Here is the original:
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Now, here is 'my' version:
"If any single thing or person is contained by Christ, he is a creation that is different from the one in the past. The old has died; look at it, the new has appeared. All this is from God, who by way of Christ made us friendly again to himself and made a gift to us the act of serving in making others friendly again to Him; that is, in Christ God was making friendly again, the world to himself, not naming or adding up their going beyond the limits of what is right against them, and turning over for safekeeping to us the message of making friendly again. Therefore, we are the highest ranking diplomatic representatives for Christ, God making his urgent request by way of us. We earnestly ask you in the interest of Christ, be made friendly again to God. For our sake he caused Him to become any offense or fault who knew no offense or fault, so that in Him we might grow to be acting in a just and upright manner."
I find it interesting how looking up the words and then incorporating them really gives me a different understanding of the verses. 'My' version is kind of clunky, the punctuation is all wrong; BUT, it gave me a better idea of what it was talking about.
And, isn't that the point?
3 comments:
I always enjoy the deeper meaning definitions give words. Have you ever used the Webster's 1828 to look up words? They often have Scripture references which are very helpful.
No, I have never looked at that; but, I will now!! Thanks. :)
As I have spent time looking deeper into the Word of God, I've realized that no matter how many layers I seem to find, I know I am just scratching the surface! Amazing, His Word is! But yes, I have also tried to look up each word - try studying the acts of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-21) and fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It is such a useful tool to do this. I have been so frustrated at times with the fact that people get so messed up on simple things (myself included at times, of course!). I taught a Women's Bible Study in my home for a season, and I taught one lesson called "Worldly Love Vs. Biblical Love." So many Christians don't even understand that Godly, Biblical love is one that corrects and rebukes, as well as encourages and teaches! (See 2 Timothy 3:16 -- Fifty percent of those words have negative connotations!) If I want to love & live correctly - as Christ does it - then I need to really understand the meanings of the words, and the dictionary helps me with that. Now that I know the 1828 dictionary is online, I will be using that also! What a treasure you have shared with me. Thank you, and happy homeschooling in His grace! SB, Homeschooler & mommy of 5 munchkins, writing from an air base in Germany! :)
P.S. One of my favorite websites for Godly teaching is www.voiceofevangelism.org. I'll mention right up front that this minister is of a Pentecostal background, just in case that should offend anyone, but we always watch his weekly video (called "Manna-Fest") right from this website. If you don't mind the "full-gospel," you might also want to check him out. Just one of MY "treasures." :) Oh, and I'm by no way affiliated with this ministry other than that I have learned so much from it, and since you were on the subject of Scripture, I just wanted to share also. TTFN!
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