By Susan Michael, Charisma News
New Christians struggling to study their Bible are often taught to read the Scriptures as though they were written personally to them, even reciting the scriptures using one’s own name in place of the verse’s subject. While it is important to apply Scripture to one’s own life, it is equally important to not ignore the original context of the scripture and the original recipient of that particular promise.
For example, a special verse that brings comfort to a person who may be experiencing difficulty is Isaiah 49:16 “See, I have inscribed you [insert name] on the palms of My hands.” This verse lets the believer know that they are known by the Lord, and He holds them before Him, as it were, in the palms of His hands. It is a beautiful verse.
It may be a great surprise to many to learn that the verse is originally intended for Jerusalem, the city that personifies the people of Israel, for verse 17 goes on to say “Your walls are continually before Me.” An over-personalization of the scriptures can actually result in a Christian who can recite verses from their Bible but has failed to understand what the book is about.
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The article lost me at “Replacement Theology.”
Replacement theology? Where?
“Isaiah 46:13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.”
“While it is important to apply Scripture to one’s own life, it is equally important to not ignore the original context of the scripture and the original recipient of that particular promise.”
Yes, observe, interpret, correlate and apply the verse in context of what is written objectively with Biblical Exposition teaching and preaching.
Replacement theology is mentioned in the continuation of the link at the bottom of the article above. There can be an interesting discussion about how the church fulfills the promises to Israel, but within the PCUSA, it’s hard to have a fruitful discussion on doctrine if the source for doctrine, Scripture, is not respected as the source of doctrine.
Where did the “[insert name]” come from? It doesn’t seem to be i the original text.
It’s very rare to see a Charisma article published in a presbyterian publication.