So I'm sitting on my deck, soaking up the sunshine, and I want to read in Ephesians 1:3 where it talks about how we're blessed with all the spiritual blessings in heavenly places through Yeshua.  This is the same Bible I've been writing all my notes in, if you guys remember.

Anyway, I felt led to read that verse again because earlier this morning, I had mentioned in another post that we have all the spiritual blessings.  I just wanted to do some study.  I believe the Lord wanted me to see this.

The Bible I have is the Restoration Study Bible, KJV translation.  It has "Yahweh" in place of GOD and LORD in the OT, and "Yahshua" in place for "Jesus" in the NT.  I really like reading God's Hebrew names in the text.  Anyway, the notes in question come from Ephesians 1:5, where Paul says we're "predestined".

The notes say:

Having predestinated - the word "predestinated" is from the Greek proorizo meaning to "predetermine."  While Yahweh predetermines those whom He will call, ultimate adoption as sons of Elohim is not guaranteed (1 Cor. 9:27), but contingent upon one's own actions (Rev. 20:12).

WHAAAT?!  I literally did a double-take.  I looked up the reference Scripture.  1 Corinthians 9:27 is where Paul is talking about the Incorruptible Crown, and how he brings his body into submission lest after he preached, he himself becomes disqualified.

Revelation 20:12 is when the books are opened at the Great White Throne after the Millenium.

Immediately, I consulted my John MacArthur ESV Study Bible and my Life Application NIV Study Bible.  NEITHER Bible makes the connection between grace and works.  In fact, MacArthur says the verse in Corinthians is in regards to disqualifying himself as a preacher due to sin in his body (likely sexual), therefore he keeps it under submission.  You simply cannot be a preacher if you have this kind of sin within you.

My Life Application says basically the same thing, that he wasn't preaching he could lose his salvation, but rather, preachers need to practice what they preach.

And obviously, NO TRUE BELIEVER is judged at the Great White Throne, as we've already stood before the Bema Seat of Christ.  Judgment Day is for the SINNERS, not the believers!  All sinners at the end of the Millenium will be resurrected to stand before God, but all the believers have already been glorified!!!

So... I'm scratching my head here.  What would you do in this situation?  I really love the fact this Bible has God's Hebrew names in the KJV translation.  Would you overlook this?  Contact the Bible manufacterer?  Or cross out these study notes and write in my own?  :P  I've noticed the makers of this Bible don't believe in a pre-Trib Rapture.  The notes mention in 1 Thess. 4 that the phrase "caught up" is harpazo in the Greek, but that it does not refer to a "rapture", but to the Second Advent of Yeshua Messiah.

I'm truly NOT pleased about the "study notes" in this Bible.  Would you guys stop referencing it as Scripture or would you merely ignore the notes?  Maybe this is why God wanted me to write my notes in THIS Bible because the "house" notes are WRONG.

What do you guys think of this? 

~~Becka

When I was young, (like,14) I was reading in my NIV and I came to Mark 16. There was a big gap in the chapter at the end and a big note was inserted right in the middle of the text saying "the earliest and most reliable manuscripts do not contain the following verses."

That really rattled me. It nearly shook my faith in scripture. I was really upset for about 45 minutes. I asked my parents to explain why that was in my Bible but they couldn't. I had to make my peace with God and decided to trust that the Bible was still the Holy and inspired word of God based on faith.

(I've done studies on that little bit of scripture since then and am satisfied, btw. :)

Anyway, since then, I haven't ever been able to use the NIV. I still have it on my book shelf but it's no longer my go-to translation.

But in regards to your study bible... You've already made such awesome notes in that thing that it would be a shame to give it up now I think. I wouldn't have a problem drawing a great big X over the study guide and maybe insert a little essay on why you disagree with that doctrine. I guess it depends on how you feel about it. Do you still want to spend time with that study guide, or has the whole thing been spoiled for you?

And I do really sympathize with you on that experience, it's one thing to come across redemption through works dogma on the Internet or in a book. It's a whole other thing to have it slap you in the face in the middle of your cherished study bible.

It seems the translators / study guide writers wanted to emphasis that just because God wants a person saved, they still have free will and must chose to follow Him. I'm not sure most predestination fans will appreciate the way they phrased it. It does remind me of the many are called, but few are chosen.

Perhaps they think of predestination as the Father's wooing of the desired believer. As John 6:44 states ""No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day." It seems the Father chooses whom He will call which is a prerequisite to coming to Christ, but still the sinner must Repent to find Him.

I had always thought of the Father as calling everyone.  But the scripture says many are called, not everyone is called. Does He ignore those who are sold out to the adversary without hope of repentance, or the nephilim, or the sociopaths? I will trust Him on this, but I don't understand it from my perspective.

Hi Becka -- I looked into it for you and found that Yahweh's Restoration Ministry is who produced the Bible that you have.  They have a Q&A page that can be found by clicking at the bottom of their home page.  I think you should read through it.  Many things they don't believe that we do, including the trinity, a pre-trib rapture and many others.  If it were me, I don't think I would use it to study anymore, except to reference Hebrew word translations.  I hope this helps.

YsiC,
Kerri

Tom, I thought of that too, actually, that they could mean that God calls, but it is up to us to accept.  And I wouldn't have had issue with that.  However, what convinced me otherwise was their notes under 1 Corinthians 9:27, which says:

bring it into subjection - to enslave, castaway - rejected.  "I myself should be a castaway" - Paul was not assured of his own salvation.  He states here that he himself could have become a castaway.  It is for this reason that Paul kept his body in subjection to his will.

This means to me that they believe that Paul thought if he didn't bring his body under subjection (ie., didn't sin), he would be lost.

