COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

CONFIDENCE IN GOD AND HIS WORD PROMOTES GENUINE PEACEFUL UNITY.

GOD’S WORD MEANT TO BE UNDERSTOOD ACCURATELY BY SINCERE, DILIGENT STUDENTS

TRUTHFUL GUIDANCE? Did GOD intend for so many things to remain confusing, or did HE give us enough truthful instruction that those loving HIM and HIS Son may really get to know them well enough to understand GOD’s loving and just purposes for mankind, and to practice qualities that contribute to lasting peace, unity, and happiness, endearing ones to them? We needn’t wonder, for GOD’s Word itself has the answer. Notice, for instance, the desire of GOD expressed at 1Corinthians 1:10:

“10 Now I urge you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all speak in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you may be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.”

TRUE UNITY POSSIBLE. What can bring about such unity? Notice, respect for the Lord Jesus Christ is involved. Accordingly, adherence to the truth of God’s word and will. Jesus said in prayer to GOD, for instance, regarding his disciples: “17 Sanctify them by means of the truth; your word is truth.“ (John 17:17). Loyal love for GOD is involved, and 1John 5:3 says: “3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” Likewise, Isaiah 48:17-18 says: “17 This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. 18 If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Thus peace would flow abundantly, and adherence to GOD’s right laws and standards would be shown consistently. This is made possible by getting to know GOD and Jesus through attention to GOD’s inspired word, the Bible. As John 17:3 says: “3 This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” Therefore, both GOD and Jesus are involved in eternal salvation, yet their personalities are similar, according to the Bible.

Bible Grammar and Translation Sometimes a Factor

MISUNDERSTOOD GRAMMAR. There are instances where incorrect grammar translation has resulted in confusion about an important spiritual matter, even hindering the faith of some in the Creator. Here is a significant example, involving a common mistranslation that affects our view of prayer. Have you ever prayed for something once, perhaps a reasonable request of God, expecting it to come to you soon afterward? Were you then disappointed, left questioning the Creator’s power or love or justice or wisdom, or His rightful authority as the “Hearer of prayer?” (Psalm 65:2). You may have read in the Bible Jesus’ own words, such as at Luke 11:9, in the King James Version: “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Would this not give credence to your thinking? Yet, is this really the correct grammar for this verse, and does the context support it?

CONTEXT REVEALS TRUTH. The actual correct grammar here is known as the “present imperative” in Koine Greek, the original language of this Bible book. Notice how the NWT, the New World Translation, translates this text: ““9 So I say to you, keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.” The emphasis here is on persistence, which is the lesson Jesus had just taught in the preceding parable! Many Bible versions mistranslate this verse, after the pattern of the KJV. Notice the parable Jesus uses in verses 5-8, KJV: “5 And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? 7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. 8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.” Now, we must understand “importunity” to comprehend this—to be importunate is “troublesomely urgent: overly persistent in request or demand.” (Merriam-Webster, 2018) So as verse 8 says, because of his urgent and persistent requests the friend gave him what he needed. Therefore, God wants us to be persistent in our requests that really matter to us in harmony with His will, in faith trusting in Him to hear and supply what’s needed as He deems appropriate. Might this not help to bolster the faith of some who didn’t realize the correct translation of that important Bible verse? Of course, other factors are involved in the answering of prayers by God, but clearly this point is more than trivial. This provides evidence as well that Bible translators are not infallible—they can make mistakes in their translating work. Yet, the Bible has largely been translated rather faithfully from it’s original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Most mistakes are usually minor in importance, although some serious discrepancies have crept in. (For a better understanding, see the article “Finding Truth” or “Bible Translations—Are Their Translators Infallible” elsewhere on this website).

