18).

Should such teachings be applied to gambling somehow?

 

[GWH]

The Bible does not teach about gambling or any recreational use of money directly, even though it was a common activity, which indicates that it is not necessarily or always wrong.

However, the Bible does speak against greed (Luke 12:15, Col. 3:5, etc.), laziness (Matt. 25:26, Tit. 1:12, etc.) irresponsibility (1Tim. 5:8), and addiction (Eph. 5:18).

Should such teachings be applied to gambling somehow?

I would say yes: they imply that gambling should be limited to penny-ante poker!

 

[GWH]

The issue of gender roles is one that needs careful consideration, because both A&E sinned together per Gen 3:6-7, there is no difference between male and female per Gal. 3:28, and believers should submit to one another or operate by consensus rather than dictatorship per Eph. 5:21 (cf. Rom. 14:9, 1Cor. 14:33, 2Cor. 13:11, 1Thes. 5:13, etc.). E was A’s partner, not his slave (per Gen. 2:22).

The biological differences between males and females logically differentiate the roles of fathers and mothers at least through the end of breast feeding children. I believe the Bible permits any roles not dictated by anatomical differences to be performed by either gender. Genesis 1:27 states that males and females are equally in God’s image, and Paul taught (in GL 3:28) that cultural, economic and sexual discrimination are wrong. Thus, men and women (as well as all ethnicities) should have equal political rights and job opportunities.

Regarding the role of women as church leaders, the biblical “one flesh” definition of marriage implies that the wife of a pastor would thus be a pastoress and the wives of deacons would be deaconesses, because it seems likely that God would want husband and wife to share the same ministry, as in the case of Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:26). Paul’s description of the husband as the “head” of his wife (1Cor. 11:3) does not negate such joint ministry when understood in the context of 1Cor. 12:12-27. Christ as the head of His body loves/serves every toe (Matt. 20:28), who has an important function enabling the body to walk.

Because both Jesus and Paul recommended celibacy for those who have the ministerial gift, presumably unmarried Christian women may also be ministers. Note that Christ’s concept of leadership is servanthood rather than dictatorial authority (Matt. 20:26, cf. 1Pet. 5:1-3). Thus, Paul’s statements about women being silent in church and not having authority over men (in 1Cor. 14:34 & 1Tim. 2:12) should be read in conjunction with his statements regarding equality and mutual submission (Gal. 3:28 & Eph. 5:21, cf. 1Pet. 3:7) so the role differences can be understood in a way that neither prohibits ministry by women nor promotes the superiority of men.

It appears that Paul did not want freedom in Christ to offend the paternal pagan culture (Tit. 2:5&8) and thereby inhibit the Gospel (1Cor. 9:12 & 19-23, 10:23-33, 11:1-16). Note his concern that church leaders have a good reputation with outsiders (1Tim. 3:7), which would also apply to regular Christians, though perhaps to a lesser extent. 1Cor. 14:34-35 indicates that there was some law or cultural mores against women speaking authoritatively, which deemed such behavior to be “disgraceful” (cf. 1Tim. 2:11-12), whereas there was no such custom during the ministry of Deborah in the OT (Judges 4:4).

What are your thoughts about the right roles for men and women per Scripture?

 

[kinda]

View attachment 283170


Catholic "priest" squirting an infant with a squirt gun as a "baptism". Hahaha

Nothing to see here, the Catholic Church just practicing their next inquisition.

 

[GWH]

Nothing to see here, the Catholic Church just practicing their next inquisition.

I guess the priest was afraid the baby would give him Covid.

 

[GWH]

There are two passages in the NT relevant to the issue of homosexuality. In Matt. 19:4-5, Jesus cited Gen. 1:27 and 2:24 in teaching that marriage is the union of a male and female as “one flesh”, and in Rom. 1:26-27, Paul condemned homosexuality as shameful lusts, unnatural relations and indecent acts. In addition to these biblical passages, the anatomical differences between male and female bodies indicate heterosexual intercourse is the natural mode. Although the cause of gender preference remains unproved per the APA, the design of gender-specific parts implies the appropriate use of those parts as normal.

Although these passages indicate that God intends for people to be heterosexual, He allows homosexuality. The key question is whether homosexuality is always due to sinful choices. Some people advocate homosexuality as a “viable alternative lifestyle”, implying that heterosexuals ought to consider freely choosing to try it, which is wrong. Christians whose homosexual orientation seems not to be freely chosen should agree with the biblical ideal regarding sexuality, and everyone should acknowledge that homosexual “civil unions” are not biblical marriages.

Hopefully, science will find a cure if the cause of homosexuality is genetic, and therapy will help if the cause is environmental during the formative years of life. We all have our cross to bear or issues that we struggle with, because this life is not heaven yet, but God wants to comfort us as we do the reasonable best we can with what we have been given. (Consider the Parable of the Talents in Matt. 25:14-30). If the homosexual orientation is genetically and/or environmentally caused rather than freely chosen, then God knows and would not condemn or blame the individual for what was not his/her fault. All sin is volitional.

Those who are concerned with the morality of sexuality should have equally loving concern for hetero-sexual wrong-doing. (See Rom. 1:24&26-27, 1Cor. 6:9&15-18, 10:8, Gal. 5:19, Eph. 5:31, Col. 3:5, 1Thes. 4:3, Heb. 12:13, 13:4.) Just as God wants every heterosexual to have only platonic relationships until married, He must also desire every involuntary homosexual to have only platonic relationships. A couple may “fall in love” and express friendship physically, but the line between friendly touching and sexual expression should not be crossed until they are married. Biblical teachings do not prevent two men or two women loving each other and joining their lives together in civil unions or ways other than sexual. In fact, in heaven we will all be one big, happy family which does just that (Matt. 22:30). Although sexuality is a good thing when expressed appropriately, often people exaggerate its importance to the point of making it an idol to be worshipped. Sex is not synonymous with love.

