So Near, and yet, So Far

This oft used phrase is “target locked” when it comes to purveying our spirituality against the standard by which are compared. The Lord, and those of us who are human, know that we can never attain the complete, or perfect, nature of God, this side of eternity. But, through the Spirit of God, His children are strengthened to pursue spiritual maturity and completion.

One such example of our being so near, but yet, so far away, would be the golden rule. Interestingly enough, compare the golden rule of conduct among men, with the Jewish rule of justice.

Historically, the axiom, “an eye for an eye”, as I understand it, was a description of retaliation that equated the crime to the punishment (Exodus 21:24). Such was a vast improvement in human relations over the vengeance in retaliation to which Cain was subjected. But, Jesus’ teachings, in Matthew 5:38, represent another improvement, and raises the bar toward complete and perfect spirituality. Does it?

Some have stated that “an eye for an eye” was a reactive, or retribution, statute. It certainly has evolved into such. But, at the heart of “an eye for an eye” is not reaction, but proaction. If a person knows the law allows equitable retaliation, it might serve as a deterrent to a harmful act. Whether stealing property, taking a life, causing injury, or harming in any way, knowing that the same can be inflicted to me, in retaliation, can serve to shape my behavior. So, you can see, the originator of the harmful cycle is just as governed as the initial victim who seeks retaliation under “an eye for an eye”.

In a sense, taken from the perspective of a man, he could pre-think his behavior, and come to the conclusion… if I don’t want my ox stolen, then I shouldn’t steal another man’s ox. Agree? Sounds a lot like the golden rule. So near, but yet, so far!

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is the same, in many aspects, as the intent of “an eye for an eye”. However, “do unto others” provides a couple of clear and distinctive benefits to “an eye for an eye”.

First, it pre-empts any misapplication of “an eye for an eye”, and restricts, if not eliminates retaliation.

Second, and most importantly, “do unto others” is proactive, and goes to the heart of each individual. It eliminates the cycle of getting even. It promotes a spirit of well being among humans, and therefore, becomes more complete and more perfect, as the spiritual is compared to the carnal.

It is clear the Law showed God’s people how they could follow the letter of the law, and not ever connect with the spirit, or intent, of the Law. That’s why Jesus said He came to “fulfill” or complete the Law. Actually, He came to perfect His children, and conform them into the nature of the Father. So near, but yet, so far.

As a man thinks in his heart, so he is.

When we began publishing The Areopagus Script, we said that from time to time we would recommend some good resources. A new book, “Seeking True Unity”, will be available in just a few days. It deals with the anniversary of 1906 and the split between churches of Christ and the Disciples of Christ/Christian Church. There is currently a movement to bring unity between these two groups. We wish for unity but only a Biblical one. This 64-page book with five lessons deals with this issue. We hope you will consider it for a special five-week class for your adults and teens.

Seven preachers (Mike Baker, Mike Greene, Wayne Hatcher, Steve Higginbotham, Dale Jenkins, Jeff A. Jenkins, & Phil Sanders) have been working on this project for months.

Every church, every elder, every class, and every group should consider the message presented in this book. It reveals the will of God and the path to true, Biblical unity.

The church was torn to shreds from 1860-1900 over the issue of instrumental music. You'll recall that the federal government's census bureau recognized the division between churches of Christ and the Disciples of Christ/Christian Church in that year. This book deals with the problems associated with that division and the current threats to Biblical unity today.

We believe that going back to the Bible and refusing to give in to the innovation and presumption of our day is the only course for the unity for which Jesus prayed in John 17. It is man-made religion that divides, and we believe the only way to find unity is to divest ourselves of any and all man-made religion.

This book sells for $4 each. Shipping and handling will be added to mailed orders. KY tax will be added to those ordering from KY.

You can order this book in the following ways:

1. Fill out the order form below and email to orders@seektrueunity.org .
2. Fill out the order form and mail to Seek True Unity, P. O. Box 503, Glasgow, KY 42125-0503.
3. Contact any of the seven men involved in this project. You can order it through us by calling (972) 977-9871.
4. Contact your local church literature supplier and request this book.

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The Best Translation

Sometimes, whether writing for a blog, a periodical, a magazine or any venue that expects regular input, I find myself always thinking about what to say. There are things that I really want to write about, whether the articles ever get published or not. There are things that need to be written, whether anyone ever reads it or not. This creates a process where I become absorbed with what I “need”, or “want”, to say.

Sometimes I need to just listen, and hear what others have to say, and on occasion share what I’ve heard with others.

Such is the case with this article. This thought didn’t originate with me. I heard my father-in-law, Jim Cox, mention this point, almost as an aside, in a sermon this past Lord’s day. I think it is certainly worth sharing.

Over the last few years, I have become very interested in the Greek New Testament, and all the trappings that go with the question of how we got our English Bible.

I have been asked on numerous occasions my opinion on the “best” translation. I have researched, to some extent, many of the current versions and paraphrased versions, the old English Bibles that pre-date the King James Version, the Vulgate, the Septuagint, the two Greek texts that English versions are based on, and the five manuscripts that generated the two Greek texts. I have come to the conclusion that no single translation is the “best”. All have strengths and flaws, and all have their biases.

It is no coincidence that my recent passion has exposed me to the brilliance of Hugo McCord on the topic of Biblical language.

My answer to the question of “best” translation, prior to Sunday, would have been a combination of several versions, particularly the NKJV, NASB, RSV and NIV. Additionally, I use McCord’s Translation of the Everlasting Gospel. If I find agreement among three of these, I assume accurate translation. When questions arise, I go back to the Greek and stumble through, as best I can, before I ask others for opinions and search commentaries. That, I believed, was the best translation.

But, Sunday night, the question was put to me, and all in attendance…..

Wouldn’t the best translation of the Bible be the translation we make from page to life? From hearer to doer? Isn’t that the only translation to which many of our friends and neighbors will ever be exposed?

The “best” translation of the Bible? When the Bible is translated into the life of one of its readers. When the revelation of Jesus, the incarnate Word of God, is revealed in our daily lives. When others see Jesus in us.