Heaven On Earth
The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. Psalm 37:31
Law Of His God – David extols the righteous person. He describes God’s delight in this person. He promises God’s protection and blessing. He reminds the righteous of God’s purposes fulfilled in their lives. He emphasizes the fact that the righteous do not slip or stumble. They know God’s ways and confidently walk in them. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? It even sounds good in English, but in Hebrew the full impact of David’s review of the righteous explodes from the scroll. How is it that the righteous enjoy all these benefits? The answer is straightforward. The righteous know torat Elohim.
When we see the Hebrew words, we know David can have only one thing in mind. As far as David is concerned, the righteous live according to Torah, God’s perfect instructions for a blessed life in this world and the world to come. If we had retained the Hebrew torat rather than translating the word with the English “law,” we would have realized that David is not speaking about some inner principle of ethical action. He is not asking us to look into our hearts to find the sign of the Spirit or retreat to a private corner where we can concentrate on hearing God’s voice. There is nothing private about David’s view of God’s ways. They are clearly revealed, written down for anyone to read. Torah is public, obvious and definitive. Just do what God says and your steps will not slip. No one reading the Hebrew text would have thought anything else.
But our English version shifts Torah to law. Yes, it can and does mean “law,” but suddenly the tone of the word becomes ominous, threatening and limiting. Law means regulation, restriction and punishment. In our world, law carries the implication of forceful compliance where God becomes the universal moral policeman making sure we do everything exactly right – or else. Law reminds us of trials, sentences, prisons and men with guns. These are things the American consciousness bitterly rejects. In our world, freedom is the cry of the noble and courageous. No wonder so many otherwise devoted children of the Father squirm when someone like David suggests “law” is the way of the righteous.
I have always wondered why so many Christians believe the Law was done away with at the death of the Messiah. Actually, they believe that the Law was finished, completed and no longer applicable when “Jesus” dies on the cross. Now I realize that these wonderful people are probably reacting to a cultural extension of the word, not to the truth of God’s way of living. They have been schooled so long in the Greek idea of freedom and in the American ideal of liberty that they cannot imagine a world where instructions in righteousness are the equivalent of laws of life. They have a pre-commitment to reading the text as free people in a free society, and so the very word strikes a discordant note of disdain. Another tragedy of reading the Bible as if it were written for our society.
Every man and woman knows that life without a code of instructions is chaos and anarchy. We see daily examples of this lack of a code of behavior in the public schools and in government. No rule, no order. Since every Christian knows that God is a God of order, does it seem reasonable that He would have provided such orderly detail to Israel and then simply given the rest of us a general rule of thumb (“Love God and do as you please,” or “WWJD”)? That doesn’t sound like a God who so carefully constructed the order of the universe that the butterfly effect is a reality. Would He leave His children in the dark, hoping they would find their own way among the weeds?
Torat Elohim is our slice of heaven on earth. It’s the way the world really works – the first design. It’s the goal of the restoration. Is there any reason not to put it into practice? Does our culture bias really count more than the words He revealed so long ago?
Topical Index: Torat elohim, law of God, Psalm 37:31
Yesterday’s offer of the mp3 file on the culture of idolatry was messed up (my mistake). First, it is only 1 of the lectures. Second, you can get to the audio file and the download here.
Sometimes, it is said by Christians, “The Law was nailed to the cross.” I say, “Yes, it was, because the Savior who gave it, is the living Word. Since it was in Him in the beginning, it lives, just as He does, and Scripture indicates it is eternal. He is still the Word in the flesh. How can we separate the Word from the Savior? It cannot be done.”
It seems that we consider the Torah as prescriptive; but what if it is also descriptive? What if (some of) the laws therein are as absolute as gravity? How long would humans have, to realize and correct our mistakes (behavior) before the very planet we inhabit would be destroyed? I expect there is no better portrayal of this than the word ‘chaos’.
Nowadays, whenever I see WWJD?, I know without a doubt – He would follow Torah!
Sometimes, it is said by Christians, “The Law was nailed to the cross.” It was my sin that was nailed to His cross, not G-d’s law. The Law (G-d’s instructions) is found to be good and just and holy. -Think of the Law as a bright, perfect, shining light. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: (Proverbs 6.23) “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;” (Psalm 19:7)- (This is a bad thing?- No, not hardly.) But if we love darkness (that which conceals and hides) would we want to come to the light? No, not hardly. -Roaches scatter when we turn in the light.