CHRISTIANITY A MARCH OF LIFE, NOT DEATH

MANY TO MAINTAIN LIFE INTO ETERNITY! It appears that some have the notion that embracing Christianity is signing on to martyrdom. THAT IS NOT THE WILL OF GOD! They may get this notion by misinterpreting Scriptures such as 1Peter 2:21, where Peter, in the context of enduring hardships and insults from others, writes: “In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely.” It is not his death that Christians are to follow closely, but his faithful obedience to God and his patient endurance of wrong. While Christians should be willing to loyally obey God even in the face of threats and death, as some early Christians did, this was largely done by those having a hope of heavenly life as faithful rulers with Christ—not that of an earthly Paradise, under Christ’s rulership. The truth is, Christ actually died for others, that many may not even EVER have to face death! Notice a few Scriptures: 2Corinthians 5:14-15 says this: “14 For the love the Christ has compels us, because this is what we have concluded, that one man died for all; so, then, all had died. 15 And he died for all so that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up.” And when Jesus’ friend Lazarus had died, Martha acknowledged to Jesus: “I know he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” She was restating Jesus’ own teachings regarding the condition of the dead, the majority of whom are “sleeping in death,” and awaiting a future resurrection (Matthew 9:24; John 11:11,14; 1Thessalonians 4:13). Jesus then said this: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; and everyone who is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?” Thus Jesus showed that many may even survive “the great tribulation” foretold in GOD’s word, by heeding the the word of GOD and HIS son. (Revelation 7:9-10,13-15).

FAITH VITAL! Thus it would be those having FAITH, OR DEEP TRUST, IN GOD AND THE PROMISED SEED, like Israel’s forefather ABRAHAM, that would lead them to eternal life. Thus, after fleshly Israel largely opposed and rejected the son of God, the “ISRAEL OF GOD” became “all those who walk orderly by this (Christian) rule of conduct, peace and mercy be upon them, yes, upon the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16; Mathew 23:37-39). Of course, many of fleshly Israel did have faith in Jesus, and these made up the first of those chosen to rule with Christ above. Yet GOD clearly purposed for those of all nations to have opportunity for eternal life through such faith. Thus GOD had told Abraham: “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply your offspring like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand on the seashore, and your offspring will take possession of the gate of his enemies.” (Genesis 22:17). In referencing the “stars of the heavens” and the multitudinous “grains of sand on the seashore,” JEHOVAH GOD doubtless had in mind HIS purpose to fill the entire Universe with people deeply trusting HIM as did HIS “friend,” Abraham (Isaiah 41:8). GOD’S PURPOSE IS THUS UNIVERSAL, BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST: GOD first purposes for those of earth to return to human perfection and health, and clean man’s home planet, the earth, to make it the gem GOD originally intended it to be, welcoming back our ancestors of times past, and helping them learn of GOD’s right ways. To properly care for Earth, global warming must be halted, so the earth can return to it’s normal healthy cycles. In fact, GOD has judgment against those who refuse to cooperate with HIS purpose to protect Man’s earthly home, both spiritually and physically. (Revelation 11:18).

Thus, to reiterate from last week’s post:

UNDER THE RULE OF GOD’S GOVERNMENT, THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN HIS WORD WILL MAKE POSSIBLE PUBLIC POLICIES THAT PROMOTE HONESTY, FAIRNESS, REASONABLENESS AND HAPPINESS.

Such happiness of course includes a healthy home environment, both physically and spiritually, cared for properly by Earth’s inhabitants, those who will respect our planetary home.

GOD’S STANDARDS REALISTIC, REASONABLE, RELIABLE, REWARDING

REALISTIC. The laws and pure standards that GOD sets forth in His word the Bible are “not burdensome” to keep, but rather “healthful” and capable of being practiced. Notice the opening words of Psalm 119, clarifying this in verses 1-4: “119 Happy are those who are blameless in their way, Who walk in the law of Jehovah. 2 Happy are those who observe his reminders, Who search for him with all their heart. 3 They practice no unrighteousness; They walk in his ways. 4 You have commanded That your orders be carefully kept.” Thus there are many truly heeding GOD’s word and law, living by it day to day, delighting in integrity to GOD, loving HIM and others, and finding true happiness in doing so!