Your thoughts?

 

[GWH]

Many people wonder about the status of Jews in God’s plan after the close of the New Testament era. Below are statements by Jesus that are relevant to this question.

Per Jesus:

Matt. 7:21: Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matt. 8:11: I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matt. 10:32: Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven, but whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Matt. 11:6&13-14: Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me… For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

Matt. 13:14-15: This people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and I would heal them.

Matt. 21:43: I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

Matt. 23:37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.

Matt. 28:18-19a: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…

John 6:40: My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 8:42, 44&56: If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own, but he sent me… You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him… Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.

John 10:16: I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

John 12:48a & 49b: There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words… for the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.

John 16:1-2: All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

 

[GWH]

@Watchman22 said:

The reason I discontinued my discussion with you is that when we begun this process of looking at the salvation process, we agreed that Faith and faithing, pistis and pisteuo were 1) a firm conviction. 2) a personal surrender to Him. 3) a life inspired by such surrender.
When we got to the last step, you said i was "again" coming up with my own definitions for faith and faithing, pistis and pisteuo.
I've never wavered in 38 years of what my understanding of pisteuo is. And I back it up with the exact definition given by the Vines Greek dictionary.

I see some of your other posts and you agree with some who think salvation is a moment of belief, then the spirit of Christ is given. I don't know if you do that for the unity part of these discussions which I know is very important to you. But it feels like you just pulled the rug out from under me when that happened.
I enjoy our discussions, and we can have disagreement and still sharpen our swords. But the foundational truths, we have to be on the same page.
I'm willing to begin again on a better thread. Could you bump the one you referenced?

I believe Vine's is a good reference but the Bible is the last word regarding the meaning of words including faith.
I have no problem with the definitions you cited, but you should have no problem with others such as love (John 8:42-44), trust, commitment, and belief in Jesus as Messiah and Lord (Acts 16:31).

As we continue our discussion, I guess you will let me know when you think I am pulling the rug ut from under you for the sake of unity, which is indeed important.

My creed or foundational beliefs are these:

The reply of Paul and Silas to the jailer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus" (Acts 16:31) is GRFS in a nutshell (cf. “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” in 2Cor. 4:5 & Col. 2:6). The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in this statement can be explained or elaborated as follows:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or Creator God (Deut. 6:4, John 3:16, 2Thes. 1:6), who loves sinful humanity (Rom. 5:6-8, John 3:16) and who is both able (2Tim. 1:12) and willing (1Tim. 2:3-4, Ezek. 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (Rom. 3:23, 2Tim. 3:2-4, Col. 3:5), miserable (Gal. 5:19-21), and hopeless (Eph. 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (Matt. 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (John 3:18, Rom. 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, Phil. 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (Rom. 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1Cor. 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s grace or justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (Luke 2:11, John 14:6, Acts 16:31), at which moment God’s loving Holy Spirit of Christ indwells/baptizes the believer into the church (Rev. 3:20, Rom. 5:5, 1Cor. 12:13).
5. Loving Christ Jesus as Lord (Luke 2:11), God the Son (Matt. 16:16) or God in the human dimension (Col. 2:9) means reflecting divine love (DL) as empowered by the Holy Spirit, thereby obeying His command to love one another (Matt. 7:21, 22:37-40, John 13:35, Rom. 13:9)—forever (Matt. 10:22, Psa. 113:2), which will eventually achieve spiritual maturity on earth and heaven after Christ returns at God’s resurrection (John 14:6, 17&26, Rom. 8:6-17, Gal. 6:7-9, Eph. 1:13-14, Phil. 3:12-16, Heb. 10:36, 12:1, Jam. 1:2-4).

GRFS may be denoted by the use of the Greek word kerygma, meaning proclamation or preaching, referring to the good news (Gospel) concerning salvation to heaven and from a just hell (the DOD, cf. Rom. 1:16, Gal. 1:6-12, Col. 1:21-23). This Gospel was preached by Peter (in Acts 2:22-24) and summarized by Paul (in 1Cor. 15:1-8). The salient points include: Jesus was a man (1Tim. 1:16), accredited by his sinless life (Heb. 4:15) and ministry (John 10:37-38) to be God’s Messiah, who died on a cross as the sacrifice for humanity’s sins (Rom. 3:25), but who was resurrected from the dead to show his divinity (1Cor. 15:20, Rom. 1:1-4). Messiah is the Way to heaven (John 14:6).

 

[Watchman22]

@Watchman22 said:

The reason I discontinued my discussion with you is that when we begun this process of looking at the salvation process, we agreed that Faith and faithing, pistis and pisteuo were 1) a firm conviction. 2) a personal surrender to Him. 3) a life inspired by such surrender.
When we got to the last step, you said i was "again" coming up with my own definitions for faith and faithing, pistis and pisteuo.
I've never wavered in 38 years of what my understanding of pisteuo is. And I back it up with the exact definition given by the Vines Greek dictionary.

I see some of your other posts and you agree with some who think salvation is a moment of belief, then the spirit of Christ is given. I don't know if you do that for the unity part of these discussions which I know is very important to you. But it feels like you just pulled the rug out from under me when that happened.
I enjoy our discussions, and we can have disagreement and still sharpen our swords. But the foundational truths, we have to be on the same page.
I'm willing to begin again on a better thread. Could you bump the one you referenced?

