No Tense Like the Present
It’s no coincidence that the Bible was recorded in Koine Greek.
It was the trade language of the civilized world at that time, just like English is today. The Greek is also unique in its ability to convey meaning through verbal aspect. One of the best examples of that is found in the apostle Paul’s first letter to the church of God which [was] at Corinth. He said:
“…the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” [1Cor. 1:18] [my emphasis]
[ἀπόλλυμι (â-pô’-lū-mee): to destroy {an inanimate object}, to kill {by taking a life}, cause to lose {especially a life}; to die or perish. Violence and strife is often the associative meaning related to this word.] Strong’s Definition; G/K NUMBER: 660
This sentence is packed with meaning.
It suggests caution, certainty and encouragement all at the same time. Even taken out of context, it stands alone in its ability to describe some harsh realities we can observe today. But the implications are greater than we might imagine.
Because if I think the good news about Jesus having proven that the dead can be raised is hogwash, then it isn’t just my destiny that’s on the table.
If I’m perishing, it’s happening now. The words “perishing” and “being saved” are both recorded as Present Passive Tense Participles defining them as a continuous activities happening in real time.
Think about it.
If my [pagan] hope is to merely not exist after death, then, after I’m brought back to life to be judged by my works before the great white throne, I’ll get my wish. After all, by definition, perishing is a process which must have a conclusion. [Rev. 21:8]
On the other hand, if I’m “being saved,” I’m reaping the fruits of sanctification every day. Those of us who float in that boat probably don’t have words to express the unfathomable value of it.
But what could be more miserable than an ongoing awareness of my demise?
Last Updated: January 9, 2024 by cjournalme Leave a Comment
The Lady and the Fool
Manhood is what young boys dream about.
But it often seems unattainable to them. Yet they instinctively rise to the challenges which they know brings them closer to that dream, believing somehow they can accelerate the process if they can only find a short cut.
But they can’t.
That’s why King Solomon shared his wisdom in Proverbs so that they wouldn’t remain fools their entire lives:
“To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O naive ones, understand prudence, and, O fools, understand wisdom...take my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choicest gold. For wisdom is better than jewels, and all desirable things cannot compare with her.” [Prov. 8:4-5, 10-11]
Indeed, the entire 8th Proverb describes wisdom as something possessing feminine attributes and having also been demonstrated in the creation of the world. Lady wisdom was clearly present then as a responder and completer in that process. [Prov. 8:22-23]
Shouting from every corner of the culture, she appeals to every young fool to seek honor, purity and accomplishment rather than folly. She stands always ready and willing to accompany him through every stage of his life—first as a mother, then, as a wife.
But he has to make the first move.
And wisdom must also be shared. To become men, boys instinctively seek to qualify themselves through some type of testing or rite of passage. It’s outrageous that most “civilized” cultures today regard any such process to be reckless and unnecessary.
Because the results are devastating.
The young fool often remains that way as a consequence. If he isn’t encouraged to seek lady wisdom, he likely succumbs to the adulteress—the same one who reviles his desire for that rite of passage. [see: Prov. 2:6-22]
And then, he stands, scratching his head, wondering what happened to his dream.
The wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. [Ecc. 2:14]