NO WORD STANDS ALONE

Hal Bekemeyer - from The Grace Journal - May 1988 

"No man is an island," says the song, and much the same can be said of any word in any language.

One of the arguments set forth against the reliability of the King James Bible deals with the issue of the vernacular of the original languages. It is suggested that, since many of the original words have meanings peculiar to the Greek or Hebrew languages, no translation could ever demonstrate the total depth of the intended meaning.

Despite the fact that I am a proponent of the KJV, I must admit that this particular charge is true. It is not possible to translate from one language to another and capture the full depth of meaning of every word in every place. To fail to acknowledge this truth would be vainly impractical.

In this light, however, would it be true to say that a translation is "errant" because it does not possess the "fullest depth" in every instance? This is where the rub comes, and it is here that I would have to disagree with the conclusions of the "original language only" brethren.

The truth of the matter is that "inerrancy*' has to do with the accuracy of the words on the page and not some attributed depth of meaning. When we say that the KJV is inerrant we do not even pretend to suggest that it's language is not subject to expansion and explanation of' word and thought. The suggestion is ridiculous.

No word in any language (including Greek and Hebrew) can be said to "stand alone." In the English language we employ the dictionary to discover the full range of definition in a word. This is also true concerning the ‘original" Biblical languages.
 In order to discover the "fullest" meaning of any word we would utilize a lexicon. The word is rare that can portray its fullest depth in and of itself. 

This truth can be easily demonstrated from the Word of God. Nehemiah successfully completed the task that God had put before him. He pleaded his cause to Artaxerxes, the king, and obtained permission to rebuild Jerusalem. He marshaled the materials and the laborers to achieve this monumental task. Finally, he personally supervised the work despite tremendous political and military opposition. 

The result of all this was the return of "the people" within the walls of Jerusalem. This remnant of God's "chosen" gathered themselves together "as one man" in the street before the water gate. They called to Ezra, the scribe, to bring the book of the law before them, and he did so. Ezra caused God's Word to be read to the people and this is the manner in which it was done:

"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law" (Neh. 8:8,9).

Each word was read "distinctly" to demonstrate accuracy. We can see that the reading, in and of itself, was insufficient, however, for afterwards the "sense" (the depth of meaning) was also given. The priests were among the people teaching them the full meaning of the Word of God.

Even when reading strictly from the Hebrew it was necessary to carefully demonstrate the meaning. Rare is the word, though perfectly chosen, that can be said to reflect the total "depth of meaning" by itself.

The issue of “accuracy" is distinct from the issue of "depth of meaning.” A word can be completely accurate and yet at the same time have its "total depth" incompletely realized. This is why preachers (good ones) define and expand the thought and meaning of every word. This was true when the Word was available only in the "original", and it is true today.

The KJV is God's Word for English speaking people. It is accurate and totally reliable in every way. But there is more that is needed. It needs to be preached. It needs to be understood. It needs to be believed. Most of all, it needs to be incorporated into the lives of those who read it.

A New Creature

God salvages the individual by liquidating him and then raising him again to newness of life. A. W. Tozer (1897–1963)

This new life impedes us in our natural outlook and ways . . . until the Son of God is formed in us and both the natural and the holy are the same. Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)

For centuries it appeared to human beings that the earth was stationary and that the sun moved around it. Then a man named Copernicus came along and proved that what seemed obvious on the surface was not, in fact, true. It was the earth that was moving around the sun, not the sun around the earth; and that discovery has changed our understanding of our physical reality ever since. What Copernicus did to our perceptions of the earth and the sun, the risen Christ can do to our understanding of our lives.

Those early conclusions we come to as children, that all of life revolves around us, may appear to be true from our perspective, but they are false. It is not just children who hold to this theory of "self" being the center of the Universe. We are faced with the dilemma everyday of who will call the shots for our life. Will we allow the laws of God to lead us through life and shape our decisions or will we determine the direction of our life and come up with our own answers to the questions that confront us? These truly are the only two paths that we can follow. We will either submit our wills and lives to living according to God's will or we will write our own rules.

London businessman Lindsay Clegg told the story of a warehouse property he was selling. The building had been empty for months and needed repairs. Vandals had damaged the doors, smashed the windows, and strewn trash around the interior.

