« | Hebrews 6 | » |
1 So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on "salvation by self-help" and turning in trust toward God;
2 baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment.
3 God helping us, we'll stay true to all that. But there's so much more. Let's get on with it!
4 Once people have seen the light, gotten a taste of heaven and been part of the work of the Holy Spirit,
5 once they've personally experienced the sheer goodness of God's Word and the powers breaking in on us--
6 if then they turn their backs on it, washing their hands of the whole thing, well, they can't start over as if nothing happened. That's impossible. Why, they've re-crucified Jesus! They've repudiated him in public!
7 Parched ground that soaks up the rain and then produces an abundance of carrots and corn for its gardener gets God's "Well done!"
8 But if it produces weeds and thistles, it's more likely to get cussed out. Fields like that are burned, not harvested.
9 I'm sure that won't happen to you, friends. I have better things in mind for you--salvation things!
10 God doesn't miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you've shown him by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it.
11 And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish.
12 Don't drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them.
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it to the hilt, putting his own reputation on the line.
14 He said, "I promise that I'll bless you with everything I have--bless and bless and bless!"
15 Abraham stuck it out and got everything that had been promised to him.
16 When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up.
17 When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee--
18 God can't break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go.
19 It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God
20 where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek.
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.