I believe Vine's is a good reference but the Bible is the last word regarding the meaning of words including faith.
I have no problem with the definitions you cited, but you should have no problem with others such as love (John 8:42-44), trust, commitment, and belief in Jesus as Messiah and Lord (Acts 16:31).

As we continue our discussion, I guess you will let me know when you think I am pulling the rug ut from under you for the sake of unity, which is indeed important.

My creed or foundational beliefs are these:

The reply of Paul and Silas to the jailer, “Believe in the Lord Jesus" (Acts 16:31) is GRFS in a nutshell (cf. “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” in 2Cor. 4:5 & Col. 2:6). The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in this statement can be explained or elaborated as follows:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or Creator God (Deut. 6:4, John 3:16, 2Thes. 1:6), who loves sinful humanity (Rom. 5:6-8, John 3:16) and who is both able (2Tim. 1:12) and willing (1Tim. 2:3-4, Ezek. 33:11) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (Rom. 3:23, 2Tim. 3:2-4, Col. 3:5), miserable (Gal. 5:19-21), and hopeless (Eph. 2:12) or hell-bound at the judgment (Matt. 23:33 & 25:46) when they reject God’s salvation (John 3:18, Rom. 2:5-11).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ and incarnate Son, the way that God has chosen (John 3:16, Acts 16:30-31, Phil. 2:9-11) of providing salvation by means of his atoning death on the cross for the payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity (Rom. 3:22-25 & 5:9-11), followed by his resurrection to reign in heaven (1Cor. 15:14-28).
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God’s grace or justification in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (Luke 2:11, John 14:6, Acts 16:31), at which moment God’s loving Holy Spirit of Christ indwells/baptizes the believer into the church (Rev. 3:20, Rom. 5:5, 1Cor. 12:13).
5. Loving Christ Jesus as Lord (Luke 2:11), God the Son (Matt. 16:16) or God in the human dimension (Col. 2:9) means reflecting divine love (DL) as empowered by the Holy Spirit, thereby obeying His command to love one another (Matt. 7:21, 22:37-40, John 13:35, Rom. 13:9)—forever (Matt. 10:22, Psa. 113:2), which will eventually achieve spiritual maturity on earth and heaven after Christ returns at God’s resurrection (John 14:6, 17&26, Rom. 8:6-17, Gal. 6:7-9, Eph. 1:13-14, Phil. 3:12-16, Heb. 10:36, 12:1, Jam. 1:2-4).

GRFS may be denoted by the use of the Greek word kerygma, meaning proclamation or preaching, referring to the good news (Gospel) concerning salvation to heaven and from a just hell (the DOD, cf. Rom. 1:16, Gal. 1:6-12, Col. 1:21-23). This Gospel was preached by Peter (in Acts 2:22-24) and summarized by Paul (in 1Cor. 15:1-8). The salient points include: Jesus was a man (1Tim. 1:16), accredited by his sinless life (Heb. 4:15) and ministry (John 10:37-38) to be God’s Messiah, who died on a cross as the sacrifice for humanity’s sins (Rom. 3:25), but who was resurrected from the dead to show his divinity (1Cor. 15:20, Rom. 1:1-4). Messiah is the Way to heaven (John 14:6).

This brings up an important point i wanted to settle with you before we move ahead.

You said i should have no problem with using the words love, trust, commitment, and belief for pisteuo, i assume you meant believe for the Greek word pisteuo. Belief is a noun only used once in the entire NT for pistis, thats used 245 times.

Lets look at these words.
1) love, has 10 different words for love, used 170 times, none of them are pisteuo.
2) trust, has 5 different words for trust, used 26 times, 3 times with pisteuo.
3) commitment, has 15 different words, used 20 times, 5 times with pisteuo.
4) believe, believe is a mistranslation. The Greek doesn't have this word in their language. Thats why the Vines never mentioned the word believe, and the Strongs gives the disclaimer, "pisteuo means not just to believe. "

Pisteuo the verb is used 248 times in the NT, not to be confused with the noun pistis used an additional 245 times.

So the words your asking me to accept, love is never used for pisteuo. Trust is used 3 times for pisteuo, and commitment is used 5 times for pisteuo. And believe you should exercise from your vocabulary like i have.

Out of the 248 times pisteuo is used, those words you mentioned only add up to 8 times their used for pisteuo. That means the other 240 times, pisteuo means" a personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender. " i have no issue with that 8 times your words are used, do you have issue with the 240 other times the Vines definition is in play?

Can we go ahead with these facts being our point of reference?

 

[rewriter]

AI Overview

The Didache, while valuable as a window into early Christian practice, presents several problems for scholars. These include its uncertain date, its composite nature, and its reliance on the Synoptic Gospels, leading to questions about its authority and theological consistency.

Here's a breakdown of the issues:
1. Uncertain Date and Provenance:

• The Didache's exact date of composition is debated, with estimates ranging from the late 1st century to the mid-2nd century CE.
• Its exact location of origin is also unclear, though Syria is often suggested.
• These uncertainties make it difficult to place the Didache within the broader historical and theological context of early Christianity.

2. Composite Nature:

• Scholars generally agree that the Didache is not a single, unified document but rather a compilation of different texts and traditions.
  
  
• This composite nature makes it challenging to interpret the text as a coherent whole and to determine the author's original intent.
  
  
• Theories about the sources and redaction of the Didache vary widely, further complicating the issue.

3. Reliance on the Synoptic Gospels:

• The Didache shares numerous parallels with the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, leading to questions about its relationship to these texts.
• Some scholars believe the Didache borrowed from the Synoptics, while others suggest a common source or independent development.
• If the Didache relies on the Synoptics, it would be considered later and potentially derivative, which could affect its perceived authority.

