| Jim,
I believe this was covered under my Bible Difficulties topic (#71).
Sorry I can't point you to the exact replies (assuming that there are
any) since I'm running off to school right now. May I suggest that you
poke around Note 71.* to see if it's discussed? If by some chance it
isn't discussed there, I would like to see this topic moved to 71.
Anyway whether it's there (yet) or not, there's a perfectly acceptable
explanation (for me) to the issue. Check out 71.* and report back what
you find. Thanks!
BD�
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| Look carefully at what the Apostle Paul said: "Now concerning virgins
I have no COMMAND of the Lord, but I give an OPINION AS ONE WHO BY THE
MERCY OF THE LORD IS TRUSTWORTHY." (NAS)
Paul simply said he was given no command of the Lord on this matter, but
was offering an opinion as one made trustworthy by the Lord. The Holy
Spirit through Paul gave no command to either marry or remain unmarried.
However, once a man or woman marries, they are bound and necessarily
concerned about pleasing their spouse. Such concern is NOT presented
as wrong, rather as divided interest.
Paul's "opinion" is quite consistent with his learning "in whatever
state I am, therewith to be content...I can do all things through
Christ which strengtheneth me." (Ph.4:11-13, KJV)
And the statement that "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed
undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your
conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things
as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not
fear what man shall do unto me." (He.13:4-6, KJV)
To see Paul's opinion as not inspired by the Holy Spirit's work in his
life is to completely miss the point!
Moreover, I find unconscionable the thought of standing before God to give
account of things done in my flesh and saying I could not accept your
written Word because your faithful servant offered a trustworthy opinion.
Somehow, I don't think that will fly! :-)
/Wayne
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