Please, no flack for this post. Just a thought that came to me as I was studying that I had a little fun with. Then, the more I did it, the more it made sense. Just wanted to share it.
Below is a passage from Romans as it reads in the NIV:
28A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God – Romans 2:28-29
Then the thought came to me to replace a couple of words, just a couple and see how it sounds. What kind of meaning would it have? The two words were Jew and circumcision. You can read the change below.
A man is not a Christian if he is only one outwardly, nor is baptism merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Christian if he is one inwardly; and baptism is baptism of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.
I thought it was kind of cool and had a little spice to it at the same time. I am curious as to what you think, but, I don’t want to get into some big huge debate in this post about baptism. Maybe someday in the future. I just don’t feel that this is the post for it.
Because of HIM
SC
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4 Comments
Oh, I like that. I can totally see how some might take issue with it, but there’s no doubt that the statement you came up with is true. And some people say the Bible is boring. Ha!
karen’s last blog post..I don’t belong here
I do that sometimes too–most often I like replacing names with my name or just insert my name altogether, just so I can more easily put myself in context of the verse.
I do that, too, Ryan. One of my litmus tests, so to speak, is to use 1 Corinthians 13 to see how I’m doing loving others. Thankful for a friend who taught me to personalize the Word early in my walk with God. Helps to keep it real, ya know?
karen’s last blog post..I don’t belong here
@Karen – Boring?!? Ha is right.