4. Theological Tensions and Omissions:

• Some scholars find the Didache's theology to be somewhat "one-sided," focusing heavily on ethical behavior and obedience while giving less attention to grace and the person of Christ.
  
  
• There are also notable omissions, such as the lack of explicit mention of Jesus' death, resurrection, or ascension.
  
  
• These theological inconsistencies and omissions have led some to question the Didache's place within orthodox Christian belief.

5. Failure to Meet Criteria for Canonization:

• The Didache was ultimately excluded from the New Testament canon, partly due to its uncertain authorship and its perceived lack of apostolic authority.
• The fact that it was written by someone outside the immediate circle of the apostles, and that it relies on traditions rather than direct eyewitness accounts, likely contributed to its rejection.

In summary, while the Didache offers valuable insights into early Christian practice, its uncertain date, composite nature, reliance on the Synoptics, and theological tensions make it a challenging text to interpret and integrate into the broader narrative of early Christianity

You raise some very good points, such as dating and redactions. Now scholars agree that the gospels were written, Mark is dated from the 40's to the 60's, very precise, just like the Didache. Matthew gets dated from the 60's to the 80's, Luke is usually late 60's at the earliest to possibly the 90's, and John gets dated to as late as the early 2nd century. Then there is the question of redactions in both Mark and John, sort of like the Didache. But since these were officially declared scripture in the late 4th century, some 300 years after Paul dictated 2 Timothy 3:15-16 to a scribe, who did the actual writing, the gospels must be accurate.

That the issues are pertinent with regards to the Didache, but immaterial with regards to the gospels says much about dedication to the truth as opposed to tradition.

 

[GWH]

This brings up an important point i wanted to settle with you before we move ahead.

You said i should have no problem with using the words love, trust, commitment, and belief for pisteuo, i assume you meant believe for the Greek word pisteuo. Belief is a noun only used once in the entire NT for pistis, thats used 245 times.

Lets look at these words.
1) love, has 10 different words for love, used 170 times, none of them are pisteuo.
2) trust, has 5 different words for trust, used 26 times, 3 times with pisteuo.
3) commitment, has 15 different words, used 20 times, 5 times with pisteuo.
4) believe, believe is a mistranslation. The Greek doesn't have this word in their language. Thats why the Vines never mentioned the word believe, and the Strongs gives the disclaimer, "pisteuo means not just to believe. "

Pisteuo the verb is used 248 times in the NT, not to be confused with the noun pistis used an additional 245 times.

So the words your asking me to accept, love is never used for pisteuo. Trust is used 3 times for pisteuo, and commitment is used 5 times for pisteuo. And believe you should exercise from your vocabulary like i have.

Out of the 248 times pisteuo is used, those words you mentioned only add up to 8 times their used for pisteuo. That means the other 240 times, pisteuo means" a personal surrender to Him and a life inspired by such surrender. " i have no issue with that 8 times your words are used, do you have issue with the 240 other times the Vines definition is in play?

Can we go ahead with these facts being our point of reference?

I said you should have no problem including "love" in the definition of faith per John 8:42-44,
so in order to discuss you should explain why that passage has nothing to do with pisteuo.

I note that you seem to have no problem including "trust" and "commitment" in the definition of pisteuo.

I said you should have no problem including "believe" in the definition of faith per Acts 16:30-31,
so in order to discuss you should explain why that passage has nothing to do with pisteuo.

Yes, the verb pisteuo is different from the noun pistis, but I find your saying they should not be confused confusing,
so please clarify that point.

Also, please clarify why "believe" cannot mean pisteuo.

Again, Vines is an opinion, but it is not GW. Vine's is a good reference, but the Bible is the last word or inspired source
regarding the meaning of words including faith/pistis. I affirm or agree with what Vines but do not view its listed definitions as intended to exclude additional ones (cf. the list of fruit in Gal. 5:22-23).

Over...

 

[Watchman22]

I said you should have no problem including "love" in the definition of faith per John 8:42-44,
so in order to discuss you should explain why that passage has nothing to do with pisteuo.

I note that you seem to have no problem including "trust" and "commitment" in the definition of pisteuo.

I said you should have no problem including "believe" in the definition of faith per Acts 16:30-31,
so in order to discuss you should explain why that passage has nothing to do with pisteuo.

Yes, the verb pisteuo is different from the noun pistis, but I find your saying they should not be confused confusing,
so please clarify that point.

Also, please clarify why "believe" cannot mean pisteuo.

Again, Vines is an opinion, but it is not GW. Vine's is a good reference, but the Bible is the last word or inspired source
regarding the meaning of words including faith/pistis. I affirm or agree with what Vines but do not view its listed definitions as intended to exclude additional ones (cf. the list of fruit in Gal. 5:22-23).

Over...

What your really saying is the English version of Gods word is the last word or inspired source and thats simply not true.

The Greek version of Gods word is the last word and inspired source. In fact, The Greek version warns against adding or subtracting anything from the original texts. And thats exactly what the translators did with pisteuo, the most important word in the Bible.

Since thats what your heart desires, selah.
We have nothing to discuss.

 

[GWH]

What your really saying is the English version of Gods word is the last word or inspired source and thats simply not true.

The Greek version of Gods word is the last word and inspired source. In fact, The Greek version warns against adding or subtracting anything from the original texts. And thats exactly what the translators did with pisteuo, the most important word in the Bible.

Since thats what your heart desires, selah.
We have nothing to discuss.

