If it did "speak for itself," there would be no further comment from you. You contradict yourself by your actions.
jt: I'm not arguing with scripture John; I referenced this scripture and Izzy wrote it out. What actions do you refer
to here?
No action in mind. But I will say this: no scripture speaks for itself apart from context. They were not written in our language. Much of scriture was not addressed to us in modern times. No scripture was written by one who is analytical in his thinking or systematic in his theology. None. We are just that -- analytical and given to systems theology. If I might be allowed this term - "converse theology." That would be assuming that each biblical statement has an opposite and converse truth. The Oriental mind did not think this way. When Jesus says, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Converse theology would argue that sin (commandment violations) is evidence that we do not love the Lord.........when, of course, that is not true.
Anyway, all of this goes into understanding the meaning of a passage of thought written in another language, to a different mind set in a very different time.
John
