Friday, October 07, 2011

Terror as a Sign of Perdition?

Thank the Lord for modern translations because sometimes the KJV is quite confusing (as I make my way through the KJV celebrating the 400th year since it's publishing).  Take Phil. 1.28
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” (Philippians 1:28, KJV 1900)

What is going on here?  If I am not terrified by my adversaries that is an "evident token of perdition?"  What does that mean?  And if I am  not terrified by my adversaries that is an evident token of my salvation?  Huh?

I'd better check the ESV and see what it says.
and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.” (Philippians 1:28, ESV).  Ah...much better.  Not being terrified by my opponents demonstrates to them that THEY are facing destruction, that we followers of Christ are content to let God's providence reign as God sees fit, and if (as Esther says) we perish, then we perish.  When I am not terrified of my opponents (who, by the way, are also enemies of God) that demonstrates that I am a child of God and therefore facing salvation, not destruction (as God's enemies surely are).

The meaning becomes much more clear now that I've read a modern version. I love the KJV, but sometimes it is a little confusing.  Thank the Lord for modern translations.

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