There are always popular one verse sayings that people bring up. Whether from just hearing it or opposing another view.
An example is Jesus saying 'the Father is greater than I'
Used by many to try to prove Jesus is not God.
Another is 'where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them'
Used by many to say Jesus is with two or more believers in ANY situation.
Another is the classic 'faith without works is dead'
Used to say works are part of salvation or inevitably WILL happen for the believer.
The thing is these carry very different meanings to these when put in context.
So for eg.. 'the Father is greater than I'...
Jesus, not long after saying this, ascends to be one with the Father.
The difference was positional. Not that the Father is superior. Like if I said 'the Prime Minister is greater than me'..
He isn't superior. .he is in a greater position.
And for the 'where two or three are gathered....'
The context is two or three believers gathered to resolve sin issues with a fellow church member (matthew 18:18-20).. It's a New Testament update of the Old Testament practice of discipline with Israel gathered in the wilderness. (from Deuteronomy)
Jesus is 'in the midst' in other situations also..as a NT church is assembled.. but it doesnt apply to ANY situation where two or more believers gather.
And faith without works is dead has the context of how you profit your faith to benefit others...not the way you get saved.
What one line verses do you know that are misinterpreted?
An example is Jesus saying 'the Father is greater than I'
Used by many to try to prove Jesus is not God.
Another is 'where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them'
Used by many to say Jesus is with two or more believers in ANY situation.
Another is the classic 'faith without works is dead'
Used to say works are part of salvation or inevitably WILL happen for the believer.
The thing is these carry very different meanings to these when put in context.
So for eg.. 'the Father is greater than I'...
Jesus, not long after saying this, ascends to be one with the Father.
The difference was positional. Not that the Father is superior. Like if I said 'the Prime Minister is greater than me'..
He isn't superior. .he is in a greater position.
And for the 'where two or three are gathered....'
The context is two or three believers gathered to resolve sin issues with a fellow church member (matthew 18:18-20).. It's a New Testament update of the Old Testament practice of discipline with Israel gathered in the wilderness. (from Deuteronomy)
Jesus is 'in the midst' in other situations also..as a NT church is assembled.. but it doesnt apply to ANY situation where two or more believers gather.
And faith without works is dead has the context of how you profit your faith to benefit others...not the way you get saved.
What one line verses do you know that are misinterpreted?
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