The “Christians” who say this are not “little Christs.” How many times did our Savior say “thus saith the scripture” or “it is written?” The New(er) Covenant had not even been written when He said this! -(hello?)
So, -does the Old(er) Covenant have value or worth? Absolutely. It is (only) the foundation of the entire house- that’s all..(lol!) “Every” word of G-d is pure. -All of them.
The liberty we now have (and enjoy!) is not license. We are not free to do as we want. We are free to do as He wants. We are (now) free to do as we ought. We are free (and empowered) to obey. The law which once condemned us- now consecrates us.
I (now) want my sin to be revealed and to be removed. I want the cancer of sin irradiated from my life through “light-therapy.” Massive doses of light. I’m no longer running from the light (that which reveals). I am now (willingly) wanting my sin “exposed.” Why?- I want it gone. This stuff has got to go! I want to live “clean” before my Abba. Why?- Because He (my Father) is holy. I want to be like Him.
If this is the desire of my heart, and this is the desire of His heart, -what do you think will be the outcome of this? I’ll guarantee you- “change” is gonna happen. We (Adonai and I) are now “laborers together.” He convicts, I repent (which does include a change of behavior) and then we are both- “back to happy!”
It takes two- a sinner (me), and a Savior (Him). It really is a beautiful way to live.
I find that my fellow church members (not Torah followers) take a very light view on the instructions for living from the Torah. It is done so glibly, without thought that I wonder if they have every spent any time with the torah outside of the opening of Genesis, and maybe the story of the escape from Egypt. I do not do much better than my firends, but I am becoming more aware that there is more to the Christian faith than I was taught and that Greek thought is my downfall. I think it is time I go back to becoming more aware of the Hebrew World View. I can do this because I know that with God’s help I will suceed.
Hi Roy,
A suggestion, just start a Genesis and work your way through to Deuteronomy. First Fruits of Zion has a great Torah study lesson plan with some excellent commentary.
Learning and following Torah has been the biggest blessing in my life. I’ve been doing this for 8 years. It has taken me into the most profound walks of life that I would never had discovered had I not had applied mental/physical/spiritual hygiene. It has changed my life. YHWH is so sweet and good! Bless His Name forever! Thank you Yeshua!!!!!
Robin
Hey Roy,
I’ve noticed the same thing as you, and I’ve also found that the Greek world of thought drives me nuts (and I’m a literature teacher – imagine how much more so, as I struggle not to teach it!). I’m just starting out on this path, and some days it’s awesome. Other days I get frustrated and wish I could sit down and do a 20-questions kind of thing with someone (God would be nice). But, it’s totally revolutionary in the way that I view things. I’m completely confused sometimes, and I’ve had to completely start from scratch about everything I thought I knew… but wow! It’s amazing how deep and rich and … (I can’t think of the word… it’s like gooey in that it envelopes me, but…) so much more than I knew growing up. You can do it, because You have God’s help. But you also have the support of this entire community. 🙂
Hi Skip, thank you so much for this! I have to write a few pages on all the misunderstandings of the law that” has gone away and dissappeared into thin air” and your insight will ease some hearts.
I don’t know if you or anyone else are familiar with the ” The Rabbi’s son”. I found this beautiful insight into how to Sh’ma and the blessing of the Torah(law) only a few days ago: http://www.kanaanministries.org/Downloads/Hebraic/ShmaAHebraicConcept.pdf The original comes from : rabbisson@cableone.net
“Torah is not to be law for us, because every law is finite, has loopholes and exceptions. The Torah is infinte….. it is literal, but so much more. Each “law” in Torah is like a door that leads to a room and somewhere in it is a hidden door that leads to a deep bottomless ocean.
…Sh’ma, Yisrael!” can therefore be paraphrased: ” COME CLOSER! COME TO THE KING’S CHAMBERS! IT IS THERE IN THE KING’S CHAMBERS, THAT THE CIRCUMSISION OF THE HEART, WHICH IS THE OBJECT OF TORAH, OCCURS” ….. William G.Bullock,Sr
Also, according to mr Bullock, Adam did sh’ma’d what his wife said. He LISTENED,HEARD,DEVELOPED AN INTELLECTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT SHE SAID, ADOPTED HER STATEMENT AS TRUE AND LET IT COMPLETELY CHANGE HIS WAY OF THINKING, HIS WAY OF RELATING TO CREATION AND HIS BEHAVIOUR. WE ARE TO SH’MA YHWH THE WAY ADAM SH’MA’D CHAVA.