As he showed a prospective buyer the property, Clegg took pains to say that he would replace the broken windows, bring in a crew to correct any structural damage, and clean out the garbage.

"Forget about the repairs," the buyer said. "When I buy this place, I'm going to build something completely different. I don't want the building; I want the site."

Compared with the renovation God has in mind, our efforts to improve our own lives are as trivial as sweeping a warehouse slated for the wrecking ball. When we become God's, the old life is over (2 Cor. 5:17). He makes all things new. All he wants is the site and the permission to build. 

Judges, Grace Police, and Para-church Schisms in the Body of Christ

This particular blog entry will be confusing for some as I am addressing a particular group of people with whom I have encounters dating back almost forty years. This group is known as the, so-called, “Grace Movement.” I have often felt over the years that this is somewhat a misnomer in that, in behavior, much of what I have witnessed contradicts grace, and what movement there has been is mostly a great deal of dissention and name calling. This isn’t said to be harsh but to, perhaps, move some to introspection.

While these characteristics put me off in the early years of my association, I at that time was hoping that it was more a stage of growth and that those involved would grow out of it. Now, unquestionably, there has been tremendous growth over the past thirty years in a numerical sense. I know of hundreds of local churches that have been planted throughout the world. There is much excitement as believers come to rejoice in God’s dispensation of grace and realize the manifold benefits that come with our being identified with our savior Jesus Christ. And yet the dissention is as prevalent and raucous as ever.

Intentionally it is my purpose to not call these people by name. I would rather they consider my words and weigh their behavior in light of the same. Even more importantly, I would that they take note of God’s words considering His design in the Body of Christ. For example; (Romans 14:10-13) But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.  (KJV)

It is conspicuous that there is much “judging” these days and a great deal of setting “at nought” by the brethren. At times it seems to me that many are more concerned with whom they might separate from rather than whom they may edify. At the same time it is evident to me that some have established themselves as some kind of “grace police” issuing judgments and edicts as if they are the final authority on faith and practice. These types are so impressed with their self-proclaimed authority that they persist in their demands that others should “shun” those whom they have labeled in some way as “heretic”, or some similar classification.

Now, I would be the last person to suggest that there are not occasions when we are to identify dissenters and consciously avoid them. By way of example I quote; (Romans 16:17-18) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  (KJV)

But here’s the rub; the “grace police” view the doctrine mentioned here as an open ended list of which they insist are “essential doctrines.”  However, the context of the passage would imply an entirely different context. In the passage Paul is saluting different believers in multiple churches and exhorts believers “to salute one another with an holy kiss.” It is the doctrine of unity and oneness that Paul emphasizes here. Paul is consistent throughout his epistles in this theme. And it should be noted that when the apostle commands separation it is almost always based upon behavior and not doctrine. In fact, in one instance Paul infers that heresies are necessary within the body of believers. (1 Corinthians 11:19) For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.   (KJV) My conclusion concerning the Romans 16 edict is that it is related to behavior that violates the doctrine of unity and not to other specific doctrines.

Please note the following scripture.

(Romans 15:1-7) We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.  (KJV)

It is obvious from this passage that we have an obligation to endure the shortcomings of others, and like Christ, seek the better for those that are weak and in need of edification. This can be difficult for us as in our flesh we would rather see others brought low or punished for things we perceive as egregious. However, Paul is as clear about our methodology in recovering believers from error as he is about how we are to study the scriptures, and both instructions are contained within the same chapter. (2 Timothy 2:24-26) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.   (KJV) When the apostle says that God’s servant “must not strive” is he inferring that we get to choose our opportunities when we think strife is necessary? I think not. Our methodology, in approach to error, is not driven by judgmental attitudes and condemnation. It is all about edification (teaching) in meekness and patience. Qualities I see in few that are the cause of so much division in the Body of Christ.

Much of this is clarified in Paul’s epistle to the Romans when he says the following:  (Romans 14:1-5) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.  For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.   (KJV)  Believers with different doctrines were at odds with one another and being judgmental. I am impressed with the apostle’s question, “who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? It is a question that I have often asked myself.

