Blogs by Wayne Stewart

The answers are No and No.

Though a conclusion is affirmed correct this does not mean that the logical process used to attain the result is correct. It is not simply good enough to have a correct conclusion we must have correct argumentation. A mid-acts view of the scriptures will lead to some incorrect conclusions and ultimately to faith that is shipwrecked. Lets look at the subject of baptism and statements Paul has made in 1 Corinthians.

The logic goes something like this:

The Olive Tree - are we graft in? This question seems to have an obvious answer. "Of course we are graft into the olive tree because that is what Romans 11:17 says!" Lets read it together:

17  (AV) And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
17  (TR) ει δε τινες των κλαδων εξεκλασθησαν συ δε αγριελαιος ων ενεκεντρισθης εν αυτοις και συγκοινωνος της ριζης και της πιοτητος της ελαιας εγενου

Before answering this we will back up a little and...

When I began my christian life at the age of 21 in a small Baptist chuch in rural New Zealand I knew little of the bible and even less of its doctrine. I knew that I was saved by grace and that was a huge step from darkness to light, while not a library of knowledge it at least found me secure in the beloved.

I was however somewhat perplexed with the bible, not really understanding how to interpret it and not knowing on what systematic and logical basis I should ascertain what God was saying to me in this age. That there were ages declared in the bible I could readily see for...

Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Eph 3:8 (TR) εμοι τω ελαχιστοτερω παντων των αγιων εδοθη η χαρις αυτη εν τοις εθνεσιν ευαγγελισασθαι τον ανεξιχνιαστον πλουτον του χριστου

The greek word translated "unsearchable" is the adjective ἀνεξιχνίαστος which is found here and in Rom. 11:33 where it is translated "past finding out".

Ro 11:33  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways...