Prayer Challenge Update
errancy@infidels.org errancy@infidels.org
Tue, 4 May 1999 02:12:29 EDT (00925816349, a61c8e6e.245fe9cd@aol.com)
LIVINGSTON
How about this one?
1 John 3:22
"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his
commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."
Obviously this verse isn't directed to Jesus' direct disciples.
=====================
Joe Alward:
It's not obvious to *me* that John is referring to future generations of
believers; he may very well only be referring to Jesus' contemporaries, just
the ones whose obedience would be noted--and rewarded--during Jesus' time on
earth.
===========
Livingston:
. . .If you take a quick look-see at the context of John 14:13-14 you will
see that Jesus is addressing anyone who "believes on him", not just his
immediate disciples.
===============
Joe Alward:
John 14:13-14 says "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do. .
. If you ask any thing in my name, I will do it."
I'm sorry, but these verses only make it certain that Jesus was making a
promise to those who would live during Jesus' time on earth, during which
time he would be there to reward their obedience. There's nothing here that
necessarily implies that the promise is good for all future generations.
Jesus had already told everyone that the Kingdom of God was soon to come;
that's when the disciples would be repaid for obeying Jesus' commands.
You'll have to come up with more to convince me that the Bible writer had
anyone from twenty centuries in the future in mind.