Hearing God's Call together

Personal Story: When I was a child, playing hide-and-seek outside in the declining daylight of a summer evening, inevitably our front door would open and my mother's voice would call, "Ferd, time to come in!" I would go playing with my friends as though nothing had happened. To anybody passing by, I looked no different from my playmates. But I was different; I had been "called in"; everything was changed. In a similar way Christians -- who may appear no different from others -- have ringing in their ears God's summons to believe and to obey. Henry Thoreau said that some march to a different drummer. Christians do not hear a different drumbeat; they hear Jesus' distant but clear voice saying, "Come, follow me." It sounds over the whir of the lathe, the cry of a baby, the clink of coins, the curses of enemies, the whisper of success, the roar of the crowd, the nagging of conscience.

The Four Stages of Biblical Interpretation. Using the four key words in their proper sequence, we are ready to interpret the Bible correctly.

1. Stage one: observation—The questions asked in this stage are, Do I understand all the facts in this passage? Do I know the context before and after this passage? Do I know the meanings of all the words? Do I understand the general flow of the discussion? Do I understand the cultural background? It is necessary to clear up all the factual problems before moving into the theological meaning of the passage.

For example, in 1 Corinthians 8 the apostle Paul discusses eating meat that had been offered to idols. What is the background? When meat was sacrificed to an idol, that which was not eaten by the priests was sold at the market. Some Corinthian Christians said it was permissible to eat the meat since idols are nothing but wood and stone. Others thought it was not permissible because it might appear they were still involved in pagan worship. Only after we understand these facts may we go on to the next stage of interpretation.

2. Stage two: interpretation—The basic question asked in this stage is, What did the author mean in his own historical setting? We must put ourselves in the shoes of Scripture’s original audience. To answer this question, there are two further questions we may ask. The first is, What does the passage actually say? Many times we forget to look carefully at what a passage says. Some cite Matthew 5:21–22 as proof that to think bad is just as wrong as doing it. Is anger as bad as murder? Of course not. (Common sense tells us that, if nothing else.) But the text does not actually say they are the same. It says the law against murder is not fully obeyed by mere outward obedience, but by maintaining the proper attitude of not being angry, which in turn prohibits the outward act of murder.

The second question is, Does the context help define the meaning of the passage? For example, what does Scripture mean when it says, “There is no God” (Ps. 53:1)? Context shows this is a statement made by a fool. What does Paul mean when he says Jesus will return like “a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2)? Context shows it means His coming will be sudden (v. 3). Should women remain totally silent in the church (1 Cor. 14:34)? No, since the context of 1 Corinthians 11:5 shows that women may pray or prophesy.

Does Jesus’ statement, “When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites” (Matt. 6:16) demand that His disciples fast? No, because Matthew 9:14 shows that Jesus’ disciples did not fast while He was alive. (The beauty of using Scripture to interpret Scripture is that when the Bible answers its own questions, then we know the answer is correct.) The twin matters of what the text actually says and the passage’s context help complete the second stage of interpretation.

There are times when even these two questions will not help us understand the meaning of a passage. Sometimes we have to read between the lines and make an educated guess as to what the passage means. This is fine when necessary. But we must remember that we are guessing, and we must keep an open mind to other possible interpretations.

Integrity is also a necessary element in all biblical interpretation. If we tell someone about what a friend said, we should try to be as accurate as possible. If we are not sure about a certain point, we should say, “I think this is what he said.” We all do this with our friends. So why then, when we interpret Scripture, do many of us lose that integrity? Why do we not read the text carefully? Why do we read between the lines, make fanciful interpretations that are more a product of our imagination than reverent study, and then insist that this is what the text actually says?

In interpreting the Bible, we must never forget whose letters we are reading. They have come from God Himself, and they demand respect. They demand to speak for themselves. They demand that we be honest and have integrity. We must not put our guesswork on the same level as the words of God.

How do we interpret 1 Corinthians 8? Once we understand the facts and background of the passage, once we have asked what the passage actually is saying and what is its context, then we see that Paul is teaching the principle of voluntarily refraining from a practice that, although not wrong in and of itself, might be harmful to a fellow Christian. We have completed the first step of interpretation. We have seen what the passage meant in the day and age of the author.

3. Stage three: evaluation—The stage of evaluation asks, What does the passage signify in today’s culture? It is the issue of whether a passage of Scripture applies to us today, or whether it is limited to the culture in which it was originally written.

The question raised by the evaluation process is answered one of two ways. Either the passage is applied directly to our culture, or it must be reapplied because of cultural differences. The vast majority of New Testament teaching can be applied directly to 20th-century culture. If we love God, regardless of when or where we live, then we must obey His commandments (John 14:15). This teaching is true in any culture for all times.