Where did I say the English version is the last word?
For that matter, where does the Bible say the Greek version is the last word and only inspired source?
FYI, the extant manuscripts are not the original texts.
Extant versions in any language are inspired by God, but none are inerrant or written by God Himself.
However, even an inerrant Bible would need to be correctly interpreted by fallible readers, which means
applying an appropriate hermeneutic that considers the opinions of all good sources including Vines and the KJV.

The hermeneutic I recommend begins with the instruction of Paul (1Thes. 5:21) to “Test everything. Hold on to the good.” A truthseeker is guided by the question: What is most true or closest to the truth, especially the Truth of God’s Word? The method for discerning truth employs subjective logic that is made as objective as possible by learning from Scriptural and other truthseekers. As a result of seeking ultimate truth, I have come to value two NT teachings as key points from which to triangulate or use to guide an interpretation of the Bible, especially problematic statements.

First, God loves and wants to save everyone. Seven Scriptures teaching divine omnilove include: 1John 4:7-12, Rom. 5:8, Matt. 5:44&48, Gal. 5:6&14, Eph. 3:17b-19, Eph. 5:2 and 1Tim. 2:3-4, which might be deemed the “7 pearls”. Christ died to show God’s love and the possible salvation of all (Rom. 5:6-8) including His enemies: those who are ungodly, atheist, anti-Christ, pseudo-Christian (Matt. 7:21, John 8:42-44).

Second, God is just (2Thes. 1:6a, cf. Rom. 3:25-26 & 9:14, Deut. 32:4, Psa. 36:6, Luke 11:42, Rev. 15:3). Explanations of God’s Word should not impugn God’s justice and love for all people (Joel 2:13, John 3:16). This parameter is affirmed in the OT (Psa. 145:17): “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.”

This hermeneutic seeks to harmonize disparate Scriptures as taught by Paul (in 1Thes. 5:21), exemplified by Jesus (in Matt. 4:6-7) and illustrated by the transparent overlays of bodily systems found in some books on anatomy. Considering both sides of an issue or doctrine is called dialectical theology. An interpreter should want to include all true assertions in the picture of reality without making a “Procrustean Body” by cutting off or ignoring parts that do not seem to fit, because the correct understanding must be self-consistent or else God would be tricky. The whole truth combines parts without sawing!

Another important elements in this Bible-based hermeneutic is that everyone lives by fallible faith/belief/opinion and sufficient knowledge of evidence rather than by absolute certainty or proof or coercion (2Cor. 5:7), so humility is needed. A logical train of thought leads an unbiased truthseeker to have a propensity to believe in an all-loving God, who is not tricky and does not hide the way to heaven (Heb. 11:6, Acts 13:10). Humanity’s understanding of God is derived from three main sources of divine revelation: creation, the OT and the NT. Christians believe the OT/OC was superseded by the NT/Gospel, which is the apex of divine revelation (Heb. 7:18, 8:13, 9:15).

The NT says God’s Spirit is love and truth (1John 4:8 & 5:6), which means all love (agape, Rom. 6:5-8) in all people is God’s operation, and all truth in all cultures is God’s revelation. Thus, becoming a Christian theist does not mean rejecting what is good and true in one’s pre-Christian experience or culture. When considering two different understandings (thesis A versus antithesis B), the truth may not be either one or the other but rather the proper harmonization of the two. (Both A and B = synthesis C.)

The Bible teaches (Gen. 1:3, John 1:1-3) that both the world and inspired words are expressions of God’s Word/Logos, and thus scientific and spiritual truths must be compatible or else God would be tricky. So, while belief that God is love and Jesus is Lord is based upon the biblical revelation, some knowledge also is gleaned from the natural sciences and common sense. While this interpretation of reality is influenced by the Bible, it also utilizes God-given logical thinking where the Bible seems silent, hoping to be guided by the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17).

Hermeneutics applies logical reasoning in order to understand biblical texts, because God is Logos (John 1:1), and right reasoning/logic is the way every sane soul has access to the supreme Mind or Logos (1Cor. 2:11-16). It is the glue that binds all individual truths together in one comprehensive faith. Godly logic provides the rationale for believing that the history of humanity is not a farce, and it sustains the hope of experiencing love and joy in a future heavenly existence. The beauty of this hermeneutic is the harmonization of whatever is good and true. However, I realize that—just as frequently happens when a person shares favorite musical or scenic beauty with someone else—it may not move your soul like mine (Matt. 11:16-17).

The explanation of how the infinite and holy God communicates with finite and fallible humans affirms two phenomena: accommodation and distanciation. It appears that God accommodated His revelation so that it corresponded with stages of human moral and intellectual development, imparting His Spirit/Word by means of words, both literal and allegorical or metaphorical (John 16:25&29, cf. Matt. 7:24-27, 16:6-12, etc.), and both explicit (Matt. 5:21) and implicit (Rom. 13:3-4). God’s Word is revealed by creation (Rom. 1:20), by incarnation (John 1:14) and by inspiration (2Tim. 3:15-17).

We may feel distant from God even though He is close or immanent, “for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28), because God’s normative means of conversion is persuasion rather than coercion (Matt. 12:39, 24:24, 1Cor. 1:22-23). This is seen very clearly in Jesus’ lament over the obstinacy of Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37). Apparently, undeniable miracles would be coercive or tantamount to demanding conversion and love at gunpoint. Because of human limitations and the necessity of accommodation and distanciation, we must be content with sufficient rather than perfect or inerrant knowledge of God’s revelation and not be unduly concerned when we find grains of sand (discrepancies and problematic passages) amid the gold or truth. God’s method of conversion is NOT coercion! Although perfect interpretation and unity may not be attainable by fallible souls, systematic study of Scripture can broaden understanding.