The answer I arrive at is that it is usually someone outside the local assembly. It is usually someone connected to some organization that exists outside of a local assembly that is bent on exerting control that overrides the established leadership within the local church. These organizations are schisms within the Body of Christ that are run by individuals, or boards, that are not subject to the authority of a local church. While most of the people involved in these organizations would be shocked at this expressed concept it is clear in their practice that they are assured of their authority in interfering in the life of the local church. Paul said that it is the local church which is “the pillar and ground of the truth” and not some man running his own religious business or a parachurch entity wrapped in some papal-like authority. It is the local church where the believer is nourished, established, and protected.

All of this being said, I will not suggest that I have not been edified by some of these para-church organizations. I have benefited. The problem lies in their attitude and practice. If they would seek to excel in edification and acknowledge that they have no authority whatsoever over the church, things would be in much better balance. There would be far less unrest and division. There would be little, or no, name calling. There would be only edification and wouldn’t that be nice?   

An Apology

It’s obvious for anyone looking that I haven’t blogged since September of 2009. A friend recently contacted me on Facebook and encouraged me to resume blogging. He said that he missed regular entries but that he still used my blog as a resource and reread entries regularly. I could certainly make excuses such as our travels and health difficulties that have presented themselves these past few years. Truth is, I burned out on internet ministry in general, and Facebook ministry specifically.

My experience has been that much of the internet media employed as a ministry outlet is overrun with rampant dialogue and judgmental haranguing. This is especially true of social media such as Facebook. Perhaps, I was concluding that most positive teaching is lost in all the clutter. I still think that this is mostly true, but I now conclude that some of the positive filters through to some.

So, all this being said, I will again attempt to blog on a somewhat regular basis. Each time I publish I will also link each item from Facebook so that it can be easily located upon publication. Wish me well in my endeavor and hopefully my meager contribution will act as edification for those desiring such.

Worth Re-posting

“The expression of Christian character is not good doing, but God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life, not good human characteristics. God’s life in us expresses itself as God’s life, not as human life trying to be godly. The secret of a Christian is that the supernatural is made natural in him by the grace of God, and the experience of this works out in the practical details of life, not in times of communion with God.” Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)

New RV Blog

When I blogged the first time about our move to the RV I didn't envision turning this into a project. Well, it is now my project at Kathy's encouragement. "Reflections" is my blog centered around philosophical and theological musings and really isn't a suitable vehicle for our RV life so I have added a new blog; "Lucy & Leroy's Great RV Adventure."

http://flahal-rvblog.blogspot.com/

Saying No to Militancy

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, {25} In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; {26} And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

In my younger years I often fell into a rhythm of militancy when expressing my doctrinal understanding and convictions. It required a great deal of time for the truth of “the servant of the Lord MUST NOT strive” (emphasis mine)to sink in. After years of ministry it has been my observation that a militant presentation of truth is a fruitless endeavor. At times it has appeared that one has been successful in making converts to ones point of view only to discover that a new militant has been created. This suggests that the person influenced was not persuaded of truth but was, in reality, a militant looking for a cause.

Strife only breeds more strife as indicated in Proverbs 15:18 when Solomon writes; “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife." Our apostle of grace, Paul, exhorted believers to "let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.” I can with honesty attest that I have never witnessed one spiritual victory gained through militancy. Militancy is not about gentleness but conquering. Militancy is not about teaching but replication and rigidity. Militancy is not about patience or meekness but the properly timed strike, and triumph, and the pride of a vanquished foe.

Someone once said that Christians, in the spiritual battle, are often guilty of shooting their own wounded. Perhaps not, but it does often appear that believers are quick to throw another believer under the bus, so to speak, rather than to extend themselves in sincere ministry and edification. Paul makes it clear that the battleground of the Lord’s servant is the mind. To win the mind requires gentle, patient, and meek instruction which enables the errant to recover themselves. The result of a campaign of this nature is capitulation to truth, not the conquest of one will over another. Truth becomes the victor, not the Lord’s servant.

"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. {15} But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." (Galatians 5:14-15)

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. {18} For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. {19} Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Romans 14:17-19)