Luzette, you have been a blessing to someone- today..”me!”
The Hebrew word sh’ma, on the other hand, means “listen, and pay full
attention, as if your life depended on it … (-it does!-)
Find your Bible, (the book with the dust on it). Place your finger on any random verse,and say with me, -“thus saith the LORD.” (Where’s my Staples Easy Button?) That wasn’t to hard to do, was it? Wanna try it again? (We should make a habit out of doing this..) This, y’all, (it’s the Dixie in me), is G-d’s Book. It (in its entirety) is G-d’s book of instruction. It (in it’s entirety) is the law of the LORD. Not just the Old(er) Covenant-not just the New(er) Covenant-not “either/or”- it’s both. “All y’all.”
“Every word of G-d is pure.” All of them. – “It is written.” “Man, (that’s us) shall not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of G-d.” (Did I just read -every word?
– How hard is this people? (Where’s that “Easy Button”?)
“The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. Psalm 37:31”
Hi Skip, et al,
I Googled “Psalm 37:31” and found the following passages related to the passage above at http://www.biblegateway.com/
“Deuteronomy 11:18; Deuteronomy 32:46; Psalm 37:31; Isaiah 51:7; Jeremiah 31:33 (English Standard Version)”
You can listen to readings of the related passages at BibleGateway.com. The readings of the Biblical text are worth listening to.
Deuteronomy 11:18
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
Deuteronomy 32:46
“Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law.
Psalm 37:31
The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
Isaiah 51:7
“Listen to me, you who know righteousness,
the people(B) in whose heart is my law;
fear not the reproach of man,
nor be dismayed at their revilings.
Jeremiah 31:33
But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put my law within them, and I will write it(C) on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
well done brother Michael. Every Christian, “worth his salt” wll hear (shema) what the LORD our G-d Has said and will obey His life-giving, life-sustaining, everlasting, unchanging words. What were the words of Yeshua concerning this? (Remember?)
Thanks Carl!
There are a few things that I tend to remember.
But neither my listening ability nor my short term memory were ever all that good.
Maybe you can help me remember what the words of Yeshua concerning this point were? 🙂
“Law means regulation, restriction and punishment.” You appear to be saying there’s a difference between law and Torah, and you provided this definition of law.
Num: 35:31-“Moreover, ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.” (KJV)
Or, “Also, you are not to accept a ransom in lieu of the life or a murderer condemned to death; rather, he must be put to death” (The Complete Jewish Bible).
These words of Torah include everything you attribute to law: regulation, restriction and punishment.
I wonder if the real problem is again Gen. 3:5, sin – man’s desire to be his own god, making up his own rules. “No one is telling me what to do.” Call it Torah or call it law. Man’s propensity is to find all kinds of reasons to avoid Torah or law, especially if it comes from the God who created all things.
It is amazing so many Christians believe the law is done away with. But what is equally amazing is the remaining number of Christians who don’t believe that, who still think Old Testament Law, under the Ten Headings, summarized by Yeshua as love God and love your neighbor, are the standards to live by. Today I drove past the Catholic Church in Tyrone, PA, and there in stone are the Ten Commandments and Yeshua’s words underneath, a monument to the Torah.
I always thought it was weird that some of the laws were kept, studies, and focused on, while others were ignored, broken, and shoved under the carpet. For example, God forbid that I get a tattoo, but go right ahead and have some more bacon.
That’s what led me here (okay, that and Skip speaking about the ezer kenegdo at my church). 🙂
The first time I asked about the contradictions, Skip told me to keep reading and I’d figure it out. Ah, the truth in those words. And now I’m hooked. Yeah!
Hi Amanda,
Selective Torah keeping has always been a problem of “the people of the Book”. Read the Prophets and the words of the Messiah. Who was it who said, “Consistency, where art thou?”
