I am going to share a few more scriptures today as to how certain words can make a difference in the meaning of a verse.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
To understand Paul’s writings, one must understand that he begins the book by revealing how the whole world was guilty of sin. As Paul continues in this book, he tells who the Christians are from God’ perspective (His truth).
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified (Romans 8:28-30). Notice that the words are past tense, therefore from God's perspective we are complete in Him.
You can’t meet God’s standard if you think you are falling short of His glory. You will be finding a way to please God with works. You will not experience intimacy with the Lord if you think you are falling short of His glory.
From the human perspective we see with a cloudy view, whereas God’s perspective (His truth) is clear. When you see yourself as God sees you; not puffed up with pride, but with a spirit of humility that everything you are is because of God’s great love for you, then you are no longer in bondage.
When you see yourself as God sees you and that you did nothing to receive God’s love, but He loves you and sees you out the eyes of perfection, then you will experience the intimacy with Him. He will “Abba” Father to you; meaning a closeness, and intimacy. It was first spoken by Jesus (Mark 14:36), and Paul used it twice (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6).
Another New Testament scripture that is used by many to say that we are sinners is this: This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life (1 Timothy 1:15-16).
Paul could not have meant that he was still a sinner; that would be contradictory. He said: nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:10-11).
The scripture tells us who we were and who we are now.
The true meaning of what Paul was saying is he considered himself the chief or worse sinner because he persecuted the church of God. He consented to the death of Stephen. As for Saul, he made havoc [he raged against the church like a wild beast] of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison (Acts 8:1, 3).
That’s why he suffered so much. But the Lord said to him [Ananias], “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake" (Acts 9:15-16).
Dear beloved, the Lord God our Father wants us to know the truth (John 8:32, 36). Tomorrow, Lord willing, I plan to share a few more scriptures from the mouth of Jesus as to how certain words can make a difference in the meaning of a verse.
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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