stovebolts
Member
Whacked Theology
I posted something yesterday that I would like to discuss in a kind manner with those interested in participating.
I just can’t shake the notion that in the process of ‘saving ourselves’(Philippians 2:12-13 ), were actually saving those around us. ( James 5:19-20, Jude 1:20-23)
First, I’d like to look at what an exegesis is.
From Dictionary.com
*Critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible.
I will be working off this definition of the word Critical.
*Providing textual variants, proposed emendations, etc.:
I want to work of the premise that we all have an exegesis and that those exegeses’ are always evolving as we refine our theology to harmoniously line up with God’s word. Since they are always evolving, it should be safe to say that on occasion, we can be wrong in our exegeses. As long as it doesn’t become an issue of pride, I don’t see any problem being wrong once in awhile.
Scripture can be taken from many different angles. There is a literal sense, a spiritual sense, a historical sense, a contextualized sense and a biased sense simply because some scripture was written to a specific group for a specific purpose and on and on and on. My point is, an exegesis should have all these supporting features as its base. This brings me to opinion.
Sometimes, we use our opinions to move us through scripture. In other words, we look for scripture to say what we feel. I’m not saying that this is always bad, but if were going to get the full impact of a verse, we really need to look at all the other factors involved. On the flip side, I think that scripture can be used in a lighter sense to capture a thought, but not necessarily to create a doctrine or theology.
Capturing Random Thoughts
I will be posting verses from the Net Bible.
Philippians 2:12-13 2:12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 2:13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.
Most scholars agree that the Apostle Paul penned this letter to the Philippians. You can read more from http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1333 which covers the occasion and purpose of the letter.
When I view the words, “working out your salvation with awe and reverenceâ€Â, my mind flashes to how we are co-authors with Christ in the plan of salvation. True, it is grace that saves, but often we are called to produce fruit. This fruit is what I believe to be a manifestation of the Kingdom of God that is right here on earth, dwelling within us, which prepares us for the next life. But this, “Working Out†denotes a journey as it spans time and believe me, time is a concept not easy to grasp. (I believe Augustine has an intriguing portrayal of what eternity and time is in his Confessions).
There are two great commandments that everyone knows; but what about the third greatest commandment? I believe it is to be Holy because by obeying the first two commandments, the third becomes a given. However, sometimes we need some reminding so if we view the third and apply it, then the first two become a given. (1 peter 1:15-16)
Isaiah reminds us what it is to be Holy.
1:17 Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow! 1:18 Come, let’s consider your options,†says the Lord. “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool. 1:19 If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land. 1:20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.†Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.
By striving to be Holy, we are in essence “Working out our salvationâ€Â. When we show mercy or assistance to others, we are a good neighbor and as we become good neighbors, we create good neighbors as the cycle is cyclical and self perpetuating (for a lack of a better term).
This cycle of creating good neighbors, in concept, speaks to me of James, Chapter 5. My bible has the topic, ‘Prayer for the sick’ just above verse 13.
5:19 My brothers and sisters,if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, 5:20 he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
When you’re an Orphan, a Widow or even one of the oppressed, it’s easy to hold anger against God and your fellow brother. In other words, it’s easy to wander from the truth. I hope that you may put the rest together.
So, this is what I mean by whacked theology. Are these mere rambling thoughts or do they carry biblical weight?
Thoughts?
I posted something yesterday that I would like to discuss in a kind manner with those interested in participating.
I just can’t shake the notion that in the process of ‘saving ourselves’(Philippians 2:12-13 ), were actually saving those around us. ( James 5:19-20, Jude 1:20-23)
First, I’d like to look at what an exegesis is.
From Dictionary.com
*Critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible.
I will be working off this definition of the word Critical.
*Providing textual variants, proposed emendations, etc.:
I want to work of the premise that we all have an exegesis and that those exegeses’ are always evolving as we refine our theology to harmoniously line up with God’s word. Since they are always evolving, it should be safe to say that on occasion, we can be wrong in our exegeses. As long as it doesn’t become an issue of pride, I don’t see any problem being wrong once in awhile.
Scripture can be taken from many different angles. There is a literal sense, a spiritual sense, a historical sense, a contextualized sense and a biased sense simply because some scripture was written to a specific group for a specific purpose and on and on and on. My point is, an exegesis should have all these supporting features as its base. This brings me to opinion.
Sometimes, we use our opinions to move us through scripture. In other words, we look for scripture to say what we feel. I’m not saying that this is always bad, but if were going to get the full impact of a verse, we really need to look at all the other factors involved. On the flip side, I think that scripture can be used in a lighter sense to capture a thought, but not necessarily to create a doctrine or theology.
Capturing Random Thoughts
I will be posting verses from the Net Bible.
StoveBolts said:
Philippians 2:12-13 2:12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence, 2:13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.
Most scholars agree that the Apostle Paul penned this letter to the Philippians. You can read more from http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=1333 which covers the occasion and purpose of the letter.
When I view the words, “working out your salvation with awe and reverenceâ€Â, my mind flashes to how we are co-authors with Christ in the plan of salvation. True, it is grace that saves, but often we are called to produce fruit. This fruit is what I believe to be a manifestation of the Kingdom of God that is right here on earth, dwelling within us, which prepares us for the next life. But this, “Working Out†denotes a journey as it spans time and believe me, time is a concept not easy to grasp. (I believe Augustine has an intriguing portrayal of what eternity and time is in his Confessions).
There are two great commandments that everyone knows; but what about the third greatest commandment? I believe it is to be Holy because by obeying the first two commandments, the third becomes a given. However, sometimes we need some reminding so if we view the third and apply it, then the first two become a given. (1 peter 1:15-16)
Isaiah reminds us what it is to be Holy.
1:17 Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow! 1:18 Come, let’s consider your options,†says the Lord. “Though your sins have stained you like the color red, you can become white like snow; though they are as easy to see as the color scarlet, you can become white like wool. 1:19 If you have a willing attitude and obey, then you will again eat the good crops of the land. 1:20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.†Know for certain that the Lord has spoken.
By striving to be Holy, we are in essence “Working out our salvationâ€Â. When we show mercy or assistance to others, we are a good neighbor and as we become good neighbors, we create good neighbors as the cycle is cyclical and self perpetuating (for a lack of a better term).
This cycle of creating good neighbors, in concept, speaks to me of James, Chapter 5. My bible has the topic, ‘Prayer for the sick’ just above verse 13.
5:19 My brothers and sisters,if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, 5:20 he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
When you’re an Orphan, a Widow or even one of the oppressed, it’s easy to hold anger against God and your fellow brother. In other words, it’s easy to wander from the truth. I hope that you may put the rest together.
So, this is what I mean by whacked theology. Are these mere rambling thoughts or do they carry biblical weight?
Thoughts?
)
