When Paul said, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2
Cor. 3:6b, niv), he was criticizing literalism—those rules that can’t
be changed; those laws that must be obeyed, and those legalities that take precedence
over human needs. The “letter” meant written requirements that bind
the soul and kill the spirit.
It’s unfortunate that Scriptures can be used to beat people down, as well
as lift people up. Those who quote the Bible to condemn others are using the
“letter” that kills. Those who know all the “Thou shalt nots”
are using the “letter” that kills. Those who emphasize the verses
that threaten and not the verses that reassure are using the “letter”
that kills.
We’re not to be ministers of the “letter” but of the “spirit.” Paul said, “He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3:6).
He said the greatest eternal principle is, He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life are written not with ink but with the Spirit of the Living God, not on stone, but in hearts. “You show that you are a letter from Christ, that he sent through us. This letter was not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is not written on stone tablets. It is written on human hearts.” (2 Cor. 3:3, edb).
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This issue of NEW PERSPECTIVES is from an unpublished manuscript © copyrighted
2008 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THEM
IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE. The only thing we ask is that you give
credit for original material in PUBLISHED works.
NEW PERSPECTIVES is a free service from Diversity Press.
You may find other messages and a book list on our Webpage:
www.ForMinistry.com/USOKSOBCOFBC5
or www.diversitypress.com
Email: wdiversitypress@aol.com
Fax: 1-580-286-2650
Miles E Wesner
Diversity Press
PO Box 25, Idabel, Oklahoma 74745
Phone (Voice or FAX): 580-286-3148
E-Mail: wdiversitypress@aol.com
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