Within context and by extension, this directive refers to those who deliberately go about in public trying to look "holy" in order to gain public approval (we call it the sin of seeking human respect). A modern equivalent of this is to bathe and wash one's hair, and to wear clean clothing instead of looking bedraggled and pitiful.Ernie wrote: ↑Tue Sep 05, 2023 10:43 amWhat about washing our face and anointing our head before we fast? How might a person apply this prescriptively other than to do just that?MaxPC wrote: ↑Tue Sep 05, 2023 9:36 am I believe ALL of the NT is applicable and prescriptive. Reason: there are absolutely no new behaviors today that did not exist in the time of Jesus and the Apostles.
I do not believe that we can pick and choose items from the NT like a smorgasbord. The NT is an integrated whole teaching that cannot be picked apart for the savory bits and leaving out the parts we do not like as though we are fussy children. I take very seriously the warning in Revelation.
Revelation 22:18-19
18 I warn every one who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if any one adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if any one takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Re slavery, the context is important (another reason why we should look at the NT as an integrated whole.) Slavery is a societal characteristic. The teachings on slavery are addressed to slaves and how they are function as Christians in that state in life. It is not a support of slavery but rather addressing the individual's behaviors should they find themselves in slavery. Likewise the NT addresses slave owner's behaviors should one become a Christian and seek to follow Jesus. A modern day equivalent may be someone who is in supervisory job in a company that pays low wages. How should he treat the employees? The NT gives us plenty of clues.Valerie wrote: ↑Tue Sep 05, 2023 10:48 am MAX, I agree with what you're saying. However one example is the NT teachings on slavery, as if itbis acceptable. Is it acceptable today?
Also,, I have been taught that the passage in Revelation you quoted, applies to Revelation specifically. The prophetic book of Revelation. Thoughts?
Also if that passage does apply to all of OT & NT, what about the apocryphal books that were taken out of OT by protestants?
Regarding Revelation: we see that verse as a final warning near the end of the Bible to avoid removing ANY of the accepted canon.
Regarding the Deuterocanonicals (Apocrypha): As I see it God is still in charge of His warnings and consequences. He will be consistent in His Holy Will. It is my job to heed His warnings. Additionally, I recall there are Anabaptists who retained the Deuterocanonicals. One can still find copies of KJV that have them.
As always YMMV.