 

[GWH]

There are two passages in the NT relevant to the issue of homosexuality. In Matt. 19:4-5, Jesus cited Gen. 1:27 and 2:24 in teaching that marriage is the union of a male and female as “one flesh”, and in Rom. 1:26-27, Paul condemned homosexuality as shameful lusts, unnatural relations and indecent acts. In addition to these biblical passages, the anatomical differences between male and female bodies indicate heterosexual intercourse is the natural mode. Although the cause of gender preference remains unproved per the APA, the design of gender-specific parts implies the appropriate use of those parts as normal.

Although these passages indicate that God intends for people to be heterosexual, He allows homosexuality. The key question is whether homosexuality is always due to sinful choices. Some people advocate homosexuality as a “viable alternative lifestyle”, implying that heterosexuals ought to consider freely choosing to try it, which is wrong. Christians whose homosexual orientation seems not to be freely chosen should agree with the biblical ideal regarding sexuality, and everyone should acknowledge that homosexual “civil unions” are not biblical marriages.

Hopefully, science will find a cure if the cause of homosexuality is genetic, and therapy will help if the cause is environmental during the formative years of life. We all have our cross to bear or issues that we struggle with, because this life is not heaven yet, but God wants to comfort us as we do the reasonable best we can with what we have been given. (Consider the Parable of the Talents in Matt. 25:14-30). If the homosexual orientation is genetically and/or environmentally caused rather than freely chosen, then God knows and would not condemn or blame the individual for what was not his/her fault. All sin is volitional.

Those who are concerned with the morality of sexuality should have equally loving concern for hetero-sexual wrong-doing. (See Rom. 1:24&26-27, 1Cor. 6:9&15-18, 10:8, Gal. 5:19, Eph. 5:31, Col. 3:5, 1Thes. 4:3, Heb. 12:13, 13:4.) Just as God wants every heterosexual to have only platonic relationships until married, He must also desire every involuntary homosexual to have only platonic relationships. A couple may “fall in love” and express friendship physically, but the line between friendly touching and sexual expression should not be crossed until they are married. Biblical teachings do not prevent two men or two women loving each other and joining their lives together in civil unions or ways other than sexual. In fact, in heaven we will all be one big, happy family which does just that (Matt. 22:30). Although sexuality is a good thing when expressed appropriately, often people exaggerate its importance to the point of making it an idol to be worshipped. Sex is not synonymous with love.

Your thoughts?

What rights and privileges should be accorded civil unions is debatable, but this leads to considering the issue of adoption of children by homosexuals. Per Scripture regarding God’s “Plan A” family structure, orphans should be adopted by loving, heterosexual married couples in order to have a mom, a dad, and one or more kids. If there are no biblically qualified couples available, the question becomes whether less preferable family structures are better than a good orphanage.

Another issue regarding civil unions is the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy such as practiced in the military, which seems reasonable for every type of occupation. Perhaps there is no good reason any employer needs to know about the personal life of employees, and accidental disclosure of sexual orientation or activity should not be automatic grounds for firing.

The preceding viewpoint seems to be the best compromise on this issue, where it is impossible not to impose one’s beliefs on someone else. It is loving toward both homo- and hetero-sexuals as well as children. Again, although sexuality is a good thing when expressing love rightly (per Matt. 19:4-6), some people deem it an idol to be worshipped.

 

[GWH]

Many people wonder about the status of Jews in God’s plan after the close of the New Testament era. Below are statements by Jesus that are relevant to this question.

Matt. 7:21: Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matt. 8:11: I say to you that many will come from the east and the west and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matt. 10:32: Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven, but whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.

Matt. 11:6&13-14: Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me… For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

Matt. 13:14-15: This people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and I would heal them.

Matt. 21:43: I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

Matt. 23:37: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.

Matt. 28:18-19a: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…

John 6:40: My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 8:42, 44&56: If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own, but he sent me… You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him… Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.

John 10:16: I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

John 12:48a & 49b: There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words… for the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.

John 16:1-2: All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. They will put you out of the synagogue. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.

Comments?

 

[GWH]

Here are statements by Paul regarding the status of Jews:

Rom. 1:1-5: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus… Through him we received apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. (All passages may be condensed.)

Rom. 2:1-11, 23-29: God will give to each person according to what he has done… There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile, but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Rom. 2:23-29: You (Jews) who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”… A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is of the heart.

Rom. 3:1-9: What advantage then is there in being a Jew?… First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God… What shall we conclude then? Are we (Jews) any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin.

Rom. 3:20-30: Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his (God’s) sight by observing the law; rather through the law we become conscious of sin… Where then is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.

Rom. 4:16-18: Therefore the promise (salvation) comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all of Abraham’s offspring–not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.”

Rom. 9:1-16: I speak the truth in Christ… I could wish myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel… From them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. It is not as though God’s word had failed, for not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children… It is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.

Rom. 9:23-24 & 30-33: What if he (God) did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory–even us whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?… What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the “stumbling stone”. As it is written, “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, but the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

Rom. 10:1&12-13: Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved… For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Rom. 11:1&7-8: …Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham… What then? What Israel sought so earnestly it did not obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened.

Rom. 11:11-32: Because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! I am talking to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles. I make much of my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them… You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I may be grafted in.” Granted, but they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant… Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in again… Israel has experienced hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved… For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.

Rom. 15:15-16: God gave me (grace) to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

1Cor. 1:22-24: Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks (Gentiles) look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified–a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ (is) the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Eph. 2:11-22: Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)–remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood (death) of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations.

His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross… Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

Eph. 3:1-11: For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles–Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation… that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus…

This grace was given to me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Tit. 1:10-14: There are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group (Jews). They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach… Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.