But sometimes a biblical teaching is directed so specifically to the culture of the ancient world that another culture cannot understand it. For example, Western culture today generally does not sacrifice meat to idols, and therefore the meaning of 1 Corinthians 8 may be lost. How then do we evaluate its meaning for us?

It is helpful at this point to define two terms. A “cultural expression” is a statement that can be understood only within a certain cultural context. An “eternal principle” is a principle that God uses to govern the world regardless of culture. “I will never again eat meat, lest it make my brother stumble” (1 Cor. 8:13), is a cultural expression because it is understandable only within those cultures that offer meat to idols. “God is love” (1 John 4:8) is an eternal principle because it is understandable in all cultures.

But we should clearly understand that every cultural expression in the Bible is the result of some eternal principle. And even though a cultural expression cannot be carried over directly to another culture, the eternal principle behind it can. Just because it is cultural does not mean it can be ignored.

A good example of this important principle might be the teaching that we should always be polite when we are guests for dinner. In America, this principle could express itself as “Eat all the food on the table lest you insult your host’s cooking.” But in Uganda it is important that food be left on the serving plates lest it appear your host has not sufficiently provided for you.

Therefore, whereas the principle shows itself in America as “Eat all the food,” the same principle shows itself in Uganda as “Leave some of the food on the serving plates.” The task of the Biblical interpreter is to look through any cultural expression to the eternal principle that gave rise to it, and to reapply the principle in his own culture. This is the process of evaluation. Is it cultural? If it is, how does the eternal principle that gave rise to the cultural expression reapply in the new culture?

Two implications can be drawn from this. First, if a statement is cultural, then there must be a principle that gave rise to the cultural statement. But if no principle can be found, then what was thought to be cultural must in fact be an eternal principle. Second, if the interpreter is not sure whether a statement is cultural, would it not be better to be safe and view the statement as eternal, lest a command of God be ignored?

We should also remember that just as a biblical passage can be set in its culture, so interpreters are likewise controlled to some extent by their own culture. Many people today do not believe that the biblical accounts of miracles are true. For example, some scholars argue that miracles were a part of first-century culture and were believed by the people in Jesus’ day. But this is the 20th century and people do not believe in miracles in this culture. But these scholars’ views on the impossibility of the supernatural are likewise influenced by the materialistic, science-oriented culture in which they live. We must be careful not to allow our own culture to influence our view of Scripture.

4. Stage four: application—Up to this point, the process of interpreting the Bible has been academic. But it is absolutely essential to recognize that the purpose and goal of Bible study is a godly life. Study is not complete until we put into practice what we have learned.

The question to ask at this stage of interpretation is, “How can I apply what I have learned to how I live my life?” The academic and the practical are thus fused into a meaningful approach to the Bible’s message. Some people dismiss the academic as boring and trivial. Others reject the application as unnecessary. Both extremes are equally wrong. The Bible interpreter must walk the tightrope between these approaches. A three-act play is unsatisfying without the final act. The last act, without the first two, does not make sense. Sometimes in Bible study it is necessary to emphasize the academic when the passage is difficult to understand, or to emphasize the application when the passage’s practical relevance is confusing. But one of these approaches should never be used to the exclusion of the other.

Romans 1:6 (NIV)6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 2:14 (NIV)14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Galatians 1:15-17 (NIV)15 But when God, who set me apart from birth a and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

Philippians 3:14 (NIV)14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 1:10 (NIV)10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,

INTERVIEWING A young minister was being interviewed by a church board for the position of pastor.  One old hard-working Irishman who was on the board looked at the young man sternly and asked, "Young man, did God send you here?"  He replied, "Well, I don't know if God sent me here.  I am here trying to find the will of God and find out if you would like me for your next pastor."  The board member replied, "Young man, did God send you here?"  The young minister was somewhat at a loss for words and came back again, "Well, I just stopped by to talk with the board . . ."  The board member interrupted again and said, "Young man, did God send you here?"  Finally he screwed up his courage and said, "Well, I guess God didn't send me here.  I just stopped by to see about whether we could get together."  The old board member leaned back in his seat and said, "That's good.  The last four said that God had sent them and we have had nothing but trouble with all four of them!" 

