Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Kelly on 1 Maccabees 3:48 - 3 years ago
    Why haven't I seen the Macabbes book in the Bible?
  • Kelly Dueck - In Reply on 1 Maccabees 3:48 - 3 years ago
    Thank you Chris. So I can find the book of Macabees in a separate book then. Ok.
  • Chris - In Reply on 1 Maccabees 3:48 - 3 years ago
    Kelly, this KJBOnline site also provides these Apocryphal Books. At the top Task Bar on the Main Page, click on 'More' & then click on 'Standard King James Bible Apocrypha' to get all the Books.
  • Chris - In Reply on 1 Maccabees 3:48 - 3 years ago
    Kelly, the Books of Maccabees are considered a part of the Apocryphal books, i.e. books, for various reasons, were deemed has having material in them which were inconsistent to the other books written by verified people (e.g. the apostles). These differences were sometimes minor in nature & others sufficiently major so as to add error to history or doctrine. The Maccabees are two of such books. For example, in 1 Macc 2:52 it says: "Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness", which tells us that Abraham was found righteous based on his works (i.e. the offering up of Isaac as a sacrifice). Whereas, Rom 4:3 says, "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness", telling us that it was by his faith in God (belief that God would somehow provide Himself a sacrifice) that made him righteous before God. Quite an error.

    Another example: in 2 Macc 12:41-45, the reading of it shows that (a) Judas collected two thousand drachmas of silver & sent it to Jerusalem for a sin offering & to make atonement for the dead - and this then leads in to the RC doctrine of purgatory - all vehemently opposed to Holy Scripture ( Heb 9:27: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement"). There is no intermediate place of suffering & purification for entrance into Heaven.

    So for this & many reasons, all who are intent to learn the Truth & hear what the Spirit of God is saying to them, should read from the Holy Bible (KJV preferred) so as to avoid believing error. Too many people have been ignorantly led to believe anything they hear from the pulpit. It is our responsibility to guide them to the Light & Truth that they might not believe a lie.
  • D.J. - In Reply on 1 Maccabees 3:48 - 3 years ago
    Chris,

    I generally agree with you concerning the Apocryphal books.

    Please do not think that I am trolling you or nitpicking. It is absolutely not my intent at all.

    I do, however, believe that it is the righteous works of Abraham that built his faith in God and in turn built God's faith in Abraham. (something like- those to whom much is given, much is expected- I forget the Book / verse.

    As Jesus states: "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." ( Matthew 16:27)

    When the Lord and Savior returns, He will happily be looking upon the good works of His faithful servants.

    "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" ( James 2:26), look at Romans 3:31, Galatians 3:12, James 2:18-20, etc.

    Our FAITH is plainly seen through our righteous acts (WORKS) by obeying the LAWS of God (which do not apply to

    usonly.when we don't break them).

    Have you looked into the Dead Sea Scrolls?
  • Chris - In Reply on 1 Maccabees 3:48 - 3 years ago
    Oh, I forgot your last question. My answer: No, I've never researched or studied the Dead Sea Scrolls.
  • Chris - In Reply on 1 Maccabees 3:48 - 3 years ago
    D.J., I agree heartily with your general comment that "faith without works is dead". Yet, it is that seed of believing faith which is what the Lord seeks. Indeed, 'our works do follow us' ( Rev 14:13) & that is important, but 'without faith it is impossible to please God' & to just correct Luke 18:8, "when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find FAITH on Earth?"

    The writer's intent of 1 Macc 2:52 would normally be read as: 'Was not Abraham found faithful when (God asked him to offer up his son & he was obedient to perform this act because of his faith)? And though a cursory examination of this reveals no error here, the 'measurement' of his faith was not based on that fact (as good as it might have been), but on his faith in God to provide a substitute sacrifice or not even one at all, since God was One Who could be trusted implicitly even when He acts outside our human understanding & reasoning. It was that faith, even to the killing of his son for a reason known only to God (& for maybe many other examples of this in his life), that warranted Abraham's inclusion into the 'Hall of Faith Heroes'.

    So, I agree with you, that it took great faith in what Abraham did, maybe some of us would fail even here, but rather, I see Abraham commended for his faith in God in spite of anything that he could have done which clearly was outside his human understanding, calculations & experience. He must have gone through much emotional anguish & faith testing but his faith overrode his human inclinations.

    Our works as a result of faith give visible proof to another person of its validity. But does this fact come under the purview of God or rather, on the 'seed' of our faith alone (i.e. at the 'evidence & germination of that seed)? Anyway, just sharing my understanding of this as I've tried to consider all the relevant Scripture over the years. However, your comments are much appreciated & thanks for your time to consider this important matter.



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