Heb. 3:3-6: Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself… Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future, but Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. (See Heb. 7:18-19,22&27; 8:6-8,13; 9:1,10,15,26b-28; 10:1&9b.)

 

[GWH]

Islam.

Islam is the belief that God’s will is most fully expressed by Mohammed in the Qur’an. Muslim means servant of God. The Qur’an contains some teachings that are compatible with the Judeo-Christian Bible (e.g., Surah 2, v.62, 83, 87, 89 & 256), but it is tragic that people who claim to serve God reject the NT Gospel.

Christianity is God’s bridge uniting monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.) rather than a wall separating them. This truth is derived from a statement by the apostle Paul (in 1Tim. 2:3-4) indicating that Yahweh/God/Allah loves all people and wants everyone to love each other as one happy spiritual family or fellowship, and He is grieved when people who claim to believe in Him quarrel (Eph. 4:30-31). The apostle Paul indicated how Judaism and Christianity may be harmonized (in Rom. 2:28-29 & 4:16-17), and he revealed that the purpose of Judaism was to provide the Messiah for the possible salvation of all people (Rom. 3:21-31 & 9:4-5, Isa. 42:1-6, Gen. 22:18, Deut. 9:5-6). Thus, Muslims--like Jews--should become Messianic (Christian), although they may choose to follow old customs that do not contradict the Gospel (Acts 15:5-29, Gal. 2:15-16).

When Judaism was reformed by Jesus and his apostles, Paul taught (in Rom. 2:28-29, 4:16-17 & Gal. 3:29) that what matters is not the religion of our parents, but whether each of us has faith like Abraham in the one true God. A spiritual Jew loves God (Deut. 6:4-5), a true Christian loves God and humanity (Matt. 22:37-40), and a genuine Muslim serves God by cooperating with His plan of salvation (Matt. 24:45 & 25:21). Theists can be Jewish, Christian and Muslim, because Christianity is God’s solution/plan for peace in the world (Eph. 2:11-22).

The purpose of Judaism was to provide the heritage for Messiah for the benefit of all people (Rom. 3:21-31, 9:4-5a, Isa. 42:1-6, Gen. 22:18, Deut. 9:5-6), and the intent of Islam (stated by the Qur’an in Surah 2:89) was “confirming” God’s previous revelations to the Jews and Christians (the OT & NT). When Jews became Messianic, Paul and Peter agreed that they could follow the old Jewish customs that did not contradict faith in Jesus as Lord (Acts 15:5-29 & Gal. 2:15-16). Because everything good and true is from God (Jam. 1:27), accepting Jesus as Messiah does not mean rejecting what is good and true in one’s pre-Christian experience or culture.

However, the relationship between Jesus, Moses and Mohammed needs to be harmonized. Paul wrote (in 1Tim. 2:5): “For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ [Messiah] Jesus.” This verse clearly indicates that the Christian concept known as the Trinity should not be understood as contradicting faith in one God. Similarly, calling Messiah “God’s Son” should not be understood as contradicting the humanity of Jesus (Heb. 2:17), the one God ordained to die unjustly as payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity. God relates to humanity in three primary ways: as the Creator or Father over all, as the Holy Spirit (cf. Surah 2:87) within believers, and as the human Messiah/Jesus with humanity (Immanuel in Matt. 1:23).

Thus, Muslims–like Jews–may accept Jesus as Messiah with the understanding that the Islamic five pillars (like the Mosaic laws) do not contradict the Christian gospel of salvation. In the OT God established a covenant with Abraham (Gen. 15:18, 17:2) by which “all nations on earth will be blessed” (Gen. 8:18), Jeremiah revealed that the Mosaic covenant would be superseded by a new covenant (Jer. 31:31, cf. Heb. 7:18-10:1), and Isaiah associated the new covenant with Messiah, “my chosen one”, who would also be “a light for the Gentiles” (Isa. 42:1,6&9, 49:5-6&8, 59:20-60:3, 61:1 & 62:2&11). God’s “chosen people” potentially includes everyone in the world who satisfies His requirement for salvation by seeking truth and finding Messiah (Eph. 2:11-3:6, Rom. 10:1-11:32). [Whether or not the physical nation of Israel will play some political role before the end/eschaton is another issue.]

In Eph. 2:11-3:1-6 (Gentiles includes Muslims), note that world peace through the gospel of Christ was a “mystery” until Paul received a divine revelation. As Paul wrote in 1Cor. 2:7-8, “We speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Thus, although with hindsight we can see how Old Testament scriptures foreshadowed Christ, we should not expect that they specifically prophesied the gospel (although Isaiah 53 is quite impressive). In summary, the evidence of accepting God’s will and cooperating with Him is manifesting love for everyone including enemies, which is the opposite of that held by those claiming to believe in God/Allah who are grieving Him by terrorizing humanity. IOW, Islam needs its own reformation!

 

[Toknow]

If you say so! I won't argue with you. Retired people should get to do whatever they want that's fun for them!

(Within reason of course and as long as it's legal! )

Hey 2nd
Tried to PM you but it won't go through.
Haven't seen you in a while.
Hope all is OK.

 

[Toknow]

Islam.

Islam is the belief that God’s will is most fully expressed by Mohammed in the Qur’an. Muslim means servant of God. The Qur’an contains some teachings that are compatible with the Judeo-Christian Bible (e.g., Surah 2, v.62, 83, 87, 89 & 256), but it is tragic that people who claim to serve God reject the NT Gospel.

