Very interesting thread Mr. Kicked. For many years now I have been a fan of the definite article "the". I think it was back around 1978 that a Bible Teacher, Dr. Delma Lowery, came to the church I was the pastor. He was the first one to introduce me to the word "the" that has been missing in many or even most modern translations. He also introduced me to a wonderful KJV of the Bible which included "the" where it had been taken out or just missing.
As you say, this word is so vital to proper understanding of Scripture. The KJV Bible is the, "Newberry Reference Edition" by "Kregel Publication" researched and presented by Thomas Newberry 1973. This Bible is out of print. I purchased my copy in 1978 and I think that they had only one left. Perhaps they have made more, I don't know for sure.
One of the verses that I especially like as an example is: Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." This is how it should read. "I live in the faith of the Son of God" The word "by" is better translated "in" Gk ἐν. And with the addition of the definite article the added. It now is translated "I live in the faith of the Son of God."
Why do I present this? Because so many Christians have a big problem with faith! They say, "If I only had enough faith." Wait a minute, you don't have faith! Jesus has faith! You and I have to claim the faith of Jesus for every circumstance. Some people that know me very well say, "Boy, (my name) his faith is so strong, I wish I had his faith." I exercise Jesus' faith because I don't have any. I had to use Jesus' faith in order to be saved, and I have to use His faith for everything I pray for. Do you grasp that? "I live in the faith of Jesus"
Other wise the Scripture reads "I live by faith" NO, NO! "I live IN THE faith of Jesus." O my friends, your prayers will have so much more power if you realize that faith comes from God, it's not my work of faith, it is Jesus' work of faith....I hope this helps people.
Chopper. That is one amazing post. Thank you for sharing that. My heart says "Yes! and Amen".
I have stumbled upon that little nuance myself regarding Gal 2:20. It is faith "
IN" Christ. It is the faith that we have
from him because our being is actually
inside of him. See Romans 8:1. There is also no condemnation for those that are "IN" Christ. Same thing. How did we get "in" him? John 12:32 tells us. When the son of man was lifted up, he drew (actually dragged) ALL (things) into himself. See the original Greek words. What a powerful scripture.
I also see it another way in that because we are "in" him, that also reveals that any faith we have is actually
his very faith that is given to us as an ongoing
gift. So, one could also say it is the faith "of" Christ because it is
his faith and not ours. Ours will not save us, but his will and does.
This is also revealed in Hebrews 12:2 as he both the "author" (one who originates) our faith and the "finisher" (the one who perfects it). Again, how can this be (I ask myself)?
Because it is
not our faith. It is
HIS given to us ongoing as a total gift. Ephesians 2:8-9.
Our most gracious loving father is now fulfilling these most powerful verses and the covenant
he made with us.
The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief corner stone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes Psalm 118:22-23
The cornerstone of what?
The Lord's
spiritual "house" or his body or dwelling place where he will live... the "new Jerusalem" who is "above". Rev 21 This is all part of his covenant he made at
Horeb.
Horeb???
Then God said, "Behold, I am going to make a covenant. Before all your people I will perform miracles which have not been produced in all the earth nor among any of the nations; and all the people among whom you live will see the working of the LORD, for it is a fearful thing that I am going to perform with you Exodus 34:10
Look at what is revealed in Deut 5:2. Moses says that God actually made a covenant at Horeb as well as Sinai.
Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them:
“Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I am speaking today in your hearing, that you may learn them and observe them carefully. 2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. Deut 5:2
This surprised me when I first stumbled upon it. Could this be the "new" covenant in disguise?
Compare the words of Exodus 34:10-28 (possible "new") with the words of Exodus 20:1 to 23:33 (old). Do you notice some similarities but many differences? Look at the exact words of Exodus 34:28. What does it reveal?
I have concluded personally that this covenant made by The Lord on
Horeb is the covenant GOD
HIMSELF made with us where HE
himself does all the "heavy lifting". We just "believe" it and simply "walk" in it. He even provides the "believe it" part (faith) and does the work. We are merely a "vessel" or container of him.
Here is how he gave us faith. Here is the source of all faith that exists.
"I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I will also hold you by the hand and watch over you, And I will appoint you as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations Is 42:6
The word "nations" is often translated as "gentiles".
Once we see the true "light" in our
hearts, we have enough "faith" to move mountains. Of course, we know who this "light" is. He is the light of
every man that comes into the world.
In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men John 1:4
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man John 1:9
Awesome conversation. God bless,