Bible Discussion Thread

Primary themes and primary applications of scripture (continued).

Psalm 119:97 is just one of many verses in this Psalm talking about loving God's law and commandments. We have looked in the last posting about 2 Timothy 3:16 as to the practical truths of the Bible in instruction; but of course without love as Paul stated we are nothing but a clanging cymbal as part off 1 Corinthians 13:1 mentions; and this idea continues throughout what many call the "love" chapter which is often given as a gift to married couples with a door hanging type motif so that hopefully they can realize what they are called to in the Lord. The sentiment of John 14:15 marries the concept of love and obedience together. We can't have God's love (agape) without the truth; and if we attempt to follow the truth without love; we run the risk of what happened to the Ephesian church as described in Revelation in the beginning of chapter 2.

I won't make this study a detailed description of basic codes of conduct for a new believer which are of course needed for a young Christian to study in regard especially to the Epistles of Paul. Maturity in the faith is certainly bolstered by these necessary means; but is not by any means exclusively determined by these instructional verses. We can; for instance find meaning in the book of Esther and Ruth where God isn't even mentioned or just with a passing glance. The faith of both of these women is clearly seen through example. The Song of Solomon; probably the least read book in scripture seems to be an oddity in many ways and of course should be read by mature audiences. Nonetheless the theme of loyalty to the one someone is espoused to is something we can learn from; along with some possible hidden prophetic meanings in, for instance chapter 5; verse 7. In many ways; however it is best not to overspiritualize this one particular book; in attempting to make any direct correlation between eros and agape love for Christ in the sentiment

As an addendum; I used Matthew 24:48 to show how someone preaching about the Lord's soon coming is ridiculed now by fellowservants but also am looking at the theory of someone who misses the Rapture and has to suffer the consequences. Anyone who now is fervant about their love for the Lord (again an inexact analogy to the woman in this chapter longing for the man she would marry) may get a bad rap also. We need to realize that although the parable of the 10 virgins shows they all fell asleep those who were ready were able to rise up and go in the Rapture. Anyway I hope whatever I say in the rest of this study will help; and also wanted to say that I still plan to continue with the series on prayer with David but since it is an extensive project I want to gather some more thoughts in the interim.

Thanks for the inquiry.

Have a nice evening. R.P.

The watchmen that went about the city found me, they smote me, they wounded me; the keepers of the walls took away my veil from me

( Song of Solomon 5:7).

Perhaps for context we can look at these verses ( Matthew 25: 1-13). Specifically verse 5 says "

"While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."

The main theme of Song of Solomon is about two lovers; the one woman had; in previous verses heard the knocking of the door. "I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night." ( Song of Solomon 5:2).

Here we see some similarities to Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

We are to wait for the bridegroom; this story reminds us of the foolish virgin. Verse 6 in this chapter of Song of Solomon seems to also say the same thing; possibly an analogy of missing the Rapture.

There is some conjecture to beating fellow servants which is in Matthew 24:48 to the end which would seemingly represent servants warning of the Rapture who are rejected today. Luke 12:47 says

And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

This could also be a parallel verse to Song of Solomon 5:7.

This particular topic came up with some who espoused the idea that there was a "phased rapture". I tend to agree with the Rapture being a reward for a remnant of those sold out for the Lord now; but a later resurrection of the dead either at the midpoint or the end of the Tribulation. That is what I would call a tertiary issue; eschatology as to Pre Trib or not view secondary. The main thing is not to become lukewarm. As my latest posting shows I don't like to get too much into hidden meanings.

Agape.

I say amen to this posting except the last sentence because I feel like I should understand what you are saying but I can't seem to grasp it. Would you please expound on it? I read Song of Solomon 5:7. Bless you :)