Christianity is God’s bridge uniting monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, etc.) rather than a wall separating them. This truth is derived from a statement by the apostle Paul (in 1Tim. 2:3-4) indicating that Yahweh/God/Allah loves all people and wants everyone to love each other as one happy spiritual family or fellowship, and He is grieved when people who claim to believe in Him quarrel (Eph. 4:30-31). The apostle Paul indicated how Judaism and Christianity may be harmonized (in Rom. 2:28-29 & 4:16-17), and he revealed that the purpose of Judaism was to provide the Messiah for the possible salvation of all people (Rom. 3:21-31 & 9:4-5, Isa. 42:1-6, Gen. 22:18, Deut. 9:5-6). Thus, Muslims--like Jews--should become Messianic (Christian), although they may choose to follow old customs that do not contradict the Gospel (Acts 15:5-29, Gal. 2:15-16).

When Judaism was reformed by Jesus and his apostles, Paul taught (in Rom. 2:28-29, 4:16-17 & Gal. 3:29) that what matters is not the religion of our parents, but whether each of us has faith like Abraham in the one true God. A spiritual Jew loves God (Deut. 6:4-5), a true Christian loves God and humanity (Matt. 22:37-40), and a genuine Muslim serves God by cooperating with His plan of salvation (Matt. 24:45 & 25:21). Theists can be Jewish, Christian and Muslim, because Christianity is God’s solution/plan for peace in the world (Eph. 2:11-22).

The purpose of Judaism was to provide the heritage for Messiah for the benefit of all people (Rom. 3:21-31, 9:4-5a, Isa. 42:1-6, Gen. 22:18, Deut. 9:5-6), and the intent of Islam (stated by the Qur’an in Surah 2:89) was “confirming” God’s previous revelations to the Jews and Christians (the OT & NT). When Jews became Messianic, Paul and Peter agreed that they could follow the old Jewish customs that did not contradict faith in Jesus as Lord (Acts 15:5-29 & Gal. 2:15-16). Because everything good and true is from God (Jam. 1:27), accepting Jesus as Messiah does not mean rejecting what is good and true in one’s pre-Christian experience or culture.

However, the relationship between Jesus, Moses and Mohammed needs to be harmonized. Paul wrote (in 1Tim. 2:5): “For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ [Messiah] Jesus.” This verse clearly indicates that the Christian concept known as the Trinity should not be understood as contradicting faith in one God. Similarly, calling Messiah “God’s Son” should not be understood as contradicting the humanity of Jesus (Heb. 2:17), the one God ordained to die unjustly as payment of the penalty for the sins of humanity. God relates to humanity in three primary ways: as the Creator or Father over all, as the Holy Spirit (cf. Surah 2:87) within believers, and as the human Messiah/Jesus with humanity (Immanuel in Matt. 1:23).

Thus, Muslims–like Jews–may accept Jesus as Messiah with the understanding that the Islamic five pillars (like the Mosaic laws) do not contradict the Christian gospel of salvation. In the OT God established a covenant with Abraham (Gen. 15:18, 17:2) by which “all nations on earth will be blessed” (Gen. 8:18), Jeremiah revealed that the Mosaic covenant would be superseded by a new covenant (Jer. 31:31, cf. Heb. 7:18-10:1), and Isaiah associated the new covenant with Messiah, “my chosen one”, who would also be “a light for the Gentiles” (Isa. 42:1,6&9, 49:5-6&8, 59:20-60:3, 61:1 & 62:2&11). God’s “chosen people” potentially includes everyone in the world who satisfies His requirement for salvation by seeking truth and finding Messiah (Eph. 2:11-3:6, Rom. 10:1-11:32). [Whether or not the physical nation of Israel will play some political role before the end/eschaton is another issue.]

In Eph. 2:11-3:1-6 (Gentiles includes Muslims), note that world peace through the gospel of Christ was a “mystery” until Paul received a divine revelation. As Paul wrote in 1Cor. 2:7-8, “We speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Thus, although with hindsight we can see how Old Testament scriptures foreshadowed Christ, we should not expect that they specifically prophesied the gospel (although Isaiah 53 is quite impressive). In summary, the evidence of accepting God’s will and cooperating with Him is manifesting love for everyone including enemies, which is the opposite of that held by those claiming to believe in God/Allah who are grieving Him by terrorizing humanity. IOW, Islam needs its own reformation!

Hi G
Going through this thread.
Do you write all these posts youself??
If you do...your knowledge is beyond astounding.
If you do not...you should post the source.
Wondering....

And I noticed that the topic about the Didache sort of didn't work out well.
It's a great topic but I understand that it's difficult to address...seems like a
daunting task, to be honest. Was thinking of starting a thread myself,,,not sure.

I enjoy reading your posts...

 

[GWH]

Hi G
Going through this thread.
Do you write all these posts youself??
If you do...your knowledge is beyond astounding.
If you do not...you should post the source.
Wondering....

And I noticed that the topic about the Didache sort of didn't work out well.
It's a great topic but I understand that it's difficult to address...seems like a
daunting task, to be honest. Was thinking of starting a thread myself,,,not sure.

I enjoy reading your posts...

Yes, I share what I have learned so far.
My main source is GW, but I am grateful to all people—famous philosophers and anonymous acquaintances—who have helped shape my beliefs, including y'all on CC. I c&p from my website, but I am not permitted to give it. (Hint: It has to do with truthseekers.)

Glad you enjoy my posts and threads. I felt my original calling was to improve the quality of Bible teaching in SBC churches,
but my opportunities to do so have been limited by my poor memory that caused me to fail the seminary oral doctoral exam,
which is a reason I write my knowledge on a website so I won't forget it, although I am not dead yet, so I hope y'all younger folks will be boosted by what I share on CC and pass it on.