REASONABLE. Those who have determined to live by GOD’s standards have found that they are indeed, reasonable. Our loving GOD does not ask more of us than we can offer. He requires our best effort to obey Him, aiming for a good target of righteousness, or HIS right standards. Our occasional, unintended misses, may then be forgiven on the basis of Christ’s ransom sacrifice. Notice Moses’ words to the people regarding the reasonableness of GOD’s requirements for them: “11 “Now this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it beyond your reach. 12 It is not in the heavens, so that you have to say, ‘Who will ascend to the heavens and get it for us, so that we may hear it and observe it?’ 13 Nor is it on the other side of the sea, so that you have to say, ‘Who will cross over to the other side of the sea and get it for us, so that we may hear it and observe it?’ 14 For the word is very near you, in your own mouth and in your own heart, so that you may do it.” And Christians are likewise commanded, at Philippians 4:5, “5 Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near.” Thus GOD wants many to see that true Christians who live GOD’s way are living proof of HIS reasonable standards.

RELIABLE AND REWARDING. JEHOVAH GOD wants all to recognize that HE, as man’s CREATOR, understands us like no other, and that we can TRUST HIS instructions and guidance is truly for our long-term happiness and benefit. Proverbs 3:5-8 thus exhorts: “ 5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not become wise in your own eyes. Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad. 8 It will be a healing to your body And refreshment for your bones.” Thus living by GOD’s standards promotes health and refreshing happiness! Notice the description of GOD’s law found at Psalm 19:7-11: “7 The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise. 8 The orders from Jehovah are righteous, causing the heart to rejoice; The commandment of Jehovah is clean, [“enlightening the eyes”, AMP]. 9 The fear of Jehovah is pure, lasting forever. The judgments of Jehovah are true, altogether righteous.10 They are more desirable than gold, Than much fine gold, And sweeter than honey, the honey that drips from the combs.11 By them your servant has been warned; In keeping them, there is a large reward.” The faith, or deep trust, in GOD mentioned earlier is indeed necessary to please HIM, and notice this aspect, at Hebrews 11:6: “6 Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” Thus, GOD is eager to reward and bless HIS faithful people. May we find the blessing of GOD on our activities, as we seek to know HIS right way of doing things, that we may be successful, acting in harmony with GOD’s loving will and purpose. Proverbs 10:22 says: “22 It is the blessing of Jehovah that makes one rich, And He adds no pain with it.”

CONCLUSION:

MAY JEHOVAH, THE GOD OF LOYAL LOVE, PREVAIL THROUGH CHRIST! Will not GOD ensure we can understand the truth of HIS word, in a way allowing for cooperation and unity regarding HIS purposes for mankind and this planet? Is HE not the worthy one to look to for guidance, being our Creator giving us "life and breath and all things?" He also holds the lives of our loved ones and ancestors of the past in HIS hands. GOD's right as Universal Sovereign has already been challenged by Satan for some thousands of years, but as Creator, with proven love, is HE not the One with primary right to govern HIS creation, with love, compassion, and the protection of peace-loving lives earth-wide? As Revelation 4:11 states: "You are worthy, Jehovah, even our GOD, to receive the glory, and the honor, and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created." May we place full trust and confidence in our Creator to know what is best for mankind, and to use HIS great power to protect innocent ones and our ancestors, such as Abraham, whom GOD called "my friend." (Isaiah 41:8). GOD longs to restore them to life--let GOD prevail according to HIS right to govern us with such love and fairness!

RULE THROUGH CHRIST SATISFYING! Psalm 145:16-17 says: "You open your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 Jehovah is righteous in all his ways And loyal in all that he does." Can we not trust GOD to arrange HIS government to exercise a loving dominion over those submitting to HIS rule? Jesus' example, as shown in GOD's word proves his rule in GOD's government will be fair, just, and loving. May misunderstandings of GOD's word not distract us from our confidence in GOD, trusting HIM to help all willing ones of mankind to embrace the truth found therein, as we work together to clean up the earth and assist one another spiritually to advance and grow to human completeness and good health. And may we trust GOD's standards of fair and honest conduct to prove to be for us REALISTIC, REASONABLE, RELIABLE, AND REWARDING! And learning to adhere to such standards, may we thereby come to find genuine PEACEFUL UNITY earthwide under GOD's fair and benevolent rulership through GOD's firstborn son!