“…under the Ten Headings, summarized by Yeshua…”
Hi Ian – Yeshua wasn’t summarising… he was pointing His listeners to sections of Torah. The 613 commandments can be grouped by classification. Yeshua points to two groups of commandments that are (to his mind) the ‘greatest’. Debating the commandments (mitzvot) was – and is – a favourite Rabbinic past-time. Now, remember, ‘greatest’ doesn’t signify hierarchy (Greek); ‘greatest’ indicates the ones that produce the most results. Be blessed.
Skip, your other comment about law as an abstraction – which I think is what you were getting to to — would also be avoided if people read the NT description of love. Yeshua said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” The writer of 1 John 5:3 said words to the effect “This is the love of God that we keep his commandments.” Effectively, Torah has been stripped out of love, so now we have two abstractions: love and law.
Reading 19th century romantic notions into the word “love” in Scripture is a great problem, and you’re doing a fine job of pointing that out. Don’t stop!
The outstanding question is this one: Is this desire to misread the Bible on these things a problem of Greek philosophy alone, or does this desire predate the Greeks and drive us right back into Genesis chapter 3’s description of the Fall?
In other words, is it a philosophical problem or a sin problem? Sin being, in NT language, a “violoation of Torah” (I John 3:4)
Hi Ian,
Please see my comments inline.
Ian: The outstanding question is this one: Is this desire to misread the Bible on these things a problem of Greek philosophy alone or does this desire predate the Greeks and drive us right back into Genesis chapter 3’s description of the Fall?
Mike: I don’t think most folks have any “desire” to misread the Bible. Why would a person intentionally misread the text?
I would bet that the vast majority of Christians in history have never read the Bible from end to end in the first place.
But if a person bothered to read the Bible from Genesis to Malachi (1547 pages in my Bible), and tried to understand the related history, theology, culture, and literature, he/she would have no problem with Greek philosophy at this point.
In my view, the problem is that Christians don’t read the Bible from the beginning.
If they did, when they got to Matthew they would not find a new God in the form of a man.
They would find a Jew named Yeshua, who calls himself the Son of Man, and talks about the Hebrew God in Hebrew scripture and a new sect of Judaism.
This much I agree with (and perhaps more). Most Christians believe a theology that is not espoused by their theologians. In other words, they are far more experiential than rational. They do not intentionally misread the text. Neither do most theologians, but they have presuppositions that govern how they read that text, and consequently fit the text into the paradigm rather than challenge the paradigm. The problem is not Greek philosophy. It is the accommodation of a Hebrew Scripture to the metaphysics of Greek philosophy. Change the meanings of the terms = get new results.
I agree completely, but that is much more difficult to say than what I said 🙂
So what are the correct presuppositions? Where do they come from? How do we know they are the correct ones? I guess we have to wait for your forthcoming book to answer these questions? 🙂
“So what are the correct presuppositions?”
Hi Ian,
It seems to me that we have two sets of presuppositions.
On the one hand, we have the Hebrew worldview, and on the other we have the Greek.
I tend to think of these worldviews as different ideological “frameworks” or sets of ideas.
The Hebrew worldview is authentic: it is what it is; like Coke, it is the “real thing.”
The Greek worldview is a derivative of the real thing, used to serve the “dying gods.”
The Greek worldview is a form of “false consciousness” and it needs to be demystified.
In my view, what Skip does everyday is demystify meanings of the text that are False.
And illuminate meanings of the text that are Authentic.
Of course it predates the Greeks, but in our Western culture, the Greeks are the foundation of our civilization and its interpretations of the text. Not so in Eastern civilizations. By the way, it’s important to note that the serpent does not question God’s words. The verse does not read, “Did God say?” as if doubt were being introduced. The serpent agrees with God, but questions God’s authority. That is a very old issue, isn’t it?
“Of course it predates the Greeks, but in our Western culture, the Greeks are the foundation of our civilization and its interpretations of the text.”
Hi Skip,
I absolutely agree and think you make a very imortant point about why the Bible is so difficult for us to understand.
We live in an ideological matrix of what you so brilliantly describe as the Greek worldview.
But I was as deeply submerged in the Greek worldview as anyone when I first read the Bible from end to end.
My point is that it is one thing to say we can’t really see the Hebrew meanings in the Bible because of our Greek worldview.
But another to see this Jewish man, who aligns himself with the prophets and talks about the importance of praying to his Father (God) rather than to himself, as God.