The wording in the note of Ephesians 1:5 of God predestinating and our accepting His calling could have been overlooked if not for the fact that the two Scriptures they quoted have nothing to do with what they have noted. 

Paul never taught he could lose his salvation, and the Great White Throne is Judgment for the unbelievers.

I believe they were trying to convey that you CAN lose your salvation and when the books are opened on Judgment Day, you better have subjugated your body because you could be kicked out of Heaven.

~~Becka

Hallel,  Yeah, it was jarring.  I will definitely pray about this and see what the Lord wants me to do regarding this Bible.  He obviously has a purpose for it, so we'll see where that takes me.

Kerri, Oy!  Well...  That might make my prayers about what to do about this Bible a little easier...

It's not my primary Bible.  I use it only for the Hebrew references.  It's more of a "companion" Bible to my MacArthur Study Bible.  My MacArthur Bible is so lovely-looking, that I couldn't bear the thought of scribbling notes in it, so I chose this one to do so.  It's not as "pretty".  I thought I would keep one pristine and use the other one for my own notes. 

~~Becka

My thought is as long as the scriptures aren't changed then using it is fine.  My bible has study notes that usually are wrong/contradictory/off topic, but the bible part itself is word for word KJV.  Just ignore the study notes parts and trust in the Holy Spirit to lead you to the truth that only He can reveal.  I have learned to trust God speaking to me personally over man's interpretation of what God has said. 

With Love,

YBIC

Found a pretty good article that discusses this translation, as well as several others.  The whole article is pretty good and I recommend it for "food for thought", and something to pray about, seeking the Lord's quidence and discerment. 

If you're pressed for time, you can scroll down to the part that discusses this particular translation, but the whole article is very good, and discusses how the manipulation of lanquage can change a whole paridigram.

Example:

Once the canon of Scripture is cast under a shadow of doubt and “new” scriptures are introduced, the door opens wide for great doctrinal deception

Language. Powerful stuff. If you can control the language, define the terms, manipulate the paradigm of a thing – you exercise great power. [par·a·digm - A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.]

You can read the whole article Here>>>

Messin' with the Word:

http://joyfullygrowingingrace.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/hebrew-roots-movement-messin-with-the-word/

Hugs and prayers,

Chris N.

 P.S.  Another article discussing this particular translation:

The Restoration True Name Edition (RSTNE)

By Moshe Koniuchowsky:

http://www.seekgod.ca/restorationscriptures.htm

Chris N.

Becka, you have raised an important subject and one that needs clarification.

When we are baptised with The Holy Spirit, it's The Holy Spirit that leads us to do God's Work...not us trying to do what is right for God. It's through the Blessing's of Grace that leads us to Walk in Christ's Footsteps, it's not done just under our own will or strength, but by us totally surrendering our will to God and trusting Him to work through us by faith.

Good works by ourselves, without consulting Our Lord first is not goodworks, just us trying to run before we have learnt to walk with Our Lord. I am speaking from experience as i am now learning to walk with Our Lord. It's taken me a while to realize this but He want's to be consulted about everything, i can here Him saying to me'About Time Too!'

I now hear Him saying to me don't turn on the tv in the morning (after prayers), i want you to spend some quite time with Me. Once we have established a relationship with Our Lord the rest is following His Request's...like The Saints did.

Bonnie has got it Right.lol

I hope this makes sense, as i not that good at explaining things. lol

Rebecca x

ohodijia wrote » Looking at  the commentary for Ephesians 1:5 alone, I agree with TX Thom and Tom . It is God's will for everyone to be saved and he  planned out how he would do this before he ever created us.  "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world." Revelations 13:8

My thoughts, too ~~ Jesus died for all mankind ~ and made it clear how Love is a choice receiving His Great Gift of Salvation   ~~ "for God so loved the world ~~

I'm thinking, also written in the Book of Life are all ever born, ~~   and then those refusing rejecting Christ are blotted out . .~~  is there another Book for the church?  I believe it is names written in the "Lamb's Book of Life" .

Our God is so wonderfully Sovereign, yet gives us 'choice' so included in His Gift of Grace and Love  . . love the paradox!  . Jesus,  the Author of  faith gifted the believer  ~~ says He will finish what He started  ~~ So like our God and His Word He knew before the beginning of time~

Luke 12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Acts 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

Romans 8:14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

I like the Holy Spirit version myself     Reading while our paraclete is beside us to interpret.  He lets us know if there is error and He illuminates, reveals, and imparts the truth. 

Not for sale at any retailers...but free to all who ask for wisdom.

I agree that we should always listen to the Holy Spirit, and yesterday when I read through the website, I felt a check that it wasn't good.  I wrote "if it were me" because if it were me, I would not read from it anymore.  Becka is free to do as she wishes, which is why I encouraged her to read the website herself.  I just wanted to convey what I found out to her.  I agree with Victory Chanter that there is a lot of good advice here to help Becka decide.

Becka - I know what you mean. When I first became a Christian, I had an NIV.  Since then, I've moved to various ones, landing on an NKJV, which is my favorite now, but whenever I want to look up a scripture quickly, I go to my NIV, because I am most comfortable with that one and the notes I've taken in it.  I want you to know how much I enjoy reading your posts and how encouraging they are (I'm sure I'm not alone in this) :)

YsiC,
Kerri

I watched your video. Lots of notes! Yeah, you've already invested so much time with that thing, it's precious now.

Also, maybe just as you were lead to write notes in that Bible you were also ment to post a video about it too. I wonder what Gods plans are in all of this?

I loved reading though everyone's well reasoned responses, Rita N rocks. :)