In 1945 a young associate pastor named Cliff married his fiancee, Billie.  They had very little money but scraped up enough to take a honeymoon.  When they arrived at the hotel they were told it was now a rehabilitation center and not available to overnight guests.  They hitchhiked to a grocery store several miles down the rode.  The owner was sympathetic to their situation and let them stay in a room over the store.  The owner quickly caught on that they were Christians and referred them to a friend with a nicer place to spend the rest of their honeymoon.  During the week their host invited them to attend a youth rally at a nearby Christian conference center.  The regular song leader was ill that night so Cliff was asked if he might take charge of the music service.  He consented and led the music before a young evangelist named Billy stepped up to preach.  Cliff Barrows met Billy Graham that night and formed a ministry team that has preached the gospel throughout the world for nearly 50 years.  When your plans don't seem to work out, maybe God has something better in mind.

Isaiah 55:5 ...CALL, Personal: By Christ, Isa. 55:5; Rom. 1:6; ...

5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.”

Romans 1:6 ...Christ, Isa. 55:5; Rom. 1:6; by his Spirit, ...

6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:17 ...6; by his Spirit, Rev. 22:17; by his works, ...

17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.

Psalm 19:2 ...17; by his works, Psa. 19:2, 3; Rom. 1:...

2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

Psalm 19:3 ...works, Psa. 19:2, 3; Rom. 1:20; ...

3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. a

Romans 1:20 ...Psa. 19:2, 3; Rom. 1:20; by his ministers, ...

20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Jeremiah 35:15 ...20; by his ministers, Jer. 35:15; 2 Cor. 5:...

15 Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you. They said, “Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your fathers.” But you have not paid attention or listened to me.

2 Corinthians 5:20 ...ministers, Jer. 35:15; 2 Cor. 5:20; by his gospel, ...

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Thessalonians 2:14 ...20; by his gospel, 2 Thess. 2:14. Is from darkness ...

14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9 ...from darkness to light, 1 Pet. 2:9. Addressed to all, ...

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Isaiah 45:22 ...9. Addressed to all, Isa. 45:22; Matt. 20:16. ...

22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

Matthew 20:16 ...all, Isa. 45:22; Matt. 20:16. Most reject, Prov. ...

16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Proverbs 1:24 ...20:16. Most reject, Prov. 1:24; Matt. 20:16. ...

24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,

Psalm 110:3 ...16. Effectual to saints, Psa. 110:3; Acts 13:48; ...

3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth. a

Acts 13:48 ...saints, Psa. 110:3; Acts 13:48; 1 Cor. 1:...

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

1 Corinthians 1:24 ...3; Acts 13:48; 1 Cor. 1:24. Not to many ...

24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

1 Corinthians 1:26 ...Not to many wise, 1 Cor. 1:26. To saints, is ...

26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.

Galatians 1:6 ...saints, is of grace, Gal. 1:6; 2 Tim. 1:...

No Other Gospel 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—

2 Timothy 1:9 ...grace, Gal. 1:6; 2 Tim. 1:9; according to the ...

9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Romans 8:28 ...the purpose of God, Rom. 8:28; 9:11, 23, ...

More Than Conquerors 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, a who b have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 9:11 ...God, Rom. 8:28; 9:11, 23, 24, without ...

11 Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand:

Romans 9:23 ...8:28; 9:11, 23, 24, without repentance, ...

23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—

Romans 9:24 ...28; 9:11, 23, 24, without repentance, Rom. ...

24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?

Romans 11:29 ...23, 24, without repentance, Rom. 11:29; high, Phil. 3:...

29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

Philippians 3:14 ...Rom. 11:29; high, Phil. 3:14; holy, 2 Tim. ...

14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 3:1 ...Tim. 1:9; heavenly, Heb. 3:1; to fellowship with ...

Jesus Greater Than Moses 3 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

1 Corinthians 1:9 ...to fellowship with Christ, 1 Cor. 1:9; to holiness, 1 ...

9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 ...1:9; to holiness, 1 Thess. 4:7; to a prize, ...

7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

Galatians 5:13 ...3:14; to liberty, Gal. 5:13; to peace, 1 ...

13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature a; rather, serve one another in love.

1 Corinthians 7:15 ...5:13; to peace, 1 Cor. 7:15; Col. 3:15; ...

15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.

Colossians 3:15 ...1 Cor. 7:15; Col. 3:15; to glory and ...

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

2 Peter 1:3 ...to glory and virtue, 2 Pet. 1:3; to the eternal ...

Making One’s Calling and Election Sure 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

1 Peter 5:10 ...2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Pet. 5:10; to eternal life, ...

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Timothy 6:12 ...10; to eternal life, 1 Tim. 6:12. Partakers of, justified, ...

12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Romans 8:30 ...12. Partakers of, justified, Rom. 8:30; walk worthy of, ...