It is a pretty simple story, and his own mother doesn’t even seem to know he is God, or she wouldn’t worry about him, would she?
When the ideological contruct of Christianity was created, it was to support a non-Jewish society.
A new God to be worshipped on Sunday.
The common misconception seems to be that the “power” of most is in the ability to produce wealth and status. We do not look past the supersized megaculture of western hedonism to the vastness of all creation and realize that without YHWH we have nothing.
Earlier today I viewed a show on the History Channel on the “branch of Christianity” some mountain people of NC, Tennessee and W. Va. participate(d) in using poisonous snakes during church services. I purposely do not use the term worship associated with this venue since there is no Scriptural basis for this practice and we understand that worship far exceeds what takes place in a building on Sundays. This show is an extreme example of what happens when a verse is taken totally out of context and one man can start another denomination, as if to improve on what YHWH declared to be the way, the truth and the life. A comment made by the narrator struck me as the core of this presentation. These people were free to practice their religion however they wanted (my paraphrase). Isn’t this basically what has been going on since the very beginning?
“Greek vs. Hebrew” It is not “either/or” – it’s both. Think Scripturally, -please. It will unite us all and give us peace. G-d (YHWH) loves us all. True or False? Yes,or no?- Does He love us?- I’ll ask again, -does He?
Does G-d love the Jew? Does He? Does G-d love the Gentile? Does He? Did Christ die for sinners? – Did He? Did He? Are we all sinners?- Are we? Are any of us without sin?”-Are we? Am I- a sinner? Did Christ die on the cross for me? Did He? -Did He?
Where is our malfunction? What is this thing that divides us? What is it that unites us, and brings us together as one? Meet me at the cross, brother, I’ll be waiting for you there. I’ll be the one who is kneeling, -praying for you.
Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;
Wounded and bleeding, -for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding, -dying for me!
From a purely linguistic point of view, both Greek and Hebrew communicate God’s message. But from a worldview-metaphysics, the Greek (Western) world stands in opposition to the HEbraic (Eastern) world on nearly every plank of the platform. The nature of Man, the essence of God, the idea of time, the idea of history, the concept of law, the concept of sin, the idea of government, the place of obedience, the status of rationality, the concept of perfection, etc. etc. are all fundamentally different. If we interpret the Greek text without its LXX-Hebraic background, we make a serious exegetical mistake (as every scholar knows). But if we read even the Hebrew text with an underlying Greek worldview, we will be just as mistaken. Every major doctrine of Christianity is affected by these two opposing paradigms. The actually language is not in dispute. It is the thought patterns submerged within the language that presents the problem. Cf. Benjamin Lee Whorf Thought and Reality
I agree and concur there is a “circumcised” world-view and there is also a “non-circumcised” world view. But, we, (the adopted ones), live scripturally, that is, according to the instructions given to us in G-d’s book of truth. The difference being those walk by faith and those who don’t. Ther are those who don’t give half of a flying flip for the things of our LORD. But, we (now)are the children of light. There are those who prefer the path of darkness, whose god is their belly and whose glory is their shame. (Shall we call them Gentiles or evil-doers- or shall we call them ignorant?)
Some are (according to the revealed word of G-d), are “willingly ignorant.” Have you ever heard such a strange phrase? “willingly ignorant.” Why would anyone wish to be “willingly ignorant?” Does G-d’s word give us an answer to this? -Yes, it does. These are the ones who have deliberately chosen the way of darkness, rather than come to the Light to be healed.
Yeshua said- “the words I speak unto you- they are “breath” and they are life. (John 10.10) Who was Yeshua? Was He a man? Yes. He was (and is) the “son of man”- the “second Adam.” Was he G-d? Yes, altogether. In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the God-head, bodily. G-d in flesh- Y’shua HaMashiach, Jesus, (who is the) Christ. Son of man and Son of G-d. Son of G-d and G-d the Son. The union of two houses: “both” human and Divine, the creature and the Creator, King of kings and LORD of lords. The only “perfect” man who ever lived. -He is.
There are those who will bow to the Lordship of the Savior and there are then those who worship at the shrine of self. No surprises here, -we all (by the grace of G-d) have been given a choice.
