Quote:
Originally Posted by Hope
Actually there is quite a bit in the N T about vision or revelation. Here are just a touch of verses:
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Rom 16:25-26, Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;
Hope, Don Rutledge
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Just a quick thought on the "vision" thing...
Paul's conversion is often cited as one marked by receiving a "vision." Witness Lee points out that Paul saw that even though he was persecuting a whole group of individuals, he realized that he was simply just persecuting Jesus Himself. And thereby, it is said, Paul from the start had a vision of the Body.
I think there is some validity to this. I want to emphasize another aspect of that conversion experience:
"Who are you, Lord."
Before Paul understood
anything about the Christian faith, he understood that the One speaking to him was his MASTER. Paul knew He was "Lord" before he saw anything else.
We can say much about what Paul "saw" thereafter and throughout his ministry. But this was the cornerstone - obedience to the Lord's voice.
Perhaps, this is why in the Romans 16 verses which
Hope quoted, the
outcome of the "revelation of the mystery" (i.e. "vision") is "leading to
obedience of faith.
If a larger "vision" preceeds understanding that ONLY HE is Lord, then we can, even with good intentions, end up serving Masters other than our Lord - and we can do it "in His name." (See Matt. 7). When our "core" vision is "the church" or "building God's house" or whatever, we can "hear" God's commands to us in ways He really might not be speaking - if you know what I mean. We "see" and "hear" God in places where he is not in actuality. And ironically, we do this in service of Him and in service of "the vision."
And yet we forget the most foundational revelation: He is Lord.
Just some quick, disjointed thoughts.
Grace to you,
Peter