30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Ephesians 4:1 ...30; walk worthy of, Eph. 4:1; 2 Thess. 1:...

Unity in the Body of Christ 4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

2 Thessalonians 1:11 ...of, Eph. 4:1; 2 Thess. 1:11; blessedness of receiving, ...

11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.

Revelation 19:9 ...11; blessedness of receiving, Rev. 19:9; is to be ...

9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

2 Peter 1:10 ...to be made sure, 2 Pet. 1:10; praise God for, ...

10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,

Proverbs 8:3 ...Pet. 2:9; illustrated, Prov. 8:3, 4; Matt. 23:...

3 beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud:

Proverbs 8:4 ...illustrated, Prov. 8:3, 4; Matt. 23:3–...

4 “To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

Matthew 23:3-9 ...Prov. 8:3, 4; Matt. 23:3–9. Rejection of, leads ...

3 So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy loads and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 “Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries a wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ 8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one Master and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

Isaiah 6:9 ...leads to judicial blindness, Isa. 6:9, with Acts 28:...

9 He said, “Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’

Acts 28:24-27 ...Isa. 6:9, with Acts 28:24–27; Rom. 11:8–...

24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your forefathers when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 26 ”‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ a

Romans 11:8-10 ...Acts 28:24–27; Rom. 11:8–10; delusion, Isa. 66:...

8 as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes so that they could not see and ears so that they could not hear, to this very day.” d 9 And David says: “May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them. 10 May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever.” e

Isaiah 66:4 ...11:8–10; delusion, Isa. 66:4; 2 Thess. 2:...

4 so I also will choose harsh treatment for them and will bring upon them what they dread. For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. They did evil in my sight and chose what displeases me.”

2 Thessalonians 2:10 ...delusion, Isa. 66:4; 2 Thess. 2:10, 11; withdrawal of ...

10 and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:11 ...2 Thess. 2:10, 11; withdrawal of the ...

11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie

Jeremiah 26:4-6 ...the means of grace, Jer. 26:4–6; Acts 13:46; ...

4 Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: If you do not listen to me and follow my law, which I have set before you, 5 and if you do not listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I have sent to you again and again (though you have not listened), 6 then I will make this house like Shiloh and this city an object of cursing among all the nations of the earth.’”

Acts 13:46 ...Jer. 26:4–6; Acts 13:46; 18:6; Rev. ...

46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 18:6 ...6; Acts 13:46; 18:6; Rev. 2:5; ...

6 But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Revelation 2:5 ...13:46; 18:6; Rev. 2:5; temporal judgments, Isa. ...

5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Isaiah 28:12 ...2:5; temporal judgments, Isa. 28:12; Jer. 6:16, ...

12 to whom he said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”— but they would not listen.

Jeremiah 6:16 ...judgments, Isa. 28:12; Jer. 6:16, 19; 35:17; ...

16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

Jeremiah 6:19 ...12; Jer. 6:16, 19; 35:17; Zech. ...

19 Hear, O earth: I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law.

Jeremiah 35:17 ...Jer. 6:16, 19; 35:17; Zech. 7:12–...

17 “Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Listen! I am going to bring on Judah and on everyone living in Jerusalem every disaster I pronounced against them. I spoke to them, but they did not listen; I called to them, but they did not answer.’”

Zechariah 7:12-14 ...16, 19; 35:17; Zech. 7:12–14; rejection by God, ...

12 They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the LORD Almighty was very angry. 13 ”‘When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen,’ says the LORD Almighty. 14 ‘I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations, where they were strangers. The land was left so desolate behind them that no one could come or go. This is how they made the pleasant land desolate.’”

Proverbs 1:24-32 ...14; rejection by God, Prov. 1:24–32; Jer. 6:19, ...

24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, 26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you— 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. 28 “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. 29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD, 30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, 31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

Jeremiah 6:30 ...32; Jer. 6:19, 30; condemnation, John 12:...

30 They are called rejected silver, because the LORD has rejected them.”

John 12:48 ...6:19, 30; condemnation, John 12:48; Heb. 2:1–...

48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.

Hebrews 2:1-3 ...condemnation, John 12:48; Heb. 2:1–3; 12:25; destruction, ...

Warning to Pay Attention 2 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.

Hebrews 12:25 ...Heb. 2:1–3; 12:25; destruction, Prov. 29:...

25 See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?

Proverbs 29:1 ...3; 12:25; destruction, Prov. 29:1; Matt. 22:3–...

29 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.

Matthew 22:3-7 ...destruction, Prov. 29:1; Matt. 22:3–7.—Bible Text-...

3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. 4 “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ 5 “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business. 6 The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. 7 The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city.