If “any man” (including the one typing this) is “in Christ.” In the end, we are down to two. Not Greek or Hebrew, not male or female, not poor or rich, not handsome or ugly, not educated or ignorant, -those who are “in Christ,” or those who are not. Either we are sheep or we are goats. Either we belong to the Shepherd or we do not.
Y’shua was a Jew. I agree. Y’shua is a Jew. I agree. G-d chose Israel. I agree.- Why do I agree? Because dear friend- (are you listening?)- good. “It is written” – Any questions?
What about the “church?” He said, (are we listening?)- “I will build my church.” I have no problems with this. He said He would do it, and this One never lies. No worries. We should be far more concerned with the truth than to waste our time “investigating” error. Proclaim the truth- this is our mission. “Speak the truth in love”- this is the way of our Master. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”- this is our mandate. Love G-d, love people. Keep His commandments- all of them, in their entirety. We, (who are His) have been given an Enabler, an Encourager, a Helper and a Teacher to empower us to live our ordinary, everyday lives in the power (authority) of the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Breath. He is the One who gives unto us who have been called by His name, the ability to remember and the strength to do that which pleases our Abba. To remember and to do. To hear and to obey. This how we do it. Live,Love,Laugh- according to His word(s). -“That’s what He said,” should leave our lips, often.
“there is a “circumcised” world-view and there is also a “non-circumcised” world view.”
Hi Carl,
I like your choice of metaphors above, it makes me think of the difference MAC and IP.
In the networking world, the MAC address is the physical address of the hardware device.
The letters and numbers of the address are actually cut into the metal casing of the switch or router.
But the Internet protocol (IP) address is just a “logical” address that you can create in software.
The virtue of IP is that you can change the address anytime you want.
But with MAC, once you make the cut, it’s a “done deal.”
Which brings us back to the theological issue at hand.
The juxtaposition of the “circumcised” world-view and the “non-circumcised” world view.
And on this issue I would tend to agree with the apostle Paul; my vote would be for IP.
Because the metaphorical meaning of the “circumcised heart” is really the most important point IMO.
I mean you could be circumcised (MAC) and still be the worst kind of criminal, right?
But to come back to your point regarding the juxtaposition of “circumcised” and “non-circumcised.”
I like your contrast between the two groups, the sort of either/orr logic you set up.
Because for me it actually sheds a lot of light on the spiritual meaning of Scripture.
It is true Michael, the Scriptures are chock-full of these, and all of them true. It’s part of what makes this (His) book so amazing.
Carl, good points. One of the influences in our culture is Locke’s “tabula rasa” – the so-called clean slate. The Scriptures don’t paint that kind of picture. They tell us we are on one side or the other, desiring God or desiring something else. “Hate Me, love death,” is the way God paints the picture. There’s no middle ground.
Hello Ian, since your post was small and succinct, (as I wish mine were)- here again are your words-
One of the influences in our culture is Locke’s “tabula rasa” – the so-called clean slate. The Scriptures don’t paint that kind of picture. They tell us we are on one side or the other, desiring God or desiring something else. “Hate Me, love death,” is the way God paints the picture. There’s no middle ground.
This, I will freely admit, is my first encounter with the concept of “tabula rasa” – the so-called clean slate. Give me a “google” moment..lol!
Is this related to the “age of innocence” or the “age of accountability” -displayed for our delighted viewing in the face of a small child?
This is the “ground” on which I stand and find safety, refuge, redemption and comfort. – “By David. A maskil: How blessed are those whose offense is forgiven, those whose sin is covered! How blessed those to whom ADONAI imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no deceit!” (Psalm 32:1)
My faith has found a resting place,
Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One,
His wounds for me shall plead.
I need no other argument,
I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
And that He died for me.
Enough for me that Jesus saves,
This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
He’ll never cast me out.
My heart is leaning on the Word,
The written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name,
Salvation through His blood.
My great Physician heals the sick,
The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
For me His life He gave.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
Amen! Amen! and Amen!
Hi Ian and Carl,
Actually, I think one could argue that the notion of the tabula rasa does not conflict with the Hebrew worldview.
As I understand it the tabula rasa is one way of saying that we learn how to behave.
The concept puts the focus on “nurture” rather than “nature” when it comes to explaining our behavior.
For example, I think you both would agree that a child starts out in life as a tabula rasa; that is to say he knows nothing on day 1